Tell City Hall: No Cuts to Libraries!
Your library and your community need your help. New York City leaders are hard at work on NYC’s budget—and right now New York City’s public libraries are facing a potential $36.2 million cut that will severely impact our ability to deliver the free services, programs, and resources New Yorkers depend on.
That’s why we are asking you to stand by your library and send a note right now. Sign your name to instantly deliver a message to Mayor Adams and the New York City Council letting them know how critical libraries are to the communities they serve. From books and e-books to job-search help to safe spaces for teens to learn and grow, our libraries provide all New Yorkers with the support and resources they need to succeed.
Your letter and the contact information you enter below will be instantly delivered to Mayor Eric Adams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Majority Leader Keith Powers, Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Committee on Libraries Chair Chi Ossé, and your local Council Member.
Please note: The New York Public Library has locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens are each served by their own library systems, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library.
As you make important funding decisions this year, I am reaching out to ask that you reconsider your proposed cuts to one of New York City’s most vital resources: our public libraries.
Proposed city budget cuts of $36.2 million would force libraries to make painful decisions about the levels of service and programs they can offer at a crucial moment in our city’s history. These cuts will hurt all New Yorkers, particularly those in vulnerable communities still reeling from the devastation of the pandemic.
Our public libraries are the beating hearts of New York City’s neighborhoods. They welcome all, from babies attending their first storytime to asylum-seekers who are adjusting to the city. They connect us, whether through free computers and wifi, English-language classes, or simply offering a safe, free space to be, which is important for all New Yorkers, but our teens and youngsters in particular. Libraries expand our worlds—and transport us to new ones—through books, through author talks, through job support and tech classes. And they do all this for free.
As the city continues its recovery, it is essential that our libraries—trusted and reliable institutions—remain strong, ready to help New Yorkers as we work towards a brighter future. Restoring library funding will ensure that our public libraries can continue to provide critical free services and resources to all who need them. Libraries are for everyone, and with the City’s support, they will continue to welcome all through their doors.
The New York Public Library has locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens are each served by their own library systems, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library.