7-day service is returning to most of Brooklyn’s public libraries

By Brooklyn Magazine Staff

Brooklyn Public Library is soon reopening on Sunday — and returning to daily operations — across most of its branches after Mayor Eric Adams’ reversal on funding for the system.

The changes will roll out gradually, with the Central Library and Kings Highway branches reopening on Sundays beginning July 14. Other locations, including the newly remodeled location in Brooklyn Heights, plus branches in Greenpoint, Midwood and New Lots, are reopening for Sundays on August 4.

Meanwhile, the Borough Park Library closed on Saturdays (and remained opened on Sunday) following the budget cuts to serve of the neighborhood. That will return to seven-day service sometime soon.

Service was reduced last December after Mayor Adams and the City Council cut the budget by 5 percent to city agencies. The city received vocal pushback from the library system and the communities it serves with the libraries saying the reduction in funds means less spending on “library materials, programming and building maintenance and repairs.”

However, a new budget that reversed the nearly $60 million cuts means that libraries across the borough can reopen on Sundays, plus restore funding to other needs, like repairs.

“Brooklyn, Queens, and New York Public libraries are thrilled that the budget agreement includes the full restoration of funding for public libraries – a resounding victory for all New Yorkers,” the presidents for Brooklyn, Queens and New York said in a joint statement.

“We are honored to be able to continue the vital programs, initiatives, and hours of operation that this great city so clearly wants, needs, and deserves. Thank you, New York, for the overwhelming show of support on behalf of public libraries,” the trio said.

Brooklyn Public Library CEO Linda Johnson said in a statement that the restored funding “will enable us to reinstate Sunday service and resume the programs and services the public depends on.”

“With a major portion of the funds included as baseline funding, our institution can more effectively plan for the future, providing staff and patrons with continuity and a renewed sense of stability. Thank you to every New Yorker, including the 30,000 Brooklynites who took the time to write to their elected officials in support of libraries,” she said.