Now You Read It, Now You Don’t

Brooklyn Public Library by LemonSunrise on Flickr.

Less than one year after city officials celebrated increased library service throughout the city, looming budget cuts could yet again reduce those hours of operation. Back in July about $10 million had been secured in the city budget to increase library service from 5 days to 6.

The executive director of the Brooklyn Public Library system recently stated that libraries could again be closed two days a week if the cuts in the city budget were approved. The cuts would also mean the loss of many library workers–pink slips would likely go out to those in 127 of the 129 new positions which were added just this year.

Also on the chopping-block are numerous summer and after-school reading programs which take place throughout the Brooklyn library system. Libraries are only one of the many city services that will feel the brunt of the new cost-cutting measures which the city exploring to remedy forecasted budget shortfalls.