In the annual right of spring known as the “budget dance,” the heads of New York City’s three public library systems testified Monday at the City Council to call on the city to reverse a planned $36.2 million proposed budget cuts that would impact hours of service, fewer programs and classes.
The cuts decreased opportunities for underserved New Yorkers, including those most in need, such as teens and immigrants.
During his testimony, Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott said the city and its libraries have come a long way in the past three years through the challenges posed by the pandemic shutdown.
