The 2024 fiscal year budget cuts have dealt a terrible blow to the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library systems. The just-announced mid-year budget cuts have sadly eliminated the well-regarded seven-day service citywide. This means that the coveted Sunday service at the vast majority of participating branches has been axed. The library system will also reduce spending on library materials, programming, building maintenance, and repairs. These cuts will be devastating to these essential services provided by the expansive library system.
The three divisions require sufficient funding to sustain their current levels of service, and any further cuts to the Libraries’ budgets will, unfortunately, result in deeper service impacts. New Yorkers rely on the vital resources provided at neighborhood branches, and the administration remains committed to meeting needs as best as they are able.
In Kew Gardens Hills, the Orthodox clientele have long advocated for their branch to hold Sunday hours. The pandemic put a damper on service, but ultimately the branch located at Vleigh Place and 72nd Road resumed a Sunday schedule. Council Member James F. Gennaro took immediate notice of the dire need for his constituents to continue having Sunday library access and successfully advocated for the new rules to not affect this standout branch.
The Council Member once again shines as an elected official willing to speak out, ensuring that the needs of his community are met. Gennaro’s office continues to review the rest of the Mayor’s budget cuts.
By Shabsie Saphirstein