Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today announced that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has appointment him as Chair of Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology.

“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity. Libraries are playing an increasingly important role in our communities- providing internet access and educational and literacy programs. New York State must continue to invest in, support, and expand Library programs. I thank Speaker Silver for this new and exciting leadership position.”

Thiele, a long-time advocate for Libraries, has continually been supported the New Yorkers for Better Libraries Political Action Committee, for his efforts to restore Library aid cuts in the 2012-2013 State budget and his dedication to library legislative issues.

This is the first appointment of a member of the Independence Party to any Assembly Committee chairmanship.