New York City Libraries Launch Letter-Writing Campaign For Increased City Funding

Literary Luminary Malcolm Gladwell Adds His Voice In Support, Calls Libraries 'A Lifeline – Not A Luxury – For New Yorkers'

MAY 4, 2017 – The city’s three public library systems officially launched a letter-writing campaign this week urging the Mayor and City Council to increase funding for libraries in Fiscal Year 2018.

The Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Library are calling on members of the public to sign letters asking elected officials for $34 million in additional operating funding for increased hours—including more branches open seven-days a week—and $150 million in capital funding to address critical maintenance needs at branches.

Letters can be signed at any of the city’s 217 library locations, or online at investinlibraries.org.

Malcolm Gladwell

Renowned writer Malcolm Gladwell is supporting libraries and encouraging the public to sign letters, penning an email that was sent to library patrons yesterday.

“As a kid, the highlight of my week was Wednesday evening, when my mom would drive me into town to the Public Library,” Gladwell wrote. “The library was a magical place, that gave me—a kid from a tiny town—a window on the whole world. I've never lost that feeling. And I've never felt more strongly that every child deserves that same window on the world.”

Gladwell points out that only 7 percent of New York City’s libraries are open seven days – “for some families, weekends are their only chance to visit a branch and expand their horizons” – and mentions branches in need of serious repairs.

“Libraries are a lifeline—not a luxury—for New Yorkers . . . I know I wouldn't be a writer without learning to love reading at my local library as a child,” Gladwell said. “Let's make sure other New York City kids get a chance to follow their dreams just like I did.”

The letter-writing effort is part of the multi-year “Invest in Libraries” campaign to fight for increased resources and ensure that New Yorkers have the libraries that they need and deserve.  

Since the campaign launched three years ago, it has generated strong support from authors and celebrities such as Junot Diaz, Judy Blume, Tom Wolfe, Robert Caro, Anna Deavere Smith, Jeff Kinney, as well as thousands of everyday New Yorkers resulting in City funding for six-day service and an initial capital budget commitment. 

However, at a time where more New Yorkers are turning to their libraries than ever before for services and support, many branches remain in serious need of critical maintenance funding for infrastructure updates and repairs.  The fact is libraries are still receiving less operating money than in FY 2008 and the City’s initial capital funding commitment has already been earmarked for necessary projects.

Last year, over 90,000 letters were sent to elected officials. As Gladwell wrote, “We know that the mayor and City Council see each letter sent to them. When the people of New York join together to say something is important, City leaders will listen.”

The full email from Gladwell can be found below:

Dear [Library Patron],

As a kid, the highlight of my week was Wednesday evening, when my mom would drive me into town to the Public Library. The library was a magical place, that gave me--a kid from a tiny town--a window on the whole world. I've never lost that feeling. And I've never felt more strongly that every child deserves that same window on the world.

Since I moved to New York City 20 years ago to become a staff writer at The New Yorker, I've relied on public libraries. They are open and welcoming to all, from writers like myself to kids learning to read, adults learning English, and immigrants gaining their citizenship.

That's why I'm asking you to join me in calling on City leaders to invest in all New Yorkers by investing in our libraries.

Even though we know how important libraries are to New York City, a recent study found that our libraries still lag behind other large cities in how many hours they are open each week. In fact, only 7% of NYC libraries are open seven days a week. This needs to change: for some families, weekends are their only chance to visit a branch and expand their horizons.

At the same time -- as demand for library services continues to climb -- branches across the city are in serious disrepair and need to be renovated. It’s hard to focus on your work when water is dripping on to your notebook from the roof, or the heat isn’t working.

Libraries are a lifeline—not a luxury —for New Yorkers. Is there anywhere else that New Yorkers can get free access to education, information, and other resources in a safe environment?

Strong support from city leaders has never been more important. That's why I'm asking you to sign a letter asking Mayor de Blasio, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and your City Council member to invest in our libraries.

This time is critical. The mayor and City Council are in discussions now to talk about funding for our libraries. Take one minute to send your message now >>

Your voice matters. We know that the mayor and City Council see each letter sent to them. When the people of New York join together to say something is important, City leaders will listen.

I know I wouldn't be a writer without learning to love reading at my local library as a child. Let's make sure other New York City kids get a chance to follow their dreams just like I did.

Malcolm Gladwell

Writer