Bring 21st Century Library Services to all New Yorkers: Support E-rate

What is the E-rate Program?

On May 7, 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Universal Service Order implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Order, commonly referred to as "E-Rate" (Education Rate), ensures that all eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services. Up to $2.25 billion annually was authorized initially to provide eligible schools and libraries with E-Rate discounts. As of Fiscal Year 2022, the annual E-Rate cap for both specified service categories is $4.45 billion, indexed to inflation. During times of zero inflation or deflation, the funding cap will remain the same as the previous year. In recent years, the priorities of the program have shifted towards supporting broadband services and expanding Wi-Fi access.

How does the E-rate Program help New York State Libraries?

The E-Rate Program provides funding to eligible public libraries and public library systems, not-for-profit special libraries, and reference and research library resources systems. From 1998, the first year of the program, to 2020, New York State libraries received a yearly average of $10 million, for a grand total of over $231 million from the E-Rate Program. The average E-Rate funding during Fiscal Years 2010-2020 was approximately $8.5 million per year for public libraries. As of May 2022, New York's libraries have received over $8 million for Fiscal Year 2021. This funding helps libraries purchase affordable advanced telecommunications services, Internet connectivity, and internal connections to meet the information needs of New Yorkers — critical infrastructure in today's information-rich world.