Brooklyn parents worry $30M in Mayor Mamdani library cuts could threaten Sunday service
The plan would roll back Mayor Zohran Mamdani's campaign promise to increase library funding and instead reduce support across the system.
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Brooklyn families are concerned after Mayor Zohran Mamdani proposed major cuts to the city’s public library systems in his first preliminary budget.
The plan would roll back a campaign promise to increase library funding and instead reduce support across the system.
At the Brooklyn Central Library on Sunday, crowds filled the building. Families browsed books and took advantage of restored Sunday hours. Many said they feared those services could again disappear.
Residents say they remember how deeply the 2023 cuts impacted libraries. Those reductions eliminated Sunday service citywide.
Sunday hours returned only in September and only for half the day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Parents say the weekend hours are essential.
“We are worried. We think Sunday hours are an important part of this community,” said Mark Egerman, who visited with his family. “For hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of New Yorkers, Sunday hours provide an incredible opportunity to bring people to the library when they don’t have school.”
According to Mamdani's preliminary budget, just Brooklyn Central Library would face an over $8 million budget reduction in scope, though $2 million is earmarked for Sunday hours.
News 12 asked visitors if they believe Mamdani's agenda could be achieved without cuts to these services, in light of a budget deficit.
"I'm hoping that the governor of the state legislature are able to raise the taxes necessary to keep funding this. I don't think the mayor wishes to pet the library or park services, but ultimately, the city has no choice but to balance its budget," Egerman said.
Library leaders said in a statement that they look forward to working with the administration to ensure the fiscal year 2027 budget fully funds library services and maintains Sunday access.
