A bill that would allow school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to contract with public libraries for high-speed telecommunications has been approved by the state Assembly.

“Allowing public libraries to share in contracts with BOCES will save money for all parties involved and increase public access to high speed internet,” said Assemblywoman Addie Russell (F-Theresa), who supports the measure.

Many BOCES have invested significant money in the development of their own telecommunications networks, including high-speed Internet services. The measure would allow public libraries, which can use such services but have not had the funds for their own high-speed service, to access already established networks and share the cost of maintaining such a system at a reduced cost for both.

“This bill would help libraries cut down on their costs, while increasing the quality of the services they provide, allowing them to be more effective and efficient for North Country families,” Russell said.

Russell said she hopes the Senate can approve the bill before the end of the session.