Literacy is a foundational skill for learners, leading to success in academics and an enriched quality of life. Libraries are hubs of activities that connect individuals to literacy resources.
At the New York State Library, our team is committed to ensuring every New Yorker has access to literacy services to become proficient readers, writers, and communicators. Libraries provide critical access to reading materials, inclusive learning environments, and accessible technology to develop individuals’ literacy skills and help New York’s communities thrive. The NYS Library works in partnership with the three types of library systems to carry out planning and coordination for the development of library services throughout the state. Learn more about the impact of this work and alignment with statewide literacy goals in Supporting Early Literacy.
Connect with your local library to learn about the additional resources available to you, your family, and your community.
NYS Library Springs into Action
Free Learning Resources for All New Yorkers
NOVELny provides eResources to all New Yorkers! Connect with full text journals, newspapers, and reference resources!
We curated a small collection of songs, activities, and book lists to support early learners as we make enhancements to the entire resource. Stay tuned for the DayByDayNY relaunch!
.png)
New York State Public Broadcasting is your source for educational and informational resources including news and public affairs!
One More Story is an online resource for read aloud picture books. Two different books are available every day for learners to read independently or have read aloud to them.
Empowering Literacy Professionals
Literacy Initiatives
Teach My Kid to Read (TMKTR) is a nonprofit organization that supports libraries and schools to support literacy in their communities. The NYS Library and libraries across the state are partners with TMKTR and through education and collaboration work to strengthen literacy skills across the state.
English Language Arts (PBS LearningMedia) connects educators, families, and students, with information to support reading, communication, writing, and literature. Connect with a collection of interactive media to develop and hone English Language Arts skills!
Libraries and Librarians
Transforming Teen Services supports library staff to serve teens better. Through training, library workers learn about teens emotional and social development to build equity-based services working directly with teens.
The Youth Services Basics Course is a self-paced course to support public library staff across New York advance their skills and learn about current trends in the field.
Supercharged Storytimes is available to all through WebJunction. The NYS Library provides additional synchronized training that supports a connected learning experience.
Explore the NYS Library’s complete list of upcoming programs for more opportunities.
Summer Reading at NY Libraries
The Summer Reading Program is a coordinated program designed to keep communities engaged in lifelong learning through reading and creative opportunities. Libraries across the state collaborate to develop programming and create excitement around reading with challenges, gamified tasks, and attention-grabbing reading lists and themes. NYS libraries also work to fill the nutrition gap for families who rely on school meals. Learn more about library services during the summer months at your local library!
Connecting New York's Communities
Digital Equity
The NYS Library actively engages in work to ensure that New York learners and families have access to affordable, robust broadband internet service and the devices, training, and support they need to fully benefit from the opportunities the internet promises.
Learn more about the NYS Library's work to support Digital Equity.
Media Literacy
PBS provides a curated collection of free resources to support news literacy and learn how information is researched and reported. This includes resources for navigating the web successfully and evaluating online sources.
Explore the PBS LearningMedia News and Media Literacy Collection.
Perspectives from the DEI Toolkit
The Office of Cultural Education provides additional insight into the impacts of reading on young readers in its DEI Toolkit. Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors highlights the importance of diversity and accessibility in library collections. Children who always see themselves reflected in books suffer from not seeing others in books. Children who do not see themselves in books or see negative images learn they are devalued when constantly portrayed in that way. Diverse collections celebrate our similarities and differences.
More From NYSED
Early Learning
NYSED’s Office of Early Learning provides oversight and technical support to school districts in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and policies related to educating students in prekindergarten to third grade that are aligned with the NYS Board of Regents Early Childhood Policy.
Literacy Initiative
NYSED and the Board of Regents understands the critical role that literacy plays in shaping the future of individuals and communities. Dig into literacy resources for educators, parents, and community members about on best practices and strategies to enhance literacy instruction. The Science of Reading Literacy Briefs are also archived in the NYS Library's Digital Collections.
Adult Education Programs and Policy
NYSED's Office of Adult Education Programs and Policy (AEPP) supports adult students with pathways to apprenticeship, secondary education, and entering the workforce.