Tell City Leaders: Invest in Public Libraries
New York City’s public libraries provide essential free services and resources for all, and they deserve increased funding and support. We are grateful that City leaders restored library funding in the City’s FY25 budget and spared them from deep cuts this upcoming year. But after six years of actual or potential cuts, library funding for operating expenses has essentially remained flat, despite rising costs of everything from books to technology. It’s critically important that the FY26 City budget includes increased expense and capital funding for our public libraries, allowing them to continue to provide important services, meet increased demand, and maintain their infrastructure.
We are asking you to join us in calling on City leaders to continue investing in libraries. Sign your name to instantly deliver a message to Mayor Adams and the New York City Council to let them know how important our libraries are to all New Yorkers. Public libraries are the hearts of their communities, providing everyone who walks through their doors with invaluable resources, from books and materials to borrow, to programs and classes including job search support and ESOL, to safe spaces to gather, and more. An investment in our public libraries is an investment in New Yorkers—and an investment in a stronger New York City.
Your letter and the contact information you enter below will be instantly delivered to Mayor Eric Adams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Majority Leader Amanda Farías, Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Committee on Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, 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.
Dear Mayor Eric Adams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías, Committee on Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan, and Council Member,
As you make important decisions on the city budget this year, I am urging you to increase investment in one of New York City’s most vital resources: our public libraries.
Last year, thousands of New Yorkers wrote and asked you to support our libraries—and you listened. Thank you for restoring library funding in the FY25 budget and sparing libraries from deep cuts this year. Now, our libraries need continued, increased investment. After years of actual and potential cuts, library funding has essentially remained flat, even as costs for everything from books to technology needs continue to rise. I’m calling on you to include long-overdue increases in expense and capital funding for libraries in the FY26 budget.
Our city’s public libraries truly are for everyone, opening their doors to all and providing important free resources. Through books and e-books, they help us broaden our horizons and develop a lifelong love of reading. Library programs and classes are engines of learning for all ages, from after school support to English literacy and tech training classes, and many more. And neighborhood branches are safe, welcoming spaces where people come together to learn and connect.
Our city and our communities are facing unprecedented and uncertain times—and public libraries are uniquely positioned to help us understand and meet them. Libraries are cornerstones of the neighborhoods they serve, beacons of knowledge, and pillars of democracy. Investing in our library systems ensures all New Yorkers can access the resources and services they need—and will help create a stronger New York City.