Up To 36 Branches Could Close
Representatives of Queens Library joined City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, other elected officials, union leaders, parents and children on the steps of City Hall last Thursday, May 23, in support of full funding for libraries.
Among other City Council members in attendance were Daniel Dromm, Peter Koo, Karen Koslowitz and Peter F. Vallone Jr.
The children spoke from a minipodium, in the role of journalists, asking the Council members questions about funding libraries.
This year, New York City’s three public library systems are facing more than $106 million in proposed cuts. Queens Library alone is facing a proposed cut of $29.6 million.
In Queens, cuts of that magnitude would force the closure of 36 libraries and the layoff more than 420 staff who provide critical public services. Citywide, more than a thousand library employees would lose their jobs. Millions of New Yorkers would lose access to the valuable free services of their public libraries.
More than 75 percent of New Yorkers use their public libraries, yet the libraries-funded at fiscal year 2013 rates-account for less than 1/2 of one percent of the city’s budget.
Queens Library President and CEO Thomas W. Galante said, “Free public libraries are more critical to the fabric of our democratic society than ever before. We are a digital bridge, a community hub, a center of lifelong learning and the place where new opportunities are realized every single day.”
Each day across the country, libraries open their doors to everyone: students, parents, seniors, teachers, writers, artists, job seekers, entrepreneurs, readers, gamers, movie lovers and travel buffs.
To learn more information on proposed budget cuts to Queens Library, visit www.savequeenslibrary.org.
