Brooklyn Public Library by Rhododendrites is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
‘Gut punch’: Brooklyn Public Library asks members to sign open letter to stop budget cuts
CEO Linda Johnson wants 10,000 signatures in a powerful open letter warning city officials about the consequences of its cuts
Mayor Eric Adams’ proposal to slash millions of dollars in funding to the city’s library system isn’t sitting well with Brooklyn Public Library CEO Linda Johnson.
In a sternly worded letter sent to BPL members Monday, Johnson said that the Adams’ reduction in funding is a “gut punch” to the institution.
She warns that if the budget is approved, the BPL will be forced to make “agonizing choices about shortening hours, cutting programs and collections, and rolling back services.” In addition to buying fewer books, the library might be forced to reduce or eliminate essential community programs, including helping job seekers find work and citizenship classes for immigrants.
Adams wants to cut $13.6 million in funding across the three branches (Brooklyn, Queens and New York) for this current fiscal year and the elimination of $20.5 million over the next three years. Specifically, BPL’s budget will be cut by about $8 million over the next four years.
In response, Johnson is asking at least 10,000 members to sign an open letter containing a “powerful statement” as to why their budget shouldn’t be slashed.
“Brooklyn libraries are a beacon for millions of our neighbors across multiple generations,” the letter reads. “Libraries remain one of the few places in our city where everyone is welcome to learn and grow together. They are the heart of our community.”
So far, the letter has reached 23 percent of its goal. Next week, Johnson heads to city council to “urge them to reverse their proposal.”
