I've attached a formatted version of this report below in case that is easier to read.
Registration is still open for the NYLA Annual Conference and Trade Show. It is held this year in Saratoga Springs from November 5-8, 2025. Registration deadline is September 30th. Register here:
https://www.nyla.org/2025-conference-registrationPresented during this conference will be the 2025 NYLA Award Winners! The ceremony will be held Friday, November 7, 2025.
Congratulations to the following:
NYLA Distinguished Achievement Award
Frank McKenna, Director of the Seaford Public Library
Mary Bobinski Innovative Public Library Director Award
Dr. Lambert Shell, Director of the Wyandanch Public Library
NYLA Academic/Special Librarian of the Year
Michele Coolbeth, Senior Law Librarian at the Supreme Court, Onondaga Law Library, 5JD
NYLA Public Librarian of the Year
Kaitlyn Smith, Teen Services Librarian at the Wood Library
NYLA School Librarian of the Year
Mary Ann Munroe, School Library Services & E-Learning Coordinator at Greater Southern Tier BOCES
NYLA also announced the election results for the incoming NYLA Council members. They are:
President-Elect
Kerstin Cruger, Mid-Hudson Library System
Treasurer-Elect
Michael Bartolomeo, South Huntington Public Library
ALA Chapter Councilor
Deanna DiCarlo, Albany Public Library
Councilor-at-Large (Academic/Special)
Julia Corrice, Cornell University
Councilor-at-Large (Schools)
Loriana Donovan, New York City Public Schools
All new council members will join NYLA Council in November at the annual conference. Congratulations to all!
Last but not least, in advocacy news, as reported back in June - while the Freedom to Read Act did pass NYS legislature, this piece of legislation still has not made it to the Governor's office yet for signature. NYLA is communicating with partners and other relevant individuals in the state government on this issue.
NYLA's Legislative Committee has voted on NYLA's 2026 Non-Budget Legislative Priorities. The top four are:
• Intellectual Freedom (Open Shelves Act)
• eBook Licensing Reform
• Civil Service Reform
• Media Literacy
NYLA is also monitoring actions related to IMLS/federal funding for libraries and other federal programs that libraries interact with and benefit from. NYLA is in communication with both ALA and the State Library.
