Ten public libraries in New York City will resume Sunday service this weekend, with the reopened Sunday branches covering various locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan areas.
Due to Mayor Adams cutting library budgets last summer, branch libraries in all five boroughs were forced to close on Sundays. This decision by the mayor sparked strong opposition from the public, with some city council members prioritizing the restoration of full seven-day service during budget negotiations.
As part of the budget agreement reached between the mayor and city council at the end of June, a total of $58.3 million was allocated for the three library systems in New York City – the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library – enabling the gradual restoration of Sunday opening hours. By mid-July, seven public libraries across the five boroughs had already resumed Sunday service, with varying opening times depending on the branch.
Beginning on August 4th, the following libraries will reopen on Sundays:
1. Bronx: Bronx Library Center, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
2. Bronx: Grand Concourse Library, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
3. Manhattan: Washington Heights Library, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
4. Manhattan: Jefferson Market Library, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
5. Manhattan: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
6. Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights Library, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
7. Brooklyn: Greenpoint Library, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
8. Brooklyn: Macon Library, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
9. Brooklyn: Midwood Library, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
10. Brooklyn: New Lots Library, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Queens Public Library stated that the newly completed Far Rockaway Library will also offer Sunday service, with its official opening on July 30th. Additionally, other branches in Queens, including the Bay Terrace Library, Broadway Library in Astoria, and Hillcrest Library, will reopen in the “coming months” after completion of renovations.