History of Funding for Libraries and Library Systems in New York

by Leonard Meinhold, Director, North Country Library System (2003)
*updated by MHLS (2004/2005/2006/2007/2008)

1990

No increase. Law passed to increase Ch. 917 $15 million over three years. None of these funds were actually appropriated. Libraries receive $70.5 million.

1991

Appropriation decreased. Additional $5 million appropriated. 10.5% cut for a total of $68.5 million final appropriation

1992

No increase.

1993

Additional $4.8 million appropriated for a total of $73.3 million

1994

Additional $8.2 million appropriated for a total of $81.5 million

1995

No increase.

1996

No increase in statutory aid; $2 million appropriated in one-time funds for Electronic Doorway Library program.

1997

Increase of $.8 million to $82.8 million. Additional $2 million appropriated in one-time funds for Electronic Doorway Library Program

1998

Additional $5.9 million increase appropriated to finally fully fund Ch. 917 (passed in 1990) at $88.5 million.

1999

No increase.

2000

$5 million added as a one-time special legislative project. Total $93.5

2001

Appropriation decreased by $5 million from prior year. Total of 88.9 appropriated
2000 Census results ignored (costing MHLS $71,000)

2002

No increase.
2000 Census results ignored (costing MHLS another $71,000)

2003*

After the Governor proposed a 15% cut the legislature overrode the budget and restored funding to 2001 level. Therefore, no increase.
2000 Census results ignored (costing MHLS another $71,000)

2004

5% cut totaling $4.4 million statewide, $85,000 for MHLS
2000 Census results ignored
(costing MHLS another $71,000)

2005

After the Governor proposed the continuation of the 5% cut, the legislature restored it in their budget bill, but could not come to consensus on an increase in library aid.
2000 Census results ignored for the fifth straight year ($71,000 X 5 = $355,000)

2006

No increase.
2000 Census results ignored for the sixth straight year ($71,000 X 6= $426,000)

2007

$20 million increase:

  • The use of the 2000 Census figures in the library funding formula
    • Resulting in approximately $71,000 annually for MHLS from this point forward
  • $3 million for systems
    • Resulting in a one-time allotment of approximately $70,000 for MHLS
  • $14 million for public library construction
    • Resulting in a one-time allotment of approximately $521,000 for MHLS member libraries
2008 2007 increases repeated + additional $5 million for systems.
(System and construction aid are still one-time allotments.)
2009 Governor's 2008-2009 Budget Proposal (1.22.08):
  • $14 million for construction included as one-time allotment
  • $5 million less than last year in library aid