As a regular patron in addition to being a trustee of the Waterford Public Library, I am writing to publicly declare my support for our library and for all the libraries in New York state. Our library, like so many others, is the cornerstone of our community. Libraries are for everyone; they provide a safe and welcoming space for all New Yorkers, regardless of race or ethnicity, religion, country of origin, income or education level. Federal policies are undermining New York's already inequitable tax structure, and the result leaves funding for local education services like public libraries under attack.

Libraries offer free and equal access to educational opportunities and are the primary source of internet access for many of our neighbors. New Yorkers of all ages, experiences and needs turn to their local library for early literacy programs, classes in adult education and financial literacy, technology assistance, English and other language classes, and many other programs and services too numerous to list here.

New York state has failed to fully fund library services for more than a decade. This decade of underfunding has withheld more than $110 million in state library aid. This has not only undermined local education opportunities but has pushed costs onto local taxpayers. When New York fails to fund library services, we end up with diminished services that cost more. It's not only inefficient, it's unconscionable.

I support the advocacy being organized by the New York Library Association and detailed at nyla.org/advocacy.

Michael Marchese

President, Board of Trustees

Waterford Public Library

Waterford