Throughout the years, library systems have worked together on advocacy, collaboration initiatives, and collegiality. Since all systems receive state operating aid, categorical aid, and for public library systems – construction aid, it became imperative to work together on funding and advocacy issues to highlight the relevance and value of library systems.
The New York Alliance of Library Systems (NYALS) started in 2008, with its first retreat at the Rensselaerville Institute. Called Library Systems for the 21st Century, the first retreat’s agenda focused on building a cooperative alliance among New York’s Library Systems to best meet the needs of libraries and their users across the state. Establishing the Alliance was a natural evolution since 2007/2008 cutbacks in state aid forced systems to reevaluate the services and support provided to members.
Organizational Timeline
2008 •
The Alliance is formed.
1st retreat: Aug. 7 & 8 at Rensselaerville Institute, facilitated by Donna Meixner.
Theme: “Building a Cooperative Alliance.”
The first Steering Committee is formed.
Michael Borges is NYLA Executive Director.
2009 •
2nd retreat: Aug. 20 & 21 at Castleton Comfort Inn in the Albany area.
Theme: “Working Together to Build Support for Library Systems’ Programs and Services.”
Bernie Margolis appointed new State Librarian.
2010 •
3rd retreat: Aug. 1 9 & 20 at Castleton Comfort Inn, facilitated by Donna Meixner.
Theme: “Toward a Sustainable Future: New Collaborative Models for Library Services.”
NYALS meets at NYLA’s Annual Conference.
The NYALS White Paper is distributed in Nov. 2010, the basis for the RAC 20/20 vision plan.
2011 •
4th retreat: Aug. 11 & 12 at Castleton
Comfort Inn. Theme: “Becoming Better
Advocates”, with speaker John R.
Drexelius. A NYALS advocacy plan is
developed. NYALS meet at NYLA’s
Annual Conference.
2012 •
5th retreat: Aug. 16 & 17 at Castleton Comfort Inn.
Theme: “Implementing RAC’s 20/20 Vision and Plan for Library Service In NYS,” with speaker Jamie Saunders of CGR.
NYALS establishes advocacy partnership agreement with NYLA.
NYALS meets at NYLA’s Annual Conference.
Jeremy Johannesen hired as NYLA’s Executive Director.
2013 •
6th retreat: Aug. 15 & 16 at Castleton Comfort Inn.
Theme: “Collaborative Projects and Services.”
Mike Neppl hired as NYLA’s Director of Government Relations.
NYALS meets at Advocacy Day in Albany with report from Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP.
2014 •
7th retreat: Aug. 14 & 15 at Castleton Comfort Inn.
Theme: “Advocacy & Planning for the Future,” with speaker Valerie Gross, Director, Howard County Libraries.
NYALS meets at Advocacy Day and hears from lobby firm Jem Associates.
2015 •
No retreat was held.
NYALS holds its 1st Advocacy Launch meeting on Sept. 11 at the Guilderland Library in Albany.
The Steering Committee committed to having the retreat every other year on opposite years from PULISDO’s conference.
2016 •
8th retreat: Aug. 18 & 19 at the Castleton Comfort Inn.
Theme: “Strengthening Cooperation and Collaboration.”
NYALS meets at NYLA’s Advocacy Day and NYLA’s Annual Conference in.
NYALS first bylaws written.
2017 •
2nd Advocacy Launch: Sept. 8 at Guilderland Public Library, facilitated by John Hammond.
NYALS meets at Advocacy Day.
2018 •
9th retreat: Aug. 16 & 17 at the Holiday Inn in Latham.
Theme: “Helping Library Systems Succeed,” facilitated by Elissa Kane.
NYALS begins work on the 2020 Census.
NYALS meets at Advocacy Day and at NYLA’s Annual Conference.
New Excelsior Dues formula established.
2019 •
3rd Advocacy Launch: Sept. 17 at Guilderland Public Library, facilitated by Tessa Killian, NYALS Chair.
NYALS bylaws updated. NYALS meets at Advocacy Day.
Lauren Moore appointed as new State Librarian.
Bri McNamee hired as NYLA’s Director of Government Relations.
2020 •
A retreat planned for August in Ithaca is cancelled due to the arrival of COVID.
4th Advocacy Launch: held virtually on Sept. 23.
2021 •
Due to the pandemic, no retreat or meetings are held.
5th Advocacy Launch: held virtually on Sept. 21.
2022 •
10th retreat: Aug. 9 & 10 at Hotel Ithaca.
AnnaLee Dragon hired as NYLA’s Executive Director.