The “Love Your Library Fund” is used exclusively to support the Summer Reading Program. There are multiple ways for library patrons to show their support. Read on for Love Your Library program details, promotional materials, and funding information.
Thanks to a 2017 amendment to NYS finance law, taxpayers can make contributions to the state Love Your Library Fund when completing annual tax filings. Sometimes known as the “tax check-off bill,” A1094/S3021 permits taxpayers to contribute to the Love Your Library Fund when completing annual tax filings.
For more information about the Love Your Library Fund tax check-off, including downloadable promotional materials, please visit the New York Library Association (NYLA) website.
Patrons can also show their support for libraries throughout New York State by proudly displaying a "Love Your Library" license plate. The Love Your Library license plate is available from the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and can be ordered by anyone with a passenger or commercial vehicle registered in New York State.
Proceeds from the plate's annual fee will help support Summer Reading at New York Libraries across the State. Visit the DMV website to order your custom plates.
The Love Your Library State formula funds allocated under Education Law 273(9) are intended to strengthen and support public library system and member library programs and services for the Summer Reading Program.
All expenditures of these funds by the public library system must be in support of Summer Reading. Learn more about the Love Your Library Fund.
The 2023/2024 State Budget provided the New York State Library with a one-time appropriation of $176,000 in special revenue funds from the Love Your Library Fund in support of Summer Reading.
The Love Your Library funds were appropriated in the FY 2023/2024 State Budget. The funding is allocated to New York’s 23 public library systems (PLS) under the provisions of Education Law 273(9) State Aid for Summer Reading. Formula of 60% based on population and 40% equally distributed between the 23 systems and refined to ensure that every system receives a minimum of $6000, per the FY2023-2024 budget authorization. View allocated funds (PDF).
Summer Reading at New York Libraries is funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.