The incomparable State Senator Hugh Farley (R-Schenectady) today returned to his role as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries.
The Senate Committee on Libraries was re-established on January 10, 2012 after a three year hiatus. Senator Farley, Library Chair from 1978 to 2008, was immediately named Chair to the revived committee.
“When the Senate changed leadership in 2009, the Democratic Majority eliminated this committee. I was extremely disappointed and concerned by this. Libraries have their own special needs, and I had recommended reestablishing a special Senate Committee to focus on and address their issues. I applaud Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for recognizing the importance of libraries and appointing this committee,” said Senator Farley.
Jason Kramer, Executive Director of NYSHEI said, “the academic and research library community is glad to have our good friend and ally back where he belongs, as the vanguard of the state’s libraries. We are truly thankful for his past and future leadership.”
Senator Farley has sponsored virtually every piece of major library legislation since 1978. He was a member of Governor Mario Cuomo’s Commission on Libraries and was also an elected delegate to the White House Conferences on Libraries in 1979 and 1991. He has fought to secure State funding for libraries and to establish new forms of library services, including school library systems and hospital library programs.
In 2009, the Mohawk Valley Library System honored Senator Farley for his advocacy and support of libraries. In 2011, Senator Farley received the Ex Libris Award from the organization New Yorkers for Better Libraries in recognition of his leadership on library issues.
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