{"id":2933,"date":"2025-08-04T09:26:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T13:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/?p=2933"},"modified":"2025-08-04T09:26:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T13:26:17","slug":"nycs-public-libraries-to-expand-sunday-library-service-to-11-additional-branches-citywide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2025\/08\/04\/2933\/","title":{"rendered":"NYC\u2019s Public Libraries to Expand Sunday Library Service to 11 Additional Branches Citywide"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than 30 branches across the city will offer seven-day service beginning September 7<\/em>   <\/p>\n

$2 million expansion secured in city budget first proposed by NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams<\/em> <\/p>\n

City Hall, NY<\/strong> \u2014 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\u2019s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This expansion, which was championed by Speaker Adrienne Adams<\/a> and the New York City Council, is made possible by a $2 million investment  dedicated to growing weekend access to library service.  <\/p>\n

Expanding seven-day library service to at least 10 additional branches was a proposal first outlined in New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams\u2019 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. <\/p>\n

This $2 million is in addition to a $15 million increase in operating support for New York City\u2019s 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.  <\/p>\n

\u201cI 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,\u201d said Speaker Adrienne Adams<\/strong>. \u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cOur city’s public libraries aren\u2019t just about books anymore,\u201d said Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Committee on Finance<\/strong>. \u201cThey 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.” <\/p>\n

\u201cLibraries are critical infrastructure providing essential services for New Yorkers. I am proud to have secured $2 million in funding in this year\u2019s budget to expand 7-day library service to 11 additional branches throughout the city,\u201d said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations.<\/strong> \u201cNow 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.\u201d  <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are thrilled to offer full weekend access to our spaces, programs, and resources for more people in more places across Queens,\u201d said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. \u201cWe are incredibly grateful to our city leaders who made this investment \u2013 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.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cWith the city undergoing an affordability crisis and third spaces rapidly declining, libraries are increasingly the answer New Yorkers need,\u201d said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library<\/strong>. \u201cFrom 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.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cKeeping 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,\u201d said Linda Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library.<\/strong> \u201cWe\u2019re 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\u2019s future and affirming the essential role libraries play in our communities.\u201d <\/p>\n

Expanded Sunday library service will be offered at the following branches: <\/p>\n

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL)<\/strong> <\/p>\n