The State of New York has been a leader in supporting public library services for its citizens. In 1950 New York was the first state to establish public library systems in an effort to develop cooperative, cost effective services for the state's diverse public libraries. Most state library funding goes to library systems, not to local public libraries.

The Suffolk Cooperative Library System provides essential services to Suffolk County's 56 public libraries including the County Catalog, interlibrary loan, book delivery, and Internet access. The Suffolk Cooperative Library System receives no support from the County of Suffolk.

The Governor's proposed state budget for 2004 challenges libraries, library systems, and library users throughout New York. The proposal calls for a 5% reduction in funding. Though this may not seem significant, libraries are still struggling to receive the amount of state aid established by law in 1990!

The reality of this situation has struck close to home.

• In Suffolk County, the Governor's budget would mean a loss of nearly $200,000 to library services!
• If the Governor's proposed budget passes, Suffolk public libraries will again be forced to consider which state supported services to eliminate.
• Our libraries will once again be forced to turn to their local taxpayers in order to save essential services formerly supported by state aid.

Get involved today. Call, write or visit your State Legislator. Our message is simple: Times are tough, and that's when libraries are most needed.

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