Statement from Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and Commissioner of Education MaryEllen Elia on the Passing of New York State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis

“We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Bernard A. Margolis, New York State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries.

“Bernie was an outstanding library leader and a visionary. His expertise in library matters will be missed not only by the Board of Regents and the staff of the State Education Department, but across the State and the nation. His colleagues and friends at the Department and in the library community will miss his intelligence, eloquence, keen sense of humor and sage advice.

“Appointed State Librarian by the Board of Regents in January 2009, Bernie provided leadership and vision for the New York State Library, the state's 73 library systems and New York's 7,000 academic, public, school and special libraries.

“Bernie was very much looking forward to celebrating the State Library’s 200th Anniversary this month. Thanks to his vision and leadership, we have much to celebrate.

“Bernie accomplished much over the course of a long and successful career as a librarian and library leader. During his tenure at the New York State Library, state funding for public library construction more than doubled; participation in Summer Reading at New York Libraries grew to more than two million young people; and free public access internet and Wi-Fi are now available to patrons in all of New York’s public libraries. Of course, those are only some of the highlights of his exceptional tenure as New York State Librarian.

“Bernie came to the State Library from his previous post as President of the Boston Public Library, where he served from 1997 to 2008.

“We are so fortunate that Bernie chose to share with the public his lifelong love of books and learning. We are all better off because of his dedication and service to others.”