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Abinanti, chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology and sponsor of the bills, said they were designed to upgrade digital media access and broadband services.
“Library use is on the rise in the 21st century and these new laws will ensure the state is supporting libraries’ use of 21st century technology,” he said in a statement.
The first law directs the State Department of Education to develop a comprehensive plan for increasing access to electronic books in public libraries.
The second law allows libraries to access funds from the Public Library Construction Grant Program to install broadband.
Currently, $14 million is annually appropriated through the program for construction, renovation and rehabilitation of public libraries.
“Libraries are increasingly providing internet access to New Yorkers,” Abinanti said. “This new law will provide broader access for libraries – regardless of size or region – to upgrade their broadband systems and increase internet access for their communities.”
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