Following the council’s efforts, the city has allocated around $130 million in operations funding for BPL
This week, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Chair Justin Brannan held a press conference outlining the funding that city council secured for the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) amidst the city’s latest budget plans.
During the press conference, which was held inside of Brooklyn Public Library’s Bay Ridge location, the two elected officials discussed city council’s role in restoring $36.2 million in proposed cuts to NYC library funding, which included $10 million for BPL.
Following the council’s efforts, the city has allocated around $130 million in operations funding for BPL, in addition to $9.6 million in capital funding for infrastructure projects that was provided directly by city council.
“Libraries are the bedrock of our community, offering free critical programs and resources to New Yorkers of all ages,” said Adams. “Through our advocacy with stakeholders across the city and tough negotiations, the council was proud to restore $36.2 million in proposed funding cuts to all of our city’s library systems and deliver nearly $130 million to the Brooklyn Public Library.”
The funding will enable Brooklyn Public Library — in addition to the New York and Queens public libraries — to maintain programs and staffing to meet rising demands, retain physical and digital collections, preserve universal six-day service for New Yorkers, and more.
Additionally, city council says that the capital dollars will also help the libraries to make progress on any facility expansions, along with various upgrades as needed.
“Brooklyn Public Library is deeply appreciative of Speaker Adams and Finance Chair Justin Brannan’s long-time support, without which the Library would be a very different place,” said Linda Johnson, president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library.
“Their leadership and dedication led to the preservation of weekend library service, strong collections, and protection of vital programs and services for our borough in the most recent city budget.”
