Budget Rally for NYC Libraries

We're in yet another library budget dance.

During his campaign, Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised to dedicate 0.5% of the city’s expense budget to public libraries each year—a commitment that would finally end the annual negotiation that forces libraries, workers, and communities to fight for funding year after year. But the FY27 Preliminary Budget falls short of that promise, allocating just 0.39% of the city’s budget to our library systems.

This shortfall has consequences. Budget uncertainty leads to hiring freezes, overworked staff, deferred repairs, canceled programs, and reduced hours. For millions of New Yorkers—immigrants, students, seniors, job-seekers, and families—libraries are not optional amenities. They are essential public infrastructure, providing free education, internet access, cultural programming, and welcoming community spaces in neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

Before the City Council’s budget hearing on libraries, join library workers, patrons, and advocates to make our voices heard. We’re gathering outside City Hall to send a clear message: New Yorkers deem libraries essential, and our city’s budget should reflect that.

📅 Tuesday, March 18

⏰ 9:00 AM

📍 Outside City Hall (before the City Council budget hearing on libraries)

Show up, speak out, and stand with the workers and communities who keep our libraries alive. Let's come together and demand that City Hall follow through on its commitments.

The budget process isn’t over, and the future of our libraries is worth fighting for.