Bronx, NY - New Yorkers everywhere can take a collective breath of fresh air, at least near a school or now: your closest library. A bill (A.330B/S.169-B), introduced by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Gustavo Rivera, has passed both houses of the state legislature and now awaits delivery to the Governor for signing. In 2012, Dinowitz and Rivera passed legislation enacting a ban on smoking within 100 feet of all entrances, exits, and outside areas of all primary and secondary schools in New York State. This law would apply the same policy to all libraries.

Following the Clean Indoor Air Act in 2003, smoking was prohibited in all workplaces and smokers everywhere were forced to go outside to indulge their habits. These smokers are now frequently found in close proximity to entrances and exits of all buildings, exposing countless passersby to secondhand smoke and increasing their risk of respiratory infections and cancer-inducing abnormal cell growth. Libraries, similar to schools, serve some of our most vulnerable populations when it comes to secondhand smoke, including both young children and senior citizens.

The legislative process now turns to Governor Cuomo, who signed the ban on smoking near schools along with a ban on e-cigarette sales to minors as part of a package designed to protect New York’s youth from harmful effects of cigarettes.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) said: “Libraries, like schools, are often the heart of a neighborhood. They bring together a huge variety of community members, and I’m willing to bet that most of these folks are not there to inhale somebody else’s secondhand smoke. Given that the library is a place we encourage our children to go as often as possible, a smoking ban is common-sense public policy. I thank State Senator Rivera for his continued partnership on this important issue as well as Governor Cuomo again for his support in the fight against tobacco.”

“This bill will help our State further curtail New Yorkers' exposure to the dangers of secondhand smoke, especially around commonly shared spaces, such as public libraries. With smoking bans already in place outside schools and afterschool programs across our State, this bill further ensures New Yorkers, especially our children, are able to access and enjoy learning spaces without worrying about their health,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx). “This common sense measure will go a long way in providing our youth with the safe educational environments they deserve. I urge Governor Cuomo to join the Legislature in supporting this measure and sign this bill into law once it reaches his desk.”