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In recent months, there has been public criticism regarding the city’s apparent lack of commitment to its public libraries. While I agree that much still needs to be done to improve this important resource, I think it is unfair to say that the city has not been taking steps to ensure the well being of its libraries.
One metric used to compare library systems is average hours of operation. The criticism is that New York City’s libraries are open less than 40 hours a week, while other major library systems average more than 50 hours of service a week. Simply comparing hours of operation fails to take into account the expansiveness of our system and the depth of service it provides. While Los Angeles and Chicago have roughly 75 branches and Boston and Washington D.C. have less than 30 branches, the city’s library system consists of over 200 branches, many of which offer important community services like broadband access, small business assistance programs, and English as a second language classes.
One of the factors limiting New York City libraries was inconsistent funding, especially in the wake of 9/11. In times of financial distress, the library system could not count on receiving the money that it needed to maintain its services. In the latest budget, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the City Council agreed to “baseline” $40.7 million of the library’s budget that faced annual cuts in budget negotiations.
“Baselining” this money ensures that it cannot be cut in future negotiations. Like other vital services, such as the Police and Fire Departments, all three library systems now have the financial security to plan ahead for programming and operating costs without fear of facing cuts in lean times. Having thus ensured our libraries’ basic health, we have a firm starting point from which to fight for future increases.
Despite the work that has been done, there is still much that can be improved. The New York City Council has taken major steps recently to improve the quality of its libraries.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn showed strong commitment to the city’s libraries when she appointed me the first-ever chair of a new subcommittee on libraries. For the first time, the Council has one of its members dedicated solely to the issue. I have since initiated a five-borough tour to gauge the state of the system by personally speaking with librarians and library users.
I am currently working with Council Member Domenic Recchia Jr., chair of the Council’s Committee on Cultural Affairs, to find creative ways to increase private funding for branch libraries. Additionally, I am exploring legislative and other means to procure low interest bonds for capital projects.
Libraries are a repository of our civilization’s accumulated knowledge. Access to them is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our community and to our children. I agree wholeheartedly that New York City’s public libraries have room to improve, but claims that elected officials are not concerned are unfounded. We have been working hard and are committed to doing so until public libraries are restored to their proper place in New York City culture.
Vincent Gentile is a Democrat representing the Council’s 43rd District, encompassing Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, and is chair of the Council’s Subcommittee on Libraries.