NY S07161

Requires the Department of Education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, state comptroller, and public library systems, to conduct a study on capital funding access for state public libraries and library systems by July 1, 2018.

Study must assess current financing options available to libraries, projected capital needs over a five-year period, and alternative financing mechanisms for capital projects.

Requires analysis of dormitory authority financing activity over the past ten years, including application numbers, denial rates, denial reasons, and total project costs and amounts financed.

Must identify special needs and financing barriers for public libraries serving communities with populations under 7,500 and provide recommendations for improving capital funding access.

Study findings must be reported to the governor, legislative leaders, and committee chairs, and posted on the New York State Library website; the study provision expires January 31, 2019.