One of my favorite parts of being the director of this wonderful library is meeting our patrons and listening to their personal library stories. Many folks who visit us today will talk about how they grew up visiting the library and spending their childhood amongst the books. I enjoy meeting our new residents as well, who tell me that the library was one of the first places they visited, or even that they purchased their home because of the library! We even have a number of visitors who are just passing through, who stop in for directions to Lindenwald or a good coffee shop recommendation but can’t help but admire our building, and speak fondly of their home libraries.
My point being: libraries matter. They have been an important part of American society since the 1800s, and they continue to be today. I am grateful to all of the people who take the time to share their stories and let us know how much our library means to them. And now I would like to ask a favor of you, not on behalf of our library, but for libraries across the state.
In the coming weeks, the New York State legislature will be voting on a new budget, and aid for libraries will be a part of that. For years, public and school libraries have been underfunded, but we are getting the word out and seeing our elected officials acknowledge the positive impact libraries have in their communities. There is still a long way to go though, and you can play a role in helping increase funding for New York libraries.
Now is the time to become a library champion and take action. Reach out to your assemblyperson, senators, and governor and share your library stories with them–an email or a phone call are both great options; share your stories on social media, and encourage your friends to do so as well; and if you’re around Wednesday, February 5, 2025, join librarians from across New York at the Capitol building in Albany to meet your officials in person and let them know why libraries matter to you.
You can learn more about library advocacy at the New York Library Association’s website, as well as links to help you take quick, direct action today. Together, we can help libraries statewide secure funding for better resources and updated buildings.
Thank you for your support!
Matt Pavloff
Director, KML