Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Public Library, and The New York Public Library regret to announce that as a result of mid-year city budget cuts, we must eliminate seven-day service across the city, including ending Sunday service at the vast majority of branches that currently offer it.
We also will be reducing spending on library materials, programming, and building maintenance and repairs. Without sufficient funding, we cannot sustain our current levels of service, and any further cuts to the Libraries’ budgets will, unfortunately, result in deeper service impacts. We know how much New Yorkers rely on the vital resources we provide, and we remain committed to meeting their needs as best as we can.
The following loan rules on digital items will take effect on Tuesday, December 12, 2023:
- Patrons can check out up to 10 digital items (reduced from 20 checkouts). Existing digital checkouts will not be impacted; however patrons carrying more than 10 checkouts will not be able to renew an item.
- Patrons can place up to 5 holds on digital items (reduced from 10 holds). Existing digital holds will not be impacted; however patrons carrying more than 5 holds will not be able to select "Deliver Later" on those holds.
The last day of Sunday service will be December 17, 2023 at the following locations:
Beginning Sunday, March 10, 2024, Borough Park Library will be open Sunday-Friday, and closed on Saturdays.
The following loan rules will affect physical checkouts, renewals, and holds placed after Tuesday, January 2, 2024:
- Patrons can place up to 10 holds on physical items (reduced from 15 holds). Existing physical holds will not be impacted. This change will also impact Educator Cards (reduced from 50 holds).
- BPL will assess a replacement charge for the cost of overdue items after 14 days (reduced from 28 days). Existing checkouts will not be impacted.
To learn more about citywide budget impacts on libraries, visit Invest in Libraries.