Citing a $5.9 million dollar cut in funding, the New York Public Library system will cut hours in two-thirds of its locations across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

As with many other agencies in the city, the library system is attempting to close a budget deficit. Libraries “are struggling to sustain the high level of service our patrons have come to expect,” said New York Public Library President Dr. Paul LeClerc.

Last week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced during his budget proposal that city libraries will get $22.1 million cut from their operating funds.

The new reduced schedule will start on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Hours and locations are posted on the Library's Web site.