Tragedy Impacts NYC Libraries

The doors reopened at the New Amsterdam branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL) in November. Located just three blocks north of the World Trade Center, the library has literally emerged from the ashes, undergoing a massive cleanup—roughly 40,000 books and other materials had to be individually cleaned and reshelved—to once again serve the public.

Libraries citywide, however, continue to suffer from the fallout of September 11, namely the $1.2-billion budget gap it created after the terrorist attack. On December 3, New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Guiliani announced a $766 million reduction in funding to various city agencies, which included a 10 percent cut for libraries.

At Queens Borough Public Library, the 10 percent cut will shrink funds by about $7 million in FY2002. Queens has elected to trim its annual book budget, currently about $10 million, by 38 percent, as a cost-cutting measure. About 50 teenagers who provide computer assistance to adults as part of the library's "Teen Net Mentors" program have already lost their part-time jobs. The Connecting Libraries and Schools Program (CLASP) was eliminated in order to maintain a children's librarian in all 62 community libraries, says Queens Borough Library Director Gary Strong.

CLASP is also vulnerable at Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), which had its city appropriation reduced by 10 percent, or $7.47 million, for FY 2002. While Brooklyn has yet to announce specific plans, "cuts will be made across the board," says Valerie Geiss, BPL's spokesperson. She indicated that children's services and materials will likewise feel the pinch. As for its after-school program, Brooklyn will continue Reading Partners, a grant-funded program, and Homework Helpers, which will be staffed by volunteers.

NYPL's budget is still being approved, although spokesperson Caroline Oyama anticipated that cuts to services "could be quite dramatic." At all three systems, Sunday service has been suspended since November at all but a few branches. Depending on the local economy, Saturday service may be next in line for cuts.

Following the September 11 tragedy, New Yorkers turned to their libraries in record numbers to access the latest news and related information. The Queens Borough Library, which leads the nation's public systems in circulation, reported a six percent increase in public usage. "What became clear [after Sept. 11] is the vital role that the libraries play for New Yorkers," says Valerie Chevrette, a spokesperson for New Century Libraries, a $95-million statewide initiative currently before the New York Legislature. NYPL and the Brooklyn and Queens systems could receive $7 million if the New Century bill is passed.