In yet more disappointing news regarding NYC libraries, a majority of branches across the five boroughs may have to cut their hours due to city budget cuts.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ latest budget proposal includes $58.3 million worth of budget cuts which, if passed, would have devastating impacts on the city’s libraries, including forcing them to keep their doors closed two days per week.
NYPL President Anthony W. Marx stated:
The city’s public libraries are facing the highest proposed budget cuts in over a decade, a potentially devastating loss of funding that will force most branches to limit service to just five days a week.
This potentially limited service adds on to the loss of Sunday library service which was enacted this past November (2023).
Marx added:
Libraries are less than half of one percent of the total budget, but their value in providing free services, programs, and access to knowledge is unmatched. We are calling for full restoration of our funding so we can continue partnering with the City to best serve New Yorkers.
In addition to the $58.3M in budget cuts, libraries have been asked to cut from their Capital Plans for the first time since 2008. This would have additional dire impacts on library branches, including delayed maintenance and renovations and reduced spending on library materials and programming.
If Adams’ budget is approved, this would be the first time in nearly a decade that all libraries will not be open six days at every branch.
Council Member Carlina Rivera stated:
Libraries are a critical part of NYC’s infrastructure, and are essential to our wellbeing. They provide programming, increase access to opportunity, create meaningful relationships, and generate positive social impact…we must increase government support and restore 7 day service.
New Yorkers interested in fighting these cuts can send an online letter to their elected officials through BPL, NYPL and QPL’s campaign page here. Last year 120,000 letters were sent–a record number.
For those that have NYC library cards, here are 12 free things you can do with it!