Public libraries throughout NYC have been on a rollercoaster when it comes to their schedules–first they were closed on Sundays following city budget cuts, then they faced potentially opening only five days a week following another round of budget cuts, but then after months of pushback, libraries not only avoided switching their open days to only five days a week, but they also got their Sundays back. And now they’re continuing on that upward swing as various New York City Public Library branches will now be open seven days a week!
It was recently announced that an agreement has been made on a $115.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, and part of that includes expanded 7-day library service to 10 new neighborhood libraries.
“Our city’s public libraries aren’t just about books anymore,” said Chair of the Committee on Finance, Council Member Justin Brannan said in a statement. “They are tabernacles of freedom and democracy. They serve as a lighthouse for kids, parents, new immigrants, and seniors.
The FY 2026 budget underscores the Council’s commitment to securing key restorations to preserve essential services that New Yorkers rely on and that allow for a safe and healthy city. Speaker Adrienne Adams stated:
The Council is proud to reach an agreement with Mayor Adams to deliver a city budget that takes critical steps forward to invest in the needs of New Yorkers and our city’s neighborhoods. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget will invest in…more 7-day library service…This budget agreement is the product of the Council’s consistent and relentless budget advocacy, alongside the people of our city and stakeholders, to deepen investments in the health, safety, and prosperity of all New Yorkers.
Following the initial news of the seven-days-a-week schedule in July, the NYPL revealed in August 2025 that additional branches will be added to the schedule beginning Sunday, Sept 7th, including:
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL)
· Bay Ridge
· Bedford
New York Public Library (NYPL)
· Mott Haven
· Baychester
· Kingsbridge
· Harlem
· St. George
Queens Public Library (QPL)
· Glen Oaks
· Hunters Point
· Jackson Heights
· Rochdale Village
Overall, $30.7 million will go towards operating support funding for the city’s three library systems, with an additional $2 million to expand 7-day library service to 10 additional branches citywide.
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget also includes the following:
- A $50 million increase in immigration legal services
- Major investments in mental health care and public safety programs
- Robust childcare and early childhood education funding
- $3 billion in capital funding
- $1 billion in expense funding to support the creation and preservation of more affordable housing, increased homeownership, homeless prevention, and tenant protection resources, as well as bolstering of neighborhood infrastructure
