24 Hour Read In for NYC Libraries!

I've posted about this before. NYC public libraries really are in trouble. Proposed budget cuts will significantly threaten services - an astounding 40 branches may close entirely across the 3 systems while hours, services, and materials will be severely cut back at the remaining branches. And do I need to mention that you'll lose the support of many of your favorite librarians and staffers? Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Library have already handed out pink slips.

Write your council person, write to Mayor Bloomberg.
And join the We Will Not Be Shushed 24 Hour Read In! on the steps of Brooklyn Public Library's Central Branch this Saturday at 5 pm. Come for a little while or stay for the long haul. For more information and to sign up to read or volunteer, visit SaveNYCLibraries

NYC Public Libraries are in trouble

The New York Society Library may be the oldest library in NYC, but we're not the only library in town. We love our local public library too.

If you haven't heard, New York City's public libraries are in trouble. Proposed budget cuts could mean signficant numbers of branch closings (10 at NYPL, 14 in Queens, and 16 throughout Brooklyn), fewer hours (especially weekend hours) at the remaining branches and a drastic reduction in materials and services (BPL estimates 6 million fewer library materials than are currently purchased).

Here's how you can let the City Council know how much New York needs its public libraries:

Join tomorrow's rally at Queens Library's Flushing branch:
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Flushing Library, 41-17 Main Street, take the 7 right to the end

Come out on Saturday and participate in Brooklyn Public Library's Love Your Library Day:
Saturday, May 15, 2010
10:00am - 4:00pm
Central Library, Plaza
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY

Tell your Council Members what you think about the proposed cuts! Fill out this online form from the New York Public Library, this one from Brooklyn Public, or sign the Queens Library petition. Better yet, send a personalized postcard to your Council Member TODAY.