KarunaNews Story

New York City’s libraries will have their budgets fully restored so the more than 200 branches can resume seven-day-a-week service. Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced a budget deal that reverses $58 million in library cuts. The Adams administration also agreed to provide $43 million annually for the libraries in future years. During a long fight about the budget, Council members and library leaders had organized rallies and enlisted support from high-profile individuals. A heatwave further spotlighted the Sunday closures of libraries, which serve as cooling centers. Adam had cited the multi-billion dollar costs to care for migrants but amid better than expected revenues and cost savings, walked back some cuts to public safety, parks and schools.