Mayor Restores Some NYC Library Funds
Money is welcome, but still not enough to restore programs, lift hiring freeze
Debra Lau Whelan -- School Library Journal, 7/1/2003
Of the original $7.3 million in cuts for the New York Public Library in FY 2004, $2.9 million will be returned to branches, says spokeswoman Caroline Oyama. But the system—which serves Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx—still faces a nearly $4 million shortfall for next year, on top of a $16 million cut in FY 2003.
The Queens Borough Public Library expects $2 million in returned funds next year, but only 13 of its 63 branches will have enough money to stay open six days a week, says spokeswoman Joanna King. The other 50 libraries will offer five-day service because the system is saddled with $12 million in cuts for FY 2003 and FY 2004.
Although the Brooklyn Public Library will get $2.1 million in returned funds next year, the money isn't enough to keep its central library open on Sundays and Mondays, says spokeswoman Beth Weinstein, explaining that the system still suffers from $13.9 million in budget cuts for FY 2003–2004.
At press time, budget negotiations were continuing between the mayor's office and the city council, and library supporters were hoping that more badly needed funds would be restored, Oyama says.
