Library leaders and supporters gathered on the steps of City Hall to rally for NYC public library funding
NYC’s Public Libraries Urge Continued City Investment
After overcoming historic budget cuts last year, New York City’s public library systems called on City leaders to invest in libraries, citing rising costs, increased demand, and vital infrastructure needs.
March 18, 2025— After six years of proposed budget cuts, the presidents of New York City’s three public library systems on Tuesday called on City leaders to invest in libraries with increased expense and capital funding. While grateful to be spared from deep cuts in the City’s latest budget proposal, Brooklyn Public Library President Linda E. Johnson, Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott, and New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx testified that the lack of any significant increase in funding has hampered their ability to continue to provide the services, programs and collection items that New Yorkers want and need. Speaking before the Council’s Committee on Libraries and Cultural Affairs, they urged a restoration of the City Council's $15.7M initiative and a new baseline investment of $45M for their operating budgets.
The presidents also called for the inclusion of the libraries’ submission in the City’s Ten-Year Capital Strategy, requesting $1.2B in total with $307M for BPL, $485M for NYPL, and $413M for QPL. Recent capital projects have resulted in more than 1,000 affordable housing units atop redeveloped library branches and funded top-to-bottom renovations that modernized historic buildings that had fallen into disrepair.
The presidents expressed gratitude for Council Speaker Adams’ commitment to additional funding for expanded Sunday service across all five boroughs, saying they are eager to collaborate with the Council on this priority as part of the budget process.
The testimony followed a rally during which library supporters, including union representatives from District Council 37, championed this message on the steps of City Hall.
Wage increases, steeper material costs, and new hires have all contributed to the need for an increase in operating funds. The requested $45M would help meet these rising challenges, with $12.4M going to BPL, $18.9M for NYPL, and $13.5M for QPL These funds would allow the libraries to cover staff compensation, fill open positions, improve collections, and maintain a robust suite of free programs and essential services.
This ask for investments comes after the libraries faced $58M in proposed budget cuts last year, the steepest in over a decade. The drastic cut suspended Sunday service, which was restored once the FY25 adopted budget was released. That reversal was made possible by Mayor Adams, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, and the entire City Council, and the libraries remain grateful for their support.
“Libraries provide essential services that have a tremendous impact on New Yorkers’ quality of life,” said NYPL President Anthony W. Marx. “From nurturing young readers to prepping students for college, libraries give communities the resources they need to thrive – all for free. Now is the time for City leaders to recognize the vital role libraries play by investing in our mission.”
"The Library is committed to serving our communities, and in order to do so, it is crucial that funding keeps pace with rising costs. Investing in libraries sustains the programs and resources New Yorkers depend on, protects the thriving democratic spaces we need now more than ever, and ensures our institutions can meet the needs of future generations,” said BPL President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “We are grateful to our City leaders for their continued commitment to our mission and look forward to working together to strengthen New York City's libraries for years to come."
"Especially in these uncertain times, New Yorkers are counting on libraries for reliable information, trusted support, and opportunities to learn and grow,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We must be stronger than ever before. Public libraries need consistent and meaningful investment that meets the increased demand for our services, covers rising costs, and reinforces the promise of New York City.”
“Libraries are among New York City’s democratic institutions, providing resources to support education, build civic engagement, and strengthen the fabric of our communities,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37. “We call on City Hall and the City Council to make a meaningful investment in our city’s libraries and support the library workers who serve our city every day of the week.”
"New York’s public libraries are essential pillars of our communities, offering resources that promote education, culture, and opportunity for all,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries. “They are more than just places to borrow books, they are hubs of democracy, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, empowering everyone from young students to older adults, immigrants, and families. Their impact reaches far beyond their walls, providing vital programs that strengthen our city’s future. I am committed to securing the funding they need to continue this invaluable work for every New Yorker.”
"Libraries are the heart of our communities, providing essential resources, education, and safe spaces for all,” said Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams. “As we navigate the budget process, I remain committed to securing millions for the Libraries Initiative and increasing QPL’s capital improvement fund to prevent project delays. Investing in our libraries is investing in Queens’ future, and I will continue to advocate for the resources they deserve."
"Libraries are the heart of our communities—offering free access to knowledge, essential resources, and a safe space for all New Yorkers," said Council Member James F. Gennaro. "Investing in our public library system is an investment in education, opportunity, and the future of our city. I stand proudly with our libraries and urge strong support to keep them thriving for generations to come.”
“New York City’s libraries do so much more than lend books,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “They serve as vital community hubs where New Yorkers can take literacy classes, enroll for an IDNYC, access free tax preparation, and more. Many libraries in my district remain closed on Sundays, and I look forward to the introduction of seven-day library service. As we move deeper into the budget cycle, I’m committed to making sure our libraries receive the funding they deserve.”
About the Campaign
The #InvestInLibraries campaign is a partnership between the city’s three public library systems—Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library—and other library supporters across the city. Since the campaign launched in 2015, the City has allocated additional funding for programming as well as critical capital dollars to help address the over $1 billion in needs facing the city’s aging library infrastructure. Despite this important support, libraries confront rising costs and increased demand for more services and programs (from New Yorkers and the City). The campaign urges the City to restore and increase funding to meet rising needs, demands, and costs.
Copies of prepared remarks will be available on investinlibraries.org
Media Contacts: BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org; NYPL: Connor Goodwin, connorgoodwin@nypl.org; QPL: Ewa Kern Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
