New York State Library

About the New York State Library The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education, within the New York State Education Department. The Library serves three major constituencies: The New York State library celebrated its bicentennial in 2018. The Research Library, established by law in 1818, collects, preserves and makes available materials that support State government work. The Library's collections, now numbering over 20 million items, may also be used by other researchers on-site, online and via interlibrary loan. The Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) lends braille and audio books and magazines, and special playback equipment to residents of the 55 upstate counties of New York State who are unable to read printed materials because of a visual or physical disability. The Division of Library Development works in partnership with 72 library systems to bring library services to the millions of people who use New York's academic, public, school and special libraries. Library Development also administers State and Federal grant programs that provide aid for library services.