TESTIMONY
David S. Pecoraro, President of the Friends of Rosedale Library, on Budget Cuts Impacting Public Library Services and Programming in Queens
4:26:43
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161 sec
Pecoraro expresses concern over the proposed $58.3 million cut to New York City's public libraries in the fiscal year 2025 budget.
- The cuts would force the end of Saturday service at nearly all Queens library branches
- Working-class communities rely on weekend library access for programming and services
- Cuts would prevent many from participating in cultural programs like Earth Day and book giveaways
- Libraries provide vital after-school homework help and special reading programs
- Pecoraro urges an end to the city's recurring practice of targeting libraries for budget cuts
David S. Pecoraro
4:26:43
Good afternoon.
4:26:45
Chair is Justin Brennan, who represents my eldest son in Brooklyn, Daniel.
4:26:50
And Carolina Rivera, who I believe represents the Rees House is where my wife grew up.
4:26:56
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
4:26:59
My name is David S Pekararo.
4:27:01
I am the president of the Friends of Rosedale Library, a 58 year resident of Rosedale, and though I am not authorized to speak for either, a member of Queen's Community Board 13, and serve as Roselle Civic Association Secretary.
4:27:15
I grew up at the Roselle Library.
4:27:17
Our library was and still is a vital place for activities in our community.
4:27:22
I'm also the son of the late Sheila Pecoraro, who led the sit in at the Roselle branch to keep it open during the fiscal crisis of the 19 seventies.
4:27:32
Her spirit guides me to not only fight the current proposed cuts, but to call for the end of the mayor's all too frequent practice of putting our libraries on the chopping block.
4:27:43
Currently, New York City's libraries are facing a cut of $58,300,000 in expense funding from the city in fiscal year 2025.
4:27:52
With the proposed fiscal year 2025 cuts, Queen's public libraries will need to end Saturday service at nearly every Queen's public library branch.
4:28:01
Our working class community depends upon work weekend access for programming and other services.
4:28:07
These are taxpayers who've earned the right for their families to receive needed services they pay for with a sweat of their brows.
4:28:15
Currently, we plan a variety of culture truly relevant programming.
4:28:19
Thanks to the generous support from a grant from our council member, Selvina Brooks Powers.
4:28:24
Many of the programs such as the recent annual Jackie Robinson's celebration and Earth day celebration, as well as our dream to read summer book giveaway in June, are held on Saturdays to maximize participation by our community members.
4:28:37
The loss of sight of the hours will prevent many hardworking community members from availing themselves of these programs.
4:28:44
Delayed reopening of 3 Erudovitic locations which are close to us also will harm us.
4:28:51
The Rosette library is where our students go to receive an after school homework help, as well as attending the special reading time programs we have organized for Veterans Day, Kwanza, and Dia De Laist with us.
4:29:03
So Women's History And Purum, which were also supported by Council member Brooks Powers.
4:29:09
None of these cuts are acceptable.
4:29:12
All the harm, hardworking New Yorkers.
4:29:15
These payroll budget games must end.
4:29:18
Now, please stop these unnecessary cuts.
4:29:22
Thank you for listening.
