As of January 1, 2021, libraries in NYS will comply with new updated Minimum Standards, developed by the Division of Library Development. A comparison of the old and new standards can be found here.
Minimum Required Hours. The State is expecting libraries to be open their minimum, walk-in hours open starting January 1st, 2022. Curbside and appointment-only hours will not be counted towards the minimum hours. If libraries cannot meet this requirement, they will have to indicate so on their 2021 Annual Report. Let your consultant know if you cannot meet this requirement. (This, of course, may change if there is another State-wide shutdown - which we hope does not happen).