NYC public libraries have their funding restored, will reopen on Sundays

New York City officials have agreed to restore more than $111 million in funding to libraries and cultural institutions across the city, the City Council announced Friday.

New York City officials have agreed to restore more than $111 million in funding to libraries and cultural institutions, the City Council announced Thursday. The agreement is a victory for residents and organizations who had been pushing back for months against budget cuts in the nation’s largest city and one of the world’s foremost cultural capitals. In November, the city announced it would cut the budget of the New York Public libraries by $58.3 million in fiscal year 2025, and slash the budget for other cultural institutions, including the Bronx Zoo and Carnegie Hall, by $53 million. The new deal reverses those cuts, and is set to be finalized in a City Council vote Sunday. “We are proud to announce a full restoration of funds to both our libraries and cultural institutions in the upcoming budget,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a statement Thursday. “These institutions are a critical part of New York City’s social fabric, which New Yorkers depend on for their children’s growth and the vibrancy of our city.” Adams’ office unveiled additional cultural sector cuts of $7.6 million in January, before reversing those cuts in May. “Our arts and cultural institutions and libraries are foundational pillars of our city, and New Yorkers depend on their services every day,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, thanking the mayor’s administration for reaching the deal. “The Council has consistently championed funding restorations for these institutions as a top priority, and we’re proud to reach an agreement with Mayor Adams and the administration to successfully secure these critical investments for them in the city budget.”