New York’s public libraries asks for members to sign an open letter as city Mayor proposes major budget cuts

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Brooklyn Public Library President & CEO Linda Johnson is asking for help as New York City Mayor Eric Adams proposes major budget cuts to the city’s public library budget.

Adams’ suggested cut would be $13.6 million in funding for all three library branches (Brooklyn, New York, and Queens). A devastating move that is sure to hurt communities, Johnson is asking for signatures on an open letter from library members, meant to show how terrible these cuts would be.

She has noted that if they are passed that Brooklyn libraries would have to shorten hours, cut programs (including programs meant to help people find employment and citizenship classes for immigrants), and reduce collections as well as buy less books.

Speaking from personal experience, everyone who grew up in Brooklyn knows how important libraries are, especially to low income families.

So we, the NT team (all of us proud New York natives) are asking for you to sign and share their message. Protect access to not just the books they offer, but what is a lifeline for many people in the city of New York.

For more information and to sign, you can head to bklynlibrary.org (for Brooklyn), Queenslibrary.org (for Queens), and NYpl.org (The Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island).

And remember to #SpeakOutForLibraries.

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