Funding for Brooklyn libraries restored in new announcement ahead of city budget deadline

Brooklyn readers - Sunday service could soon be back at your local library!

Faith Graham and News 12 Staff

Jun 28, 2024, 10:54 AM

Updated 164 days ago

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Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced funding for the city's three public library systems will be fully restored in the next fiscal year.
Ever since New York City's public libraries had their budget cut several months ago, city officials have faced backlash on the decision. Institutions that serve as a lifeline for many, had to close their doors on Sundays and cut back on programming.
Just last week, library leaders and supporters rallied ahead of the budget deadline outside the Walt Whitman branch in Downtown Brooklyn.
Now that the money is being restored, city libraries will likely soon be open again seven days a week.
Mayor Adams City Council Speaker Adams made the announcement Thursday saying $58.3 million will be given back to three New York City library systems. In addition, $53 million will also be restored to art institutions across the city in next year's budget.
The mayor said last year the cuts were needed, citing the influx of migrants into the city as one of the reasons why. The Brooklyn Public Library says the move forced more than half of their branches to drop down to five-day a week service.
Despite the cuts, the Central Library has continued to serve the community and will host its annual carnival festival this Sunday.
Mayor Adams now decided to spare libraries from cuts calling them a critical part of the city’s social fabric.
The City Council will likely pass the budget over the weekend to meet their Sunday deadline.