NEW YORK — Reports of cutbacks to New York City libraries have sparked weeks of public outcry over the potential ramifications on the city’s library system.
The shape of those proposed cuts is finally taking shape thanks to a letter from the director of the New York Public Library, details of which were reported this week in The Gothamist.
NYPL President Anthony Marx said New Yorkers should prepare for the eventuality that weekend library service is in the crosshairs. The latest round of proposed cuts, he said, would strip libraries of $23 million.
“This would result in the elimination of Sunday service at the current eight locations, reduced hours, and a move to a five-day service schedule at most locations,” Marx wrote.
A shortfall of that size could also eliminate currently vacant positions, as well as any future vacancies.
“All of this is, of course, truly horrifying to even contemplate, and we still hope, and will do everything we can, to prevent these cuts,” the letter continues.
The proposed cuts come at a volatile time as libraries across the country are fighting pressure from a small minority that is trying to ban, and successfully in many places, books covering topics related to people of color and LGBTQ+ people. Some libraries fighting against it have seen funding cut or been forced to close.
A study published last year found that more than 70% of parents opposed the book ban. Specifically, the survey found that most parents had a “high degree of trust in school librarians to make good decisions about which books to make available to children.”
Earlier this month, the Eric Adams administration asked all city agencies to cut another 4% of their budget. One justification for this round of cuts is the city’s growing migrant population and the resources needed to respond.
Pressed about possible library cuts at a press conference in March, the mayor refused to label so-called belt tightening “cuts.”
“From Staten Island to The Bronx, everyone is doing an incredible job and I think it’s misinformation to say that we’re cutting back. We’ve asked all city agencies to look at efficiencies and jobs that were open,” Adams said.
“We are facing a financial crisis and I understand what they are saying. I respect that. But I need all my agencies to focus on how to weather this storm.”
The Gothamist reports that library systems in Queens and Brooklyn also expect to cut weekend service if the proposed budget cuts go through.
2023-04-24 14:19:44
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