NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – After months of outcry from librarians and educators across New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced the full restoration of funding to libraries in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
“These institutions are a critical part of New York City’s social fabric, which New Yorkers depend on for their children’s growth and the vibrancy of our city. The budget will ensure these essential institutions will have what they need to serve New Yorkers and attract visitors every day of the week,” Adams said in a statement.
New Yorkers overwhelmingly supported the “No Cuts To Libraries” campaign, with a record 174,000 people sending letters to City Hall, sources told 1010 WINS.
The city's public libraries started closing on Sundays due to budget cuts toward the end of 2023. During the cuts, Adams blamed the reductions on the end of COVID aid and the cost of the migrant crisis.
With the new decision, a total of $58.3 million will be restored to the three New York City public library systems, while $53 million will be restored to cultural institutions.
This funding will allow libraries to resume seven-day service, a priority for many New Yorkers. Service will begin in the coming weeks, bringing branches back to the same hours of operation prior to the November 2023 cuts. The funding also allows libraries to continue universal six-day service, which New Yorkers have enjoyed for nearly a decade.
“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,” New York Public Libraries said in a joint statement. “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.”