Dear Friend,

Public libraries make New York City stronger for everyone. They offer free access to knowledge, information, and opportunity to all, no matter their background, identity, or circumstances. They are a cornerstone of our city’s recovery and the center of community in every neighborhood. And now, our libraries are facing millions of dollars in cuts from the City’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

For Queens Public Library, the reduction to our annual budget would result in fewer programs, like storytimes, homework help, language classes, and digital literacy workshops, reduced hours at our locations, and fewer books, magazines, and newspapers. We cannot let this happen.

I am writing to ask you to please sign a letter (it takes only a minute) to your elected leaders urging them to protect library funding as they negotiate the budget for next year, and to make clear how much libraries mean to you and your communities.

On Monday, March 20, I will be testifying before the City Council, emphasizing the critical role of libraries in every community across Queens and the devastating effects of funding cuts. Prior to the hearing, the presidents of the Brooklyn and New York public library systems and I, as well as library workers and our supporters, will gather on the steps of City Hall for a rally at 10 am to implore the Mayor and the Council to keep our funding intact. I hope you will join us and make your voice heard. Please RSVP here if you can join us.

If you would like to share your stories about the role the library plays in your life, please send an email to us.

Thank you for your support for Queens Public Library. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that New York City’s public libraries – and our communities – remain strong.

With gratitude,

Dennis M. Walcott
President and CEO
Queens Public Library