Joint Statement from 3 Public Library Systems: Thank You for Booking the Budget

June 28, 2024 —“Brooklyn, Queens, and New York Public libraries are thrilled that the budget agreement includes the full restoration of funding for public libraries – a resounding victory for all New Yorkers. We are honored to be able to continue the vital programs, initiatives, and hours of operation that this great city so clearly wants, needs, and deserves. Thank you, New York, for the overwhelming show of support on behalf of public libraries!

We deeply appreciate Mayor Adams and his administration for restoring library funding in the FY25 budget. We are profoundly grateful to City Council Speaker Adams and her leadership team for their unwavering commitment to libraries. Special thanks to Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, the Budget Negotiating Team, and the entire City Council who prioritized library funding throughout the budget process. Without their support, this outcome would not have been possible.

Additionally, we would like to thank DC37, the union that represents the vast majority of our workforce. Thank you for being our partners in advocating for library workers throughout this campaign.

This funding will allow us to resume seven-day service, a priority for many New Yorkers. We expect that service to begin in the coming weeks, bringing our branches back to the same hours of operation prior to the November 2023 cuts. The funding also allows us to continue universal six-day service, which New Yorkers have enjoyed for nearly a decade.

The city’s three public library systems look forward to their continued partnership with the Mayor and the City Council to serve New Yorkers, no matter their age, background, birthplace or beliefs, with crucial and life-changing programs, services and resources. Libraries truly make New York City stronger.”