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Q&A

Council Member Farah Louis questions libraries on civic engagement and federal funding risks

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Council Member Farah Louis poses two questions to the library representatives. She inquires about funding for civic engagement programs in FY '26 and their locations, as well as potential risks to federal funding for Brooklyn Public Library due to restrictions on DEI and gender equity materials.

Asks about the amount of funding committed to civic engagement programs for FY '26
Inquires about potential federal funding risks related to DEI and gender equity materials
Requests information on contingency plans to protect educational and cultural resources

Farah Louis

0:59:10

you all this morning and thank you President Johnson and your staff, Michelle for your support with Clarendon Library and the reopening in January.

0:59:18

Two quick questions.

0:59:20

One on political and civic engagement, the other one on federal funding risks.

0:59:25

During last year's hearing, we discussed the importance of civic engagement programs in libraries particularly given the current national political climate.

0:59:34

How much funding is committed to these programs for FY '26 and in which locations will they primarily be conducted?

0:59:41

The second question is in regards to federal funding risks.

0:59:45

I wanted to know is the Brooklyn Public Library at risk of losing federal funding as well as the whole institution due to the administration's policies restricting materials regarding DEI and gender equity?

0:59:58

And if so, what contingency plans are you all putting in place to safeguard these critical education and cultural resources?

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Queens Public Library's future vision and plans for expanding outreach

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Brooklyn Public Library's response on civic engagement programs and Books Unbanned initiative