Sunday service is back at these NYC libraries this weekend

For the first time since late last year, Sunday service will return to some New York City public library branches this weekend. Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council last month agreed to a budget for fiscal year 2025 that restores $58.3 million in funding for the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library. The libraries will reinstate Sunday service at branches that previously offered it on a rolling basis starting July 14.

The libraries cut Sunday service at all branches that offered it after mid-year budget cuts were announced in November; library officials at the time said any further cuts could mean opening just five days per week. The budget adopted on July 1 allows universal six-day service to continue and avoids cuts to materials, hours, and maintenance.

Starting July 14, at least one library in every borough will resume Sunday service. In the coming weeks, more libraries will reopen, with service back to levels seen before the November 2023 budget cuts.

“These crucial operating dollars will enable us to reinstate Sunday service and resume the programs and services the public depends on,” Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, said.

“With a major portion of the funds included as baseline funding, our institution can more effectively plan for the future, providing staff and patrons with continuity and a renewed sense of stability. Thank you to every New Yorker, including the 30,000 Brooklynites who took the time to write to their elected officials in support of libraries. We look forward to our continued partnership with the city, and to keeping our libraries strong.”

To celebrate the first Sunday service since last year, the libraries are hosting parties on July 14, with giveaways, live performances, reading recommendations, appearances from elected officials, and more, at select branches. Learn more about the Brooklyn Public Library’s event and the New York Public Library event.

The following branches will reopen on Sundays starting July 14 or August 4:

New York Public Library

On July 14:

• Parkchester Library in the Bronx
• Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) in Manhattan
• Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library on Staten Island

Brooklyn Public Library

On July 14:

• Central
• Kings Highway

On August 4:

• Brooklyn Heights
• Greenpoint
• Macon
• Midwood
• New Lots

Queens Public Library

On July 14:

• Central Library
• Flushing Library

RELATED:

• NYC public library funding restored, Sunday service to resume
• NYC public libraries end Sunday service due to budget cuts