New York State's Public Library Systems

Improving information literacy, educational achievement, economic development, and quality of life for all New Yorkers

What is a Public Library System?

New York State's 23 public library systems are State-funded programs designed to support over 1,000 public libraries and neighborhood branches.

Public library systems facilitate sharing of library resources so that all New Yorkers have access to information and library services that advance and enhance their lives as workers, citizens, family members and lifelong learners.

Systems provide cooperative programs and services that help local communities take advantage of economies of scale. System staff provide professional expertise that helps local libraries achieve their full potential.

Public Library Systems Services

Public Library Systems provide a wide range of direct support services to public libraries and neighborhood branches, enabling them to serve their communities better. A sampling of the many services offered by public library systems to their member libraries include —

Operation of computer networks for managing circulation and access to online catalogs of resources, reference requests, interlibrary loan, electronic databases and access to the Internet.
A program of free direct access to resources and services of all system member libraries.
Support for the latest technologies and telecommunication services including the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVELNY), Internet and full-text electronic journals, newspapers and e-books.
Support for a central library that provides extended public hours and a strong research and reference collection.
Interlibrary loan, daily delivery and other resource sharing services.
Programs that assist local communities without libraries to obtain library services.
Creating and maintaining web sites for the system and member libraries.
Outreach and literacy services for individuals and groups in need of services such as job and educational information, educational programs, adaptations for people who are disabled, aged, incarcerated or residing in institutions.
Access to books and print library materials in large print and non-print formats; assistance with registration and service from the NYS Talking Book & Braille Library (Upstate); The New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library or the Long Island Talking Book Library (NYC and Long Island).
Staff expertise in areas such as library law, library budgeting and management, technology, collection development, youth services and outreach.
Professional development and training for library staff and trustees.
Annual statewide summer reading programs in coordination with the New York State Library.
Cooperative grants administration and grant writing assistance.
Marketing, public relations and printing services.
Centralized purchasing, ordering and processing of library materials.
Government documents depository.

Facts About Public Library Systems

Serve over 19 million people statewide.
Serve 755 public libraries.
Serve 313 library branches.
Operate 144 bookmobiles, reading centers and other community outlets extending services to people in correctional facilities, nursing homes and urban and rural areas.
Facilitate more than 3 million interlibrary loan and resource sharing requests annually.
Provide access to NOVELNY, other electronic information databases and e-books.
Provide professional development and training opportunities for library staff and trustees.
Connect with the New York State Library, school library systems, reference and research library resources councils, and school, academic and special libraries for access to specialized resources.
For every $1 in state funding at the system, library systems generate $13 in services for the public.
Libraries serve 75% of New York’s households; 52% of New Yorkers have library cards.
Libraries are a $1.6 billion industry in New York generating another $3 billion in economic activity.

Background Information on Public Library Systems

In the late 1950s, the State Legislature and Governor authorized the establishment of public library systems in Education Law. Governance and function are established in the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. Each public library system is governed by a board of trustees.

There are three types of public library systems in New York State:

Consolidated systems (3): Chartered as a single entity under a board of trustees (Brooklyn,The New York Public Library and Queens Borough Public Library).

Federated systems (4): Created by action of the board or boards of supervisors or legislature of the county or counties involved while member libraries retain their own charters (Buffalo & Erie, Clinton-Essex-Franklin, Monroe and Onondaga).

Cooperative systems (16): Created by agreement of boards of chartered member libraries, which retain their autonomy.

The State created library systems to expand the resources of all local libraries, enabling them to buy services and share resources cooperatively. Most of the 23 public library systems are supported entirely by State Aid. Systems qualify for aid based on an approved five-year plan of service and annual budgets and reports. A portion of the State Aid is direct aid for member libraries.

More information on State Aid programs for libraries and library systems