Public libraries throughout NYC will now be forced to keep their doors shut on Sundays following Mayor Eric Adams’ announcement regarding city budget cuts.
A combined statement from Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library reads:
Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Public Library, and The New York Public Library regret to announce that as a result of mid-year budget cuts, we must eliminate seven-day service across the city, including ending Sunday service at the vast majority of branches that currently offer it.
The budget cuts effect more than just library hours, though, and will also reduce spending on library materials, programming, and building maintenance and repairs.
Brooklyn Public Library locations impacted by Sunday closures, beginning Sunday, December 17, include:
- Borough Park
- Brooklyn Heights
- Central
- Greenpoint
- Kings Highway
- Macon
- Midwood
- New Lots
New York Public Library locations impacted by Sunday closures, beginning Sunday, November 26, include:
- Bronx Library Center (The Bronx)
- Grand Concourse Library (The Bronx)
- Parkchester Library (The Bronx)
- Jefferson Market Library (Manhattan)
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) (Manhattan)
- Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (Manhattan)
- Washington Heights Library (Manhattan)
- Todt Hill–Westerleigh Library (Staten Island)
Queens Public Library locations impacted by Sunday closures, beginning Sunday, November 26, include:
- Central Library
- Flushing Library
“We know how much New Yorkers rely on the vital resources we provide, and we remain committed to meeting their needs as best as we can,” reads the statement from the libraries.
According to Mayor Adams the budget cut is due to the city’s migrant crisis, which is “set to cost nearly $11 billion over just two fiscal years.”