A highly controversial decision to slash funding for NYC public libraries has been reversed after months of protests and complaints.
Library Budget Restored
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council have agreed to reverse a previous budget decision that slashed $58.3 million from the 2025 budget for New York’s three library systems.
Last-Minute Negotiations
Adams announced the decision on Thursday, which was a last-minute deal made toward the end of negotiations for the 2025 city budget.
“Critical Part of New York City”
“We are proud to announce a full restoration of funds to both our libraries and cultural institutions in the upcoming budget,” he said in a public statement. “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.”
“Down to the Wire”
“In the final hours of negotiations, City Hall relented on many of the Council’s calls for funding restoration,” an unnamed source told reporters. “It came down to the wire.”
Significant Pushback from Residents
It’s a major victory for outraged NYC residents who have been pushing back against the budget cuts to some of the city’s most important literary and cultural institutions.
Back to Full-Week Service
Not only will it inject much-needed funding back into the library system, but it means that all city libraries can now afford to operate 7-days a week again.
Major Concerns
The 8-figure budget cuts were announced by Adams back in November, sparking protests across the city. Library workers and representatives confirmed that the massive funding cut would restrict publicly-available materials and programs that libraries are expected to provide.
Down to Five Days
Notably, the budget cuts meant that branches in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, could have been pushed to offer only five days of service a week.
Cultural Institutions Also Affected
Public libraries were not the only city staples to endure aggressive funding cuts. Back in November the mayor also announced plans to cut funding for iconic cultural and recreational attractions – like Carnegie Hall, the Museum of the City of New York, and Bronx Zoo – by $53 million.
Over $100 Million in Funding Restored
The decision made by the City Council on Thursday has restored funding for both public libraries and these additional cultural institutions.
Trying to Recoup Revenue
The budget cuts were described as essential for the city, which would need to recoup significant revenue lost from expired pandemic aid from the federal government and the massive costs of the ongoing migrant crisis in New York City.
Adams Favorability Falls
Pushback against the budget announcement was so strong that it even took a toll on Adams’s public profile, driving down his favorability rating in the polls.
Campaign Launched by Library Officials
Council members and public library officials also launched an aggressive campaign to counter the proposal, recruiting public figures like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to advocate against the mayor’s decision.
“No Cuts to Libraries!”
The campaign, called “No Cuts to Libraries!,” garnered overwhelming support. More than 174,000 letters were sent to the New York City Hall by residents expressing concerns about the budget cuts.
Joint Statement from Libraries
Representatives of the city’s three public library systems have issued a joint statement applauding the decision by city officials and the City Council, and thanking New York residents for supporting public libraries.
“A Priority for New Yorkers”
“This funding will allow us to resume seven-day service, a priority for many New Yorkers,” the statement reads. “We expect that service to begin in the coming weeks, bringing our branches back to the same hours of operation prior to the November 2023 cuts.”
Council Members Celebrate
The City Council is also celebrating their successful negotiation, as Council members have stridently supported public libraries and lobbied to restore the funding.
Consistent Champions of Funding Restoration
“The Council has consistently championed funding restorations for these institutions as a top priority,” said Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, no relation to the mayor.
“Proud to Reach an Agreement”
“We’re proud to reach an agreement with Mayor Adams and the Administration to successfully secure these critical investments for them in the city budget,” she concluded.
Budget Issues Remain
While the funding reversal is a big win for the libraries, it does not address the fact that NYC public library systems have been grappling with a budget that has not kept up with inflation and higher costs since the pandemic.
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