NY S05494

Creates a new state aid program to fund social workers and social worker supervisors in public libraries located in or serving economically disadvantaged communities in New York

Covers salary and fringe benefits for social workers who will assist library patrons with housing assistance, mental health services, and other social services needs that librarians are not trained to provide

Requires applications from library boards of trustees demonstrating need based on factors such as poverty rates, English language learner concentrations, low graduation rates, and limited fiscal capacity

Limits funding to one award per library building, with awards covering approved expenses for up to three years beginning July 1 through June 30

Mandates annual reporting to the legislature on program effectiveness, number of persons served, types of services offered, and recommendations for statewide expansion

Takes effect 90 days after enactment and automatically expires three years after that date