NYC PLAN response to Library Funding in the FY’26 Budget 

In response to the NYC FY2026 Budget, adopted this June, the Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library, and the Queens Public Library released a joint statement thanking City Leaders for investing in public libraries (https://investinlibraries.org/).

While we understand their gratitude, barely avoiding budget cuts is insufficient – our libraries need increased, sustained funding.

As the demand for library services continues to grow, sustained funding is essential for stable infrastructure and library services. In addition to the essential reading materials and public programming they offer, the NYC library systems are critical civic infrastructure. As extreme weather intensifies and free and open spaces become vanishingly rare, they offer valuable public space that is needed now more than ever. While the expansion of seven-day service will absolutely help communities who don’t yet have it, we take seriously the concerns of library union locals that represent library staff, who warn that already underpaid workers are stretched beyond their job descriptions just to meet regular six-day service demands. We strongly support the union’s call for higher wages and the hiring of more workers to correct this before seven-day service is expanded. We demand increased funding, and will continue to act and organize for the future of our library systems. Our libraries deserve more than stagnation – they deserve our enthusiastic and material support.

NYC PLAN continues to demand that at least one-half of 1% (0.50%) of the total New York City expense budget be committed to our library systems, both now and in the future. The current FY ‘26 funding is only .45% of the total expense budget, so an increase to .50% would mean an additional $56.4 million for our libraries. This is a realistic but significant number which will allow libraries to better serve NYC.
Join NYC PLAN as we continue to fight for dedicated and sustained library funding.

Original statement from https://investinlibraries.org/ below for reference:

City Leaders Invest in Libraries in FY26 Budget

July 1, 2025 — The FY26 City budget increases funding for public libraries by $17 million, including $2 million to expand seven-day service! After staving off deep cuts in past years, NYC’s public libraries have been facing rising costs due to the growing needs of New Yorkers and inflation. Library funding had essentially remained flat over these years—and increased investment was critical to ensure New Yorkers have consistent, reliable access to the essential services we provide.

Thank you to all our supporters who made their voices heard for public libraries. Please join us in thanking Mayor Eric Adams, Speaker Adrienne Adams, and the entire City Council for investing in libraries.