New York State Textbook Loan Program

The loan of textbooks from the Somers Central School District to Somers residents attending non-public schools is governed by the regulations of the New York State Textbook Loan Program (NYSTL), Education Law §701, and the Somers Board of Education Policy #1740. The administrative guidelines for the NYSTL program are contained, and incorporated by reference, in the Handbook on Services to Pupils Attending Nonpublic Schools published by the New York State Education Department.

Eligible Materials

Eligible materials include textbooks and textbook substitutes, which may be hard covered or paperback books, newspapers or student manuals, which a pupil is required to use as a primary source of study material in a structured instructional environment (classroom). Materials must be used for secular classroom instructional and educational purposes only. Publications published by any religious denominations, religious organization or group that promote religious or ideological beliefs, even on a general level are disallowed.

Materials Not Allowed

Materials now allowed include general supplies, equipment, furniture, toys and games, ancillary materials, reference materials such as encyclopedias, almanacs, atlases and general or special dictionaries, teacher’s editions, review books, duplicating masters and materials in kit form, supplementary textbooks, novels, fiction, magazines, newspapers, except as provided above, and audiovisual materials normally housed in the school library or instructional materials for short-term use by pupils; tests and testing materials; internet online services.