More than 30 branches across the city will offer seven-day service beginning September 7   

$2 million expansion secured in city budget first proposed by NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams 

City Hall, NY — Beginning September 7, 11 additional library branches across New York City will now offer service on Sundays, as a result of new operational funding secured in the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This expansion, which was championed by Speaker Adrienne Adams and the New York City Council, is made possible by a $2 million investment  dedicated to growing weekend access to library service.  

Expanding seven-day library service to at least 10 additional branches was a proposal first outlined in New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ 2025 State of the City address. The City Council subsequently included the funding proposal in its Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Response as a priority for the adopted budget. 

This $2 million is in addition to a $15 million increase in operating support for New York City’s three library systems – Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Public Library (QPL) – as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget. The new Sunday hours will begin September 7, 2025, and will bring the citywide total number of branches open on Sundays to more than 30.  

“I proposed expanding 7-day library service across the city in my 2025 State of the City address, because libraries are among our most precious public resources, serving New Yorkers of all ages in every neighborhood,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I’m proud that we have secured an additional $2 million in the city budget to deliver for more neighborhoods and ensure even more residents have access to economic and educational opportunities. The Council will continue to prioritize support for our neighborhood libraries and the vital programs they provide for New Yorkers in our communities.” 

“Our city’s public libraries aren’t just about books anymore,” said Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Committee on Finance. “They are tabernacles of freedom and democracy. They serve as a lighthouse for kids, parents, new immigrants, and seniors. An egalitarian city cannot exist without these sacred spaces that serve New Yorkers of all ages, all backgrounds, at every income level, with literacy programs, language & technology classes, homework help, career help, adult education, reading programs for kids, workforce development services, and more. 7-day library service has always been a priority of this council and we are so thrilled to expand 7-day service to 11 additional neighborhood library branches across the city.” 

“Libraries are critical infrastructure providing essential services for New Yorkers. I am proud to have secured $2 million in funding in this year’s budget to expand 7-day library service to 11 additional branches throughout the city,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations. “Now even more families and individuals will get to learn to love reading, access resources to bridge the digital divide, and enjoy all that libraries have to offer.”  

“We are thrilled to offer full weekend access to our spaces, programs, and resources for more people in more places across Queens,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are incredibly grateful to our city leaders who made this investment – Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who led the effort to secure funding for expanded seven-day service, Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Council Libraries Committee Chair Carlina Rivera, the entire City Council and Mayor Eric Adams — for reinforcing the importance of our great institutions and for working with us to meet the challenges of our times.” 

“With the city undergoing an affordability crisis and third spaces rapidly declining, libraries are increasingly the answer New Yorkers need,” said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. “From working parents on a budget who want enriching experiences for their children to seniors looking to stay engaged with their community, libraries provide a free sanctuary for millions of New Yorkers. Expanding Sunday service to five additional NYPL branches will have a decisively positive impact on the surrounding communities.” 

“Keeping libraries open on Sundays is one of the most meaningful ways we can serve New Yorkers- especially working families and those who count on us for free programs, internet access, books, and safe, welcoming spaces. In the summer, that also means a place to cool off and stay out of the heat,” said Linda Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “We’re deeply grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, and the entire City Council for making this investment in our city’s future and affirming the essential role libraries play in our communities.” 

Expanded Sunday library service will be offered at the following branches: 

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) 

• Bay Ridge 

• Bedford 

New York Public Library (NYPL) 

• Mott Haven 

• Baychester 

• Kingsbridge 

• Harlem 

• St. George 

Queens Public Library (QPL) 

• Glen Oaks 

• Hunters Point 

• Jackson Heights 

• Rochdale Village 

The additional funding also will allow QPL to offer a seventh day of service at Kew Gardens Hills. Starting September 13, the branch will be open on Saturdays, bringing to eight the number of QPL locations with seven-day service. QPL’s Central, Flushing, and Far Rockaway libraries are currently open every day of the week.  

“Libraries are lifelines for our communities — places where children discover the joy of reading, students learn and grow, and neighbors connect to vital resources,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “That’s why, as part of this year’s FY26 budget and under Speaker Adrienne Adams’s leadership, the NYC Council secured $2 million to fund seven-day library service citywide, including at the Kingsbridge Library. Growing up, I was a regular at the Kingsbridge branch, and now, with it open on Sundays, countless Bronxites will have even more opportunities to experience the wonder of our libraries. For working families, students, and older adults, expanded access means more chances to read, learn, and build community. This investment ensures that Bronx residents — no matter their schedule or circumstances — can take full advantage of everything our libraries offer.” 

“I am excited to share that the Kew Gardens Hills library in my district is one of the 11 branches expanding to 7-day service,” said Council Member James F. Gennaro. “This is a major win for my district. And the expansion of 7-day library service is a victory for all residents across New York City. With expanded service, more New Yorkers will have access to books, technology, programming, and a safe, welcoming space every day of the week.  I’d like to thank New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and my colleagues in the Council for their continued dedication to preserving and enhancing our public libraries.” 

“Our libraries are lifelines,” said Council Member Kamillah M. Hanks. “They offer more than books, they provide safe spaces to learn, connect, and grow. Expanding to 7-day service is an  investment in our communities and a commitment to making sure every New Yorker, no matter their age or background, has access to the resources they need to thrive.” 

“We are thrilled that the Jackson Heights Library is 1 of the 10 libraries that will now be open 7  days a week!” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “In a district starved for public space,  the Jackson Heights library is a place for our neighbors and families to come together. I’m proud that with the leadership of Speaker Adams and my office’s advocacy, there are now more   opportunities for my constituents to pick up new books for our children, participate in the library’s amazing programs, and have weekly access to computers and other technology the library provides in Jackson Heights.”  
 

“Libraries are essential hubs that offer community members of all ages a place to connect, access technology, and receive supportive services,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “Thanks to the $2 million secured in the FY26 budget, this Council is ensuring these vital community spaces can serve residents seven days a week, expanding access to neighbors who frequent the Glen Oaks Library in my district, and families who rely on our libraries’ services across the city. I’m grateful to Speaker Adams for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of our libraries.” 

“Libraries are cornerstones of our communities in every hour and day of operation,” said Council Member Chi Ossé. “The shift to 7-day service sets an excellent standard. I’m thrilled that our very own Bedford Library is receiving this service upgrade and immensely proud to have helped deliver this win for our city, borough, and neighborhood.” 

“Libraries are the heart of our communities,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Thanks to the $2 million secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget, the Hunters Point Library will have 7-day services. This expansion is a big step towards ensuring New Yorkers’ daily access to essential resources, whether it’s books, internet, job support, or a safe space to learn and gather. Thank you to Speaker Adams and Queens Public Library for prioritizing literacy, learning, and safe community spaces not just in my district, but throughout New York City.” 

For full details on hours and services, patrons are encouraged to visit the websites of each library system. 

Branches Currently Offering 7 – Day Service (new additions begin on September 7) 

*closed for renovation 

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