Return of the Blog: Once upon a time, the Andrew Heiskell Library had a blog. It disappeared for a while, and during that time, the library's website got redesigned, and now the blog is back, as part of The New York Public Library's Blogs. We're thrilled to be able to offer this communication format once more. And just in time for the vital Don't Close the Books on Libraries Budget Action campaign.

The proposed city budget for the fiscal year starting in July calls for a $37 million cut, the harshest in NYPL's history. If this cut is enacted in the final city budget, ten branches could be closed, six-day service would likely be cut to 4-day service, programs and computer classes will be curtailed, and job search services, so important during economic hardship, could also be lost.

Although the Andrew Heiskell Library receives its Braille and Talking Books from the National Library Service and most of its operating budget from New York State, many of the services we provide are funded by New York City, including our computers, adaptive technology, and the computer literacy classes we teach.

You can help. You can donate your time by helping with letter writing campaigns in the branch libraries, including the Andrew Heiskell Library, by donating money, and by contacting your Council members and the Mayor to ask for the funds to be restored to the budget.

Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Library are also facing severe budget cuts. Residents of those boroughs can show their support directly using these websites for Brooklyn and Queens.

We'll be updating you about the budget as soon as we have something new to report. In addition to this blog, you can keep up with the library's activities and accessibility issues via our Facebook page and Twitter account.