Bill > S01100

This bill, known as the "Open Shelves Act", requires public libraries that receive state funding to adopt policies ensuring library staff can curate collections, services, and programming that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of their entire community. The legislation affirms that librarians are professionals trained to develop robust collections serving the full spectrum of community members, and mandates that library policies must align with the state's human rights law and equal rights amendment. The bill's legislative intent emphasizes that public libraries are crucial spaces for intellectual exploration, informed citizenship, and open access to information. By requiring libraries to create inclusive collections that represent varied viewpoints, the law seeks to maintain libraries as welcoming spaces where all community members can engage with different ideas. The bill will take effect thirty days after becoming law, and it applies to free association, public, hospital, and Indian libraries that receive state funding or municipal support.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1100