In 1984, the Center for the Book at the U.S. Library of Congress began to establish affiliate centers in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  These Center for the Book affiliates carry out the national Center’s mission in their local areas, sponsor programs that highlight their area’s literary heritage and call attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy and libraries. Affiliates must submit an application to become part of — and retain — their Center for the Book status, which is renewable for a three-year period. The New York Library Association was designated the New York Center for the Book in January 2010.

You can now donate to support the Empire State Center for the Book Online: Click HERE.

The New York Library Association was established in 1890 by Melvil Dewey and is the oldest state library association in the nation.  The association represents over 4,000 public, college, school and special libraries, librarians, library support staff, trustees and students from across the state.

For more information about the New York Library Association visit www.nyla.org .

The New York Council for the Humanities’ Together—Book Talk for Kids and Parents program offers a forum for parents and their 9-to-11 year old children to come together to talk about books and ideas at their local library.

For more information, Together Promo Flyer to download an informational flyer (PDF).