Rising Costs and Growing Demand: Libraries Need Help
NYC libraries call for $46.8M in baselined operational funding.
The presidents of New York City’s three public library systems testified before the New York City Council on Wednesday to call for increased funding to address rising costs, aging infrastructure and growing demand for their services. Without funding increases, over time New Yorkers can expect longer waits for books, more unexpected branch closures due to staffing shortages and emergency repairs, and fewer programming options, including for children, teens and seniors, the presidents testified.
NYC’s public libraries are seeking $46.8 million in baselined operational funding, including the Speaker’s $2 million proposal for expanded 7-day service, and a $1.1 billion investment as part of the City’s Ten-Year Capital Plan.
The City's FY26 Executive Budget allocated $15.7 million for public libraries, bringing libraries back to their current level of funding. While this allocation was a welcome addition, it was not baselined and does not increase overall funding for libraries, which has remained essentially flat for the past five years.
But while funding has remained flat, costs have skyrocketed, including higher costs for books, healthcare, wages, maintenance contracts, and technology services, testified Brooklyn Public Library President Linda E. Johnson, New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx, and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott at a joint hearing before the Council’s Committee on Libraries and Cultural Affairs and Committee on Finance.
Boosting the library's operating funds and making sure they are baselined allows the library systems to stabilize staffing in branches, keep up with the increased cost of physical and digital books, upgrade outdated technology, and sustain the programs and services that so many New Yorkers depend on.
Of the $44.8 million operating expense request to help meet uncovered costs, $12.4 million would go to BPL, $18.9 million would go to NYPL, and $13.5 million to QPL.
This ask for greater investment comes after the libraries faced years of cuts and proposed cuts, including $58 million in proposed budget cuts last year, the steepest in over a decade.
“Libraries are uniquely positioned to meet today’s most challenging issues. With reading on the decline, misinformation continuing to rise, and social divisions widening, a strong library system is precisely what we need,” said NYPL President and CEO Anthony W. Marx. “Demand for library services is growing, but without additional funding for libraries, patrons could face longer wait times, fewer programs, and more unplanned closures. Now is the time for City leaders to invest in libraries.”
"We are grateful the FY 2026 Executive Budget includes a one-time allocation that brings library funding to FY 2025 levels,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “However, after years of flat funding and sustained and looming cuts, libraries need additional dollars to meet growing demand for our resources, cover increased costs, and invest in our collections, programs and infrastructure. We need to fortify our three systems now to help lead New York City into the future, creating a more informed, equitable, and democratic city. We are hopeful that as discussions between the Administration and the Council continue, we can fulfill this vision together.”
“Libraries are one of the few public spaces that match the creativity, drive and resilience of New Yorkers,” said BPL President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “We look forward to working with the Council and the Administration to increase the City’s investment in libraries and continue providing New Yorkers with robust programs, services and resources.”
"For so many New Yorkers, public libraries are where opportunity begins. They are essential pillars of our communities, offering free resources that promote education, culture, and advancement. Whether it’s a student logging on to finish homework, a new New Yorker learning English, or a senior finding connection in a book club, the impact of the public library system reaches far beyond their walls, providing vital programs that strengthen our city’s future. I’m committed to securing the funding they need to continue this invaluable work for every New Yorker,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.
“Libraries are among the most trusted and essential institutions in our city — offering everything from early literacy and legal support to job training and safe spaces for youth. Simply restoring funding isn’t enough. We must baseline this support and make long-term investments to keep our libraries strong, accessible, and open to all New Yorkers,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías.
“In every corner of New York City, libraries and library workers are providing essential resources,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37. “After years of fighting off cuts, it’s time to make sure our Libraries are fully funded. Whether it's books and technology, story time, career help, after school programs or language classes, investing in libraries and the workers who keep them going is essential.”
“New York is a city that adores its libraries, but five years of flat funding leaves these beloved institutions unable to plan and expand to meet community needs,” said Urban Librarians Unite Executive Director Lauren Comito. “Increasing funding will allow the libraries to maintain consistent service with staff that have the bandwidth to dream big about what is next.”
Copies of prepared remarks are 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
