New York has committed to teaching reading the way research shows children learn. Our libraries should be part of that work.

The Libraries Literacy Education Guidance Act (S8044A/A5835B) passed the Senate and Assembly with strong bipartisan support. It would give every public and association library in New York guidance grounded in the science of reading, covering phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and oral language for children in pre-K through grade 3.

Why your letter matters now:

• The bill isn't law yet. It passed in June but still needs the Governor's signature. A bill that reaches her desk can be signed or vetoed, and she is weighing hundreds of them before the end of the year.
• Families rely on libraries. Story times, tutoring, early literacy programs, and the advice parents get at the library desk should support what children learn in the classroom, not work against it.
• Too many children are still struggling. Fewer than half of New York's third graders met the state reading standard in 2024. Nearly 70 percent of fourth graders were not reading at grade level on the national assessment.
• Constituent voices count. The Governor's office tracks how many New Yorkers write in on each bill. Your letter shows there is public support behind this one.

It takes less than two minutes. Add a sentence about why literacy matters to your family and click send.