Patience, outside the Main Branch of the New York Public Library

Though library use is up, public money for libraries is down. And results from this unfortunate state of affairs could hit New York City’s three library systems—Brooklyn, Queens and New York—as soon as July 1.

Library Journal reports that “A drastic 22.2% cut in support for New York City’s three library systems has been proposed by Mayor Mike Bloomberg and library advocates are hoping that the City Council restores some or all of the reduction in order to avoid drastic decreases in service. The budget must be approved by June 30.”

The proposed budget could result in up to 973 job cuts, and a severe reduction in hours, limiting most branches to five days service. The Journal report continues, “At Brooklyn Public Library the materials budget would be cut by 30% and service at most branches limited to five hours (1—6 pm) on weekdays, in order to serve students after school. New York Public Library (NYPL) would reduce average weekly hours of service from 52 to 32 and cut the materials budget by 26% in the Branch Libraries and 35% in the Research Libraries.”

Queens Library Director Thomas Galante testified before the City Council saying, “It is unthinkable that the greatest City in the world would see public library service brought to its knees… It is tragic that the Saturday and weekend library service that we all fought so hard to bring back is in jeopardy of being eliminated once again.”

It is a commonly reported story — library use is up all over the country in response to the economic downturn. (MobyLives has noted that the New York Times runs the story seemingly monthly.) Though it’s interesting that Galante notes that the Queens library has fought this fight for extending hours of service before.

NYPL spokesman Herb Scher told Library Journal, “our users are relying on us for crucial services, we feel it is important to keep library doors open, and we are hoping for substantial restorations.”

For those restorations, the Libraries need public support. So, now is time for all good library-users to come to the aid of their library, and chime in to your City Council member.