New York state library celebrates its bicentennial

The Library Turns 200 in 2018, Making It the Third Oldest State Library in the U.S.

     

This year, the New York State Library is celebrating its bicentennial. Created in 1818 at the urging of Governor DeWitt Clinton, the Library is the third oldest state library in the nation. To celebrate this milestone, the Library is hosting several events throughout the year, including a Speakers Forum with talks by renowned library experts, several open houses to highlight aspects of the Library’s 200-year history, and special exhibitions to showcase some of the Library’s collections. The theme of the year-long celebration is 200 Years of Knowledge, Heritage and History.

When first established in 1818, the Library served as a law and reference library for legislators, judges, and state employees. In 1844, the Board of Regents became the Trustees for the Library. Then, 60 years later, the Library officially became part of the State Education Department, where it still remains. Today, the New York State Library continues to collect, preserve, and loan materials that support State government and now has holdings of more than 20 million items that are available to New Yorkers on-site, online, and interlibrary loan.