There are currently two political action committees (PACs) that address advocacy issues related to public libraries and library systems in New York State. The first, New Yorkers for Better Libraries, has issued a 2012 Voter’s Guide that reviews the voting records of NYS legislators. Many of our local legislators scored well in this legislative review, with Assemblyman Thomas A. Abinanti (AD 92), Assemblywoman, Sandy Galef (AD 90), Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (SD 34), Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (SD 37), and Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (SD 35) receiving the highest ranking for their legislative support of libraries and library systems.

EveryLibrary is a national PAC that focuses exclusively on local library ballot initiatives and measures. This PAC was launched in early September 2012 and it plans to fundraise at the national level in support of local library ballot activities and to provide local libraries with the technical support and consultancy assistance needed to achieve a successful vote.

In addition to the information provided by these PACs, individuals are also encouraged to check the websites of the Westchester Library System (WLS), the New York Library Association (NYLA), the New York State Library and the American Library Association (ALA) to learn more about ongoing library issues and trends. An important Save the Date for NYS advocacy efforts is Tuesday, March 5, 2013 – the next Library Advocacy Day in Albany, NY.