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New York Assembly Bill A11177
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A11177

Introduced
5/1/26  

Caption

Authorizes the board of trustees of any library chartered by the regents of the state of New York to develop, lease, or use public library spaces for the purposes of constructing affordable, mixed-use housing

Impact

The impact of A11177 is significant in that it expands the role of libraries from mere educational institutions to active participants in addressing housing needs within their communities. By allowing libraries to utilize their spaces for housing development, the bill is meant to maximize public land resources and encourage collaborative efforts between educational and housing sectors. This could enable libraries to revitalize areas in need of both educational and residential infrastructure, potentially fostering stronger ties within the community.

Summary

Bill A11177 aims to amend the education law of New York to grant boards of trustees of libraries chartered by the state regents the authority to develop, lease, or utilize public library spaces specifically for constructing affordable, mixed-use housing. The bill emphasizes that such activities are in line with the libraries' educational purposes and are considered valid exercises of the trustees' powers, effectively endorsing their dual role in community development beyond traditional library services. This legislative change aims to address housing shortages while leveraging existing public library properties effectively.

Contention

While the legislation aims to serve dual public purposes of education and housing, it is likely to generate debate regarding the appropriateness of libraries engaging in real estate and development projects. Opponents may raise concerns about whether such activities could detract from libraries' primary focus on educational services, and whether this could lead to conflicts of interest or misallocation of resources. Proponents, however, argue that this flexibility is essential for the modern role of libraries as community hubs ready to tackle various socio-economic issues.

Latest NY A11177 Activity

View All Events: NY 2025-2026 Regular Session A11177

Companion Bills

NY S09732

Same As Permits libraries occupying or possessing public land to develop, lease, or use such property for the purposes of constructing affordable, mixed-use housing; provides that such use aligns with libraries' educational purposes, represents a valid exercise of the trustees' power, and is in the best interests of the libraries.

Previously Filed As

NY S09732

Permits libraries occupying or possessing public land to develop, lease, or use such property for the purposes of constructing affordable, mixed-use housing; provides that such use aligns with libraries' educational purposes, represents a valid exercise of the trustees' power, and is in the best interests of the libraries.

NY A05525

Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding; provides the department of education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state, shall assess and report on the capital needs of such public library systems, including public libraries and association libraries.

NY S06870

Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding; provides the department of education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state, shall assess and report on the capital needs of such public library systems, including public libraries and association libraries.

NY S08116

Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.

NY S10145

Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.

NY A09625

Permits libraries and library systems to enter into cooperative purchasing agreements to purchase or license electronic literary materials; prevents contracts between publishers or aggregators and libraries or library systems from restricting the disclosure of certain information.

NY A03119

Ensures that library staff of free association, public, and hospital libraries, and with certain advice, Indian libraries, are able to develop collections, services, and programming that reflect the values and protections established under the human rights law and the equal rights amendment to the state constitution.

NY S01100

Ensures that library staff of free association, public, and hospital libraries, and with certain advice, Indian libraries, are able to develop collections, services, and programming that reflect the values and protections established under the human rights law and the equal rights amendment to the state constitution.

NY A07568

Requires the state librarian to provide guidance on the curation of library material to all school library systems.

NY A07794

Authorizes the participation by free association libraries in the New York state and local employees' retirement system.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.