NEW YORK—Public libraries are a lifeline in New York City, providing millions access to books, computers, educational classes, and after-school programs—all for free. Despite a sharp increase in visitors, the city’s libraries once again find their funding on the cutting board in the mayor’s recent proposed budget.
Representatives from the Queens, New York, and Brooklyn Public Libraries appeared at an executive budget hearing at the New York City Council Monday to discuss how dramatic the changes in services would be if the proposed $96 million in cuts are passed.
“It was very sobering,” City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, said after the hearing on Monday. “I noticed a real sense of ‘We really need this funding.’”
Cuts have been made in each of the last several years and libraries are at a point where they have nothing left to cut without a substantial decrease in services.
