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New York State Library Established in 1818, the New York State Library (NYSL) is one of the nation's oldest state libraries. Answering questions since 1818.

Don't forget: History shows that an active, involved citizenry is necessary for democracy. As we reflect on New York Sta...
10/16/2026

Don't forget: History shows that an active, involved citizenry is necessary for democracy. As we reflect on New York State’s past 250 years and enjoy the work of local cultural heritage and cultural education institutions, the NYS Library invites everyone to join us at the Be Good, Do Good volunteer fair to put that spirit into action.

The Be Good, Do Good Volunteer Fair will run from 11 AM to 1 PM this Sunday, October 18, 2026. The NYS Library is delighted to partner with the New York State Museum to bring the Be Good, Do Good Volunteer Fair to the Cultural Education Center and invite you to explore the programming, resources, and exciting volunteer opportunities at cultural institutions throughout the Greater Capital Region!

Organizations in attendance will include the Albany Institute of History & Art,
Historic Cherry Hill, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the Underground Railroad Education Center, and many more!

For more information, please visit our events calendar at: https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/17222218

Want to stay connected with everything happening at the NYS Library? Read our newsletter! We think it’s much easier than...
10/15/2026

Want to stay connected with everything happening at the NYS Library? Read our newsletter! We think it’s much easier than using the Library’s old speaking tube closet, pictured here to the right of the loan desk, around the year 1899.

Fall into stories from New York's history as told through our collections or connect with an opportunity to celebrate America's revolutionary past. You can read about all the fantastic work taking place at the NYS Library (and across the state) by checking out the latest issue of News from the NYS Library. Better yet: subscribe so you never miss an issue.

Learn more at: https://nysl.nysed.gov/newsletter

In April 2024, NYS Library staff decided to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s fight for independence by sha...
10/14/2026

In April 2024, NYS Library staff decided to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s fight for independence by sharing its American Revolution-related documents with as many people as possible by first digitizing and then transcribing them.

Digitization has two benefits: a digitized document saves wear and tear on the original, and it can be sent electronically to people who don’t have the resources to travel to Albany to see the original. Typed transcriptions make these documents accessible to people who find it difficult to read handwritten text.

We're pleased to share one librarian's account of transcribing documents from the Revolution. For an in-depth look at what it takes to make stories of the American Revolution available to today's (and tomorrow's) researchers and curious New Yorkers, be sure to visit our blog at: https://nyslibrary.libguides.com/blogs/system/in-their-own-words

10/13/2026

You know them, you love them, our collections have a lot to say about them, and now it's time to rank them. That's right, it's New York State's water monsters!

Join Elizabeth and Josh inside the New York State Museum's beloved vintage "A" Train as they dish hot takes about New York water monsters, from the well-known monster in Lake Champlain to perhaps lesser-known creatures lurking in the waters of Lake George, Lake Onondaga, Lake Seneca, and the Hudson River.

You don't want to miss this detailed breakdown of beauties from the deep! For the full video and a transcript, as well as some bonus water creature content from our collections, visit the NYS Library blog at: https://nyslibrary.libguides.com/blogs/system/um-historically-not-water-monsters

New York State Archives

Join us on Thursday, October 22, at 12 PM for The Sisterhood: How a Network of Black Women Writers Changed American Cult...
10/09/2026

Join us on Thursday, October 22, at 12 PM for The Sisterhood: How a Network of Black Women Writers Changed American Culture, a free webinar from the NYS Library.

One Sunday afternoon in February 1977, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Ntozake Shange, and several other Black women writers met at June Jordan’s Brooklyn apartment to eat gumbo, drink ch*****ne, and talk about their work. Calling themselves “The Sisterhood,” the group―which also came to include Audre Lorde, Paule Marshall, Margo Jefferson, and others―would get together once a month over the next two years, creating a vital space for Black women to discuss literature and liberation.

Drawing on original interviews with Sisterhood members as well as correspondence, meeting minutes, and readings of their works, author Courtney Thorsson explores the group’s everyday collaboration and profound legacy. Highlighting the organizing, networking, and community building that nurtured Black women’s writing, Thorsson demonstrates that The Sisterhood offers an enduring model for Black feminist collaboration.

Courtney Thorsson teaches, studies, and writes about African American literature at the University of Oregon, where she is a Professor of English.

For more information and to register, please visit our events calendar at: https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/17083091

10/08/2026

Learn more about the Talking Book and Braille Library straight from the source—our readers! Our new video series highlights the various ways that New York readers have employed TBBL services to pursue their goals and enrich their lives.

In this video, TBBL user Lynnea talks about her path to becoming a teacher and the joy of being able to pick up a TBBL book whenever the mood strikes.

For the full video and a transcript, please visit our blog at: https://nyslibrary.libguides.com/blogs/system/tbbl-user-lynnea-get-involved-get-your-books

The NYS Library is participating in the 2026 Great Give Back, and your library should, too! In alignment with America Gi...
10/07/2026

The NYS Library is participating in the 2026 Great Give Back, and your library should, too! In alignment with America Gives, the largest volunteer organization event in US history, the NYS Library is hosting the Be Good, Do Good volunteer fair on Sunday, October 18. This fair invites Greater Capital Region cultural institutions to the Cultural Education Center where they will provide outreach materials to interested volunteer fair attendees.

These organizations specialize in New York's cultural, social, and physical history with a commitment to preserve, present, and memorialize our state's history. We at the NYS Library aim to inspire people to participate in their patriotic civic duty, encouraging individuals to give back to their local cultural centers.

For more information and to register, please visit our events calendar at: https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/17222218

Join us on Tuesday, October 20, at 12 PM for a lively online discussion about subminimum wages, including a quick histor...
10/06/2026

Join us on Tuesday, October 20, at 12 PM for a lively online discussion about subminimum wages, including a quick historical understanding of labor policies from more than eighty years ago, and how the unintended consequences shape how we think about employment and disability in the United States today.

Drawing from settled lawsuits, the horrifying story of Henry's Turkey Farm in Iowa, and more, presenter Doug Crandell discusses policies that have led to unjust outcomes, examines who benefits, and asks important questions about the rise of a disability industrial complex.

Doug Crandell has worked for decades in employment and disability supports and is a subject matter expert related to job development within the arts, humanities, and entertainment.

For more information and to register for this free webinar, please visit our events calendar at: https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/17582390

09/30/2026

Learn more about the Talking Book and Braille Library straight from the source—our readers! Our new video series highlights the various ways that New York readers have employed TBBL services to pursue their goals and enrich their lives.

In this video, TBBL user and artist Connie Avery creates ink drawings and discusses how talking books figure into her artistic process.

For the full video and a transcript, please visit our blog at: https://nyslibrary.libguides.com/blogs/system/tbbl-user-connie-go-with-the-flow

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222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY
12230

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Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm

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