Legislative Law § 7-a, NY LEG § 7-a. Legislative library, librarian and assistants. There shall be a legislative library to be located in the state capitol in rooms assigned by the commissioner of general services, conveniently accessible to the members of both houses of legislature, and such library shall be open throughout the year.
The Legislative Library serves the research and information needs of Senate and Assembly members and legislative staff. The Library, which was established by Chapter 483 of the Laws of 1915, houses federal and New York State case law, statutes, and regulations. There is an extensive collection of reports from New York State agencies, task forces, and legislative committees, as well as texts and treatises on various topics of the law. The Library also provides access to Westlaw, Lexis, and HeinOnline.
Prior to the establishment of the Legislative Library, the Senate and Assembly each maintained a small library for member use. It was in the Assembly Library that the disastrous fire of 1911 started then quickly spread to other parts of the Capitol. The fire destroyed countless books and manuscripts dating back to the pre-colonial era.
After the fire, space for a Legislative Library was planned by F.B. Ware, the Capitol Architect. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the Library's Main Reading Room remains today as it was originally constructed. White marble walls are adorned with decorative columns and William Low's murals which allegorically depict New York State history. The state seal is inscribed on three leaded glass windows and is repeated in marble over the fireplace.
Library Staff
Arthur Benware, Legislative Library Assistant
518-455-2458
abenware@nysenate.gov
Jennifer Fairall, Legislative Librarian | Director
518-455-2457
fairall@nysenate.gov
Brian Lawrence, Legislative Library Assistant
518-455-2456
blawrenc@nysenate.gov
Wendy Quinn-Decatur, Legislative Librarian
518-455-2469
quinn@nysenate.gov
vacant, Legislative Library Assistant
vacant, Law Librarian
vacant, Research Assistant
