REMARKS
Council Member Carlina Rivera opens Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations hearing on New York City library systems
0:05:32
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5 min
Council Member Carlina Rivera outlines the proposed fiscal 2025 budget figures for New York City's three library systems, expressing disappointment over funding cuts and the need for budget restorations and increases.
- Rivera highlights the importance of libraries for diverse communities across the boroughs.
- She discusses the proposed $425.1 million expense budget and $920.2 million capital budget for libraries in fiscal 2025.
- Rivera notes the council's call for $58.3 million in additional library funding to restore cuts and cover funding gaps.
- She emphasizes the need for appropriate funding to maintain high-quality library services, facilities, materials, and staffing.
Carlina Rivera
0:05:32
Thank you so much.
0:05:33
Good morning, everyone.
0:05:34
Thank you for being here.
0:05:36
I wanna thank Chair Brandon for highlighting what it is the city is going through in terms of the stakes and how important our library system is to the functioning of the city and its availability, its importance of its availability to so many families across the boroughs.
0:05:54
Welcome to the hearing for the committee on cultural affairs, libraries, and international intergroup relations.
0:05:59
I am council member, Carlene Rivera, chair of this committee.
0:06:03
Today, we will begin with a hearing on the city's 3 library systems following a hearing on cultural affairs.
0:06:09
This morning, we'll be discussing the executive expense and capital budget for the systems.
0:06:15
For fiscal 2025, the administration is proposing a 425 $1,000,000 subsidy for the library systems.
0:06:23
The fiscal 2025 executive capital commitment plan which covers fiscal 2024 to 20 28, includes 920,200,000 for the library systems.
0:06:36
In the council's fiscal 2025 preliminary budget response, we called on the administration to allocate an additional 58,300,000 to the city's 3 library systems.
0:06:48
This funding would have restored the baseline cut of 22,100,000 to library's budgets reinstated the one shot funding of $20,500,000 from fiscal 2024 and covered the 15.7 $1,000,000 subsidy provided through city council discretionary funding at budget adoption last June.
0:07:10
These commitments would have made the fiscal 20 25 budget for libraries commensurate with the adopted fiscal 2024 funding level.
0:07:19
I think it is safe to say we are all disappointed to see that the executive plan did not include a restoration of the cuts.
0:07:28
The council and the administration for that matter continues to champion libraries, but it is his council.
0:07:35
That has made it very clear that libraries are a funding priority and urges the administration to reverse these reductions immediately.
0:07:44
I grew up visiting the libraries, enjoying the different programs offered, and reading the wide variety of books I would like for my children and all young New Yorkers to have the same opportunities that I had.
0:07:55
I've also been there as an adult, of course, and been recommended amazing books like Pachinko and demon Copperhead and so many others.
0:08:04
It's such an inclusive place.
0:08:07
Libraries have an essential presence in every neighborhood of New York providing indispensable services in a safe and reliable space to all residents, be it our young people, seniors, immigrants, asylum seekers, or even incarcerated individuals.
0:08:21
Along with the increase in programming and circulation, the systems have also seen a rise in the cost of materials, staffing and general operating.
0:08:31
It is essential that our city's libraries are provided the funding essential to continue the provision of the high level of service New Yorkers expect and deserve.
0:08:41
Funds are also required to maintain the library's physical space for repairs and upkeep that are not capital eligible.
0:08:49
Without appropriate safe and reliable facilities, the amount of operational funding available for libraries would be relevant.
0:08:56
The systems were also subjected to $830,000,000 capital budget reduction.
0:09:03
This reduction has resulted in the delaying of capital projects pushing them into the out years of the plan, as well as the elimination of funding for several projects some of which had already commenced their early phases of design.
0:09:18
Libraries need capital dollars to restore aging infrastructure, construct new build and to expand existing facilities.
0:09:26
Public libraries help many New Yorkers to rebuild their lives and reconnect to their communities.
0:09:32
Particularly in the post pandemic world.
0:09:35
I want to ensure that the fiscal 2025 adopted budget adequately funds the city's library systems Libraries are a beacon for our city, and they deserve a budget that enables them to provide the necessary services for the communities.
0:09:48
And, of course, to support the amazing staff inside of those facilities.
0:09:53
Thank you all for your service.
0:09:55
It is essential that the budget we adopt this year is transparent accountable and reflective of the priorities and interests of the council and the people that we represent.
0:10:05
I look forward to an active engagement with the administration over the next few weeks, I guess, at this point to ensure the fiscal 2025 adopted budget meets the goals the council has set out.
0:10:17
I wanna recognize the members of the committee that are present.
0:10:20
I see council member Lewis.
0:10:23
And also, I wanna thank my staff for organizing not just today's hearing, but also the past few weeks holding it down, chief of staff and budget director Katie Lowe, Vice President of Director Eddie Amador Financial Analyst, Sandra Gray.
0:10:36
Committee's counsel, Christina Yalamati, and legislative policy analyst, Regina Paul, I also have to thank my husband for being at home today with my newborn baby.
0:10:46
With that, turn it back to the chair.
