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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Mariame Kaba, Member of the Public
6:18:15
ยท
87 sec
Mariame Kaba, a member of the New York City Public Library Action Network, testified in support of robust funding for New York City public libraries. She emphasized the critical role libraries play in the city and called for allocating at least 0.5% of the total NYC budget to support library operating costs.
- Kaba shared her personal experience of growing up with NYC libraries and their importance to children and young people.
- She highlighted that current library funding (0.42% of the city budget) is inadequate and has not kept up with inflation.
- Kaba expressed her desire for her taxes to enhance the standard of living for all city residents through robust library funding.
Mariame Kaba
6:18:15
Good afternoon, to the committee members.
6:18:20
I am grateful for the time to speak on behalf of our New York City public libraries.
6:18:25
I don't have to impress on the council just having listened to everybody who's gone forward before how critical New York City libraries are to our city.
6:18:34
I was born and raised here in New York City.
6:18:36
My local library helped to raise me, and I think the same is true for countless children and young people in this city.
6:18:43
As critical infrastructure and a necessary third space open to all, we need robust funding for our libraries, and instead, what we've gotten is decreasing funding that has not kept up with inflation over many years.
6:18:58
As a member of New York City Public Library Action Network, I call on a I call for a budget that robustly supports public libraries, and we can begin by allocating at least 0.5% of the total New York City budget to support operating costs of New York City public libraries.
6:19:15
And our calculations suggest that, the current number is point 42%, and that is wholly inadequate.
6:19:24
I live in the city.
6:19:26
I will live here through until I retire, and I want my taxes to enhance the standard of living of everyone in this city.
6:19:34
Our libraries are necessary for a flourishing city, and we need to fund them robustly.
6:19:40
Thanks so much for listening and for your work.