New York State Library
| Country | U.S.A. |
|---|---|
| Type | Government and Research Library |
| Established | 1818 |
| Location | 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230 |
| Collection | |
| Size | 20 million+ print items; 50,000+ digital items |
| Access and use | |
| Population served | New York residents |
| Other information | |
| Director | Bernard Margolis, State Librarian |
| Website | www.nysl.nysed.gov |
The New York State Library was established in 1818 to serve the government of the state. The library is one of the largest in the world by number of items held, with over 20 million.
The Library is part of the New York State Education Department. The Library and its sister institutions, the New York State Museum and New York State Archives, are housed in the Cultural Education Center, which is part of the Empire State Plaza, a large complex of state government offices in downtown Albany, New York, United States.
The New York State Library was formerly located in the New York State Capitol and then across Washington Avenue in the New York State Education Building. An annex containing books, journals, and newspapers is still located in the basement of the Education Building. The library undertook an effort to discard some of these items in 2014.
The New York State Library was established in 1818 to serve the government of New York State.
By 1855, the New York State Library was open to the public. A Shaker brother from New Lebanon, New York, visited it in November 1855 and marveled at the free access to books: "I went awhile to the state library, free for the public — looked round — and was much edified with the wonderful collection of books, maps, &c — much art & expense is displayed there. Any one can look around, or read what he pleases — by only calling for what book he wants. I sat & talked awhile with the Librarian."
Although its scope has increased since then, one of the State Library's primary functions is still to serve as a repository for the official publications of New York State government (the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as the commissions, public authorities, and other agencies). The Library is also a depository for federal government documents.
The New York State Library's collections have a strong focus on the history and culture of New York State, including extensive holdings in local history and genealogy.
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