This bill updates New York State's civil rights law to include libraries as "sensitive locations" where immigration enforcement officers are generally prohibited from entering. The change directly affects libraries by legally restricting law enforcement access to these spaces, joining other protected sites like parks and playgrounds on the list. By amending the existing statute, the legislation ensures that library patrons can use facilities without fear of immigration raids, while the law remains neutral on the broader debate over immigration policy.
This bill establishes a plan to distribute state funds for the 2026-27 fiscal year to specific school districts, public libraries, colleges, and non-profit organizations focused on education and the arts. It requires that the allocation of these funds be based on a detailed list of recipients and amounts approved by the Senate and the budget director, which must then be ratified by a majority vote of the Senate. The legislation also allows for the transfer of these funds between agencies like the State Education Department and the State University of New York with specific approvals. Ultimately, the bill directs money to a variety of entities, including several school districts and numerous non-profits such as the Brooklyn Public Library and various educational programming organizations.
This bill, known as the "Protecting Libraries' Independence Act," aims to safeguard the autonomy of public libraries and protect their staff from legal consequences. It prohibits libraries from banning or removing books, media, or digital content solely because officials disagree with the material's political views or moral messages. Additionally, the law grants librarians immunity from civil and criminal lawsuits if they act in good faith to uphold these protections. The legislation defines "library material" broadly to include various formats and applies to any public library receiving state or local funding.
This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize April 4, 2026, as School Librarian Day in New York. The resolution honors school librarians for their role in supporting student learning, critical thinking, and access to information. It does not change laws or create new programs; it simply directs the governor to issue a proclamation acknowledging the profession. The measure affects only the state's official calendar and does not involve funding or policy changes.
This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as School Library Month in New York. The resolution highlights the importance of school libraries and certified librarians in supporting student learning and development. It does not change any laws or create new programs, but instead serves as a formal acknowledgment of the value of school library programs.
This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 2026 as School Library Month. The measure highlights the value of school libraries and certified librarians in supporting student learning and development. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal declaration of appreciation for library programs.
This bill requires school boards to create written policies for managing their school library collections. The new rules mandate that these policies outline clear steps for selecting, buying, reviewing, and removing library materials while considering educational goals and community needs. Additionally, the bill ensures that certified librarians play a key role in these decisions and requires districts to share their policies online and use models provided by state library systems.
Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.
Establishes the research literacy enhancement program to make grants to academic institutions within the state which seek to conduct research on literacy; creates the research literacy enhancement fund.
This bill protects library access to electronic books and digital audiobooks by prohibiting restrictive clauses in contracts between publishers and libraries. It directly affects public libraries, school libraries, academic institutions, and other library types by banning terms that limit lending, loan periods, interlibrary loans, or the use of security measures for digital materials. The law declares contracts containing these prohibited provisions unenforceable and allows libraries, borrowers, or the attorney general to seek legal remedies, including civil penalties for violations.
