10 Libraries Will Open on Sundays in N.Y.C. Budget Deal

New York Times

27-06-2025

New York City leaders have reached an agreement to bring Sunday service to 10 library branches that do not currently have it, as part of a broader city budget deal, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.
The budget, details of which are expected to be announced as soon as Friday afternoon, will include $15 million in new funds for the libraries' general operating expenses, and $2 million more for expanded Sunday service. The specific branches that will open on Sunday have not been determined.
The budget is also expected to include additional funding for immigrant legal services and for child care programs for 2-year-olds, one of the people said.
The budget negotiations between Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council speaker, Adrienne Adams, have been proceeding as both were focused on the Democratic mayoral primary.
Ms. Adams finished fourth in the preliminary election results; Mr. Adams, who launched his re-election campaign as an independent this week, was not on the ballot. The two leaders are not related.
Ms. Adams, who has repeatedly pushed back against the mayor's budget cuts to libraries and preschool, had pledged to expand Sunday service at 10 branches during her State of the City speech in March.
Funding for several of the mayor's priorities are also expected to be included in the budget deal, including $6 million for a new Division of Sustainable Delivery, according to one of the people familiar with the negotiations.
Mr. Adams has repeatedly called for a new body within city government to regulate the many electric bikes, mopeds and cargo bikes being used to deliver food and other items to New Yorkers.
He has said that the division would 'prioritize safety while harnessing the potential of these new forms of transportation,' and 'establish clear goals and guidelines for the future of delivery in New York City.'
This is a developing story and will be updated.