Res. No. 962 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to utilize current federal census data in allocating State funding for the Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and the Queens Borough Public Library. Body By Council Member, Serrano, Avella, Baez, Barron, Clarke, Comrie, Felder, Jennings, Koppell, Lopez, Monserrate, Nelson, Recchia, Rivera, Seabrook, Sears and Weprin Whereas, New York City's three independent public library systems, the Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and the Queens Borough Public Library (the "NYC Public Library Systems") serve 40 million visitors annually, and up to 100,000 school children daily; and Whereas, New York State funding of the NYC Public Library Systems is governed by Sections 272 and 273 of the State Education Law, pursuant to which State library funds shall be allocated on a per capita basis, utilizing the latest available federal census data; and Whereas, Notwithstanding applicable State Education Law requirements and a citywide increase in population of approximately 685,714 between 1990 and 2000, annual State funding for the NYC Public Library Systems has not increased, and continues to be allocated based on 1990 federal census data; and Whereas, New York State funding accounted for approximately 11% of the NYC Public Library Systems' aggregate operating budget in FY 2002; and Whereas, The use of 1990 federal census data has resulted in an annual loss of nearly $1.45 million over each of the last two years in potential State funding for the NYC Public Library Systems, with an annual loss of $349,000 for the Brooklyn Public Library, $515,000 for The New York Public Library and $588,000 for the Queens Borough Public Library; and Whereas, Were New York State to allocate funding according to current federal census data, the resulting increase of $349,000 for the Brooklyn Public Library would allow for increased spending on programming, books and other library materials; and Whereas, Were New York State to allocate funding according to current federal census data, the resulting increase of $515,000 for The New York Public Library would allow for $115,000 increased spending on public services and $400,000 increased spending on library materials, resulting in an additional 30,000 books being purchased; and Whereas, Were New York State to allocate funding according to current federal census data, the resulting increase of $588,000 for the Queens Borough Public Library would allow five Queens Borough Public Library branches to remain open one additional day per week; and Whereas, With 212 library facilities citywide, the NYC Public Library Systems provide New York City residents with critical services and information that reflect the diversity, breadth and complexity of New York City's residents; and Whereas, The NYC Public Library Systems offer our City's youth a world of creative and intellectual opportunities, particularly in poorer communities, where families' financial resources are more limited; and Whereas, Especially in these difficult economic times, job seekers utilize the NYC Public Library Systems' resumé preparation and other employment search-related services; and Whereas, New immigrants rely on the NYC Public Library Systems' English classes and immigration workshops; and Whereas, Senior citizens make use of senior wellness, retirement planning and other workshops tailored to their needs; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to utilize current federal census data in allocating State funding for the Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and the Queens Borough Public Library. LCG LS#2541 6/19/03