He’s shifting gears on a key promise.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani is now opting to cut library funding by nearly $30 million, contrary to his earlier campaign commitment to increase it. He had previously labeled similar cuts by his predecessor as “cruel.”
In his $127 billion preliminary budget, the Manhattan branch of the New York Public Library would face an $11.6 million reduction, while cuts for Brooklyn and Queens would amount to $8.7 million and $9.2 million, respectively, compared to last year.
This pivot marks a significant departure from Mamdani’s pledge to raise funding for all three city library branches by 0.5 percent. He reaffirmed this promise shortly after his election during a December event at Brooklyn Public Library’s Greenpoint branch.
“We’re not going to make a dance out of something that’s so important to New Yorkers,” Mamdani said, drawing enthusiastic applause. He emphasized that they would clarify their budget approach soon.
Interestingly, he had publically criticized former Mayor Eric Adams for similar deep cuts, which had led to the suspension of weekend library services.
Adams faced backlash during his first term when library leaders protested against a proposed $58 million budget cut, which was later reversed after public outcry.
“Mayor Adams is telling New Yorkers that these cruel budget cuts to libraries, sanitation, and parks are necessary,” Mamdani tweeted in 2023, expressing his frustration over the apparent lack of accountability regarding police funding.
Despite this, Mamdani’s commitment to allocate 0.5% of the city’s total budget to libraries remains visible on his campaign site, highlighting the library system’s critical role.
Interestingly, Adams pointed out this inconsistency, questioning why he was attacked for similar cuts.
“Where’s the ‘Save the Library’ gang?!” he expressed in indignation over social media.
Occupy Wall Street highlighted Mamdani’s behind-the-scenes negotiations, suggesting his proposed cuts were more severe than those made by Adams.
“Please work proactively to ensure our libraries receive 0.5% of the city’s spending budget, as he promised during his campaign,” the group urged.
According to a spokesperson for the libraries, Mamdani’s budget proposal means only $2 million would remain for Sunday openings, a service included in last year’s plan.
However, the three public library systems haven’t harshly criticized the cuts; instead, they’ve gently urged Mamdani to keep his previous commitments.
“We look forward to collaborating with the administration and City Council to ensure our city’s libraries are well-funded in the FY27 budget,” spokespeople for the libraries stated in a joint statement.
Mamdani’s spokesperson defended the budget changes, reiterating their critique of the Adams administration.
“Libraries and city parks are treasures and embody the promise of public space,” said Dora Pekek. “However, the budget crisis we inherited requires a comprehensive approach, including streamlining and cutting waste.”
