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Taking page from Adams, Mayor Mamdani proposes NYC library cuts
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Feb 19, 2026
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By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Feb 19, 2026
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After touting the importance of libraries as a candidate, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is following in the footsteps of his predecessor by proposing budget cuts that could force service reductions at branches around New York City.
Mamdani’s preliminary budget proposal, which he introduced earlier this week, includes a $29 million cut to the city’s three major library systems. The proposal represents a reversal of one of his campaign promises and is another example of how the new mayor is backtracking on policy commitments as he faces financial and political pressure. The mayor on Wednesday announced he would resume homeless encampment sweeps, despite his earlier pledges to end the practice.
Mamdani has praised libraries both on the campaign trail and as mayor, calling them “critical” to the city’s success. He prompted a surge in e-book downloads at the public libraries last month, when he urged New Yorkers to stay home during the snowstorm and read the bestseller “Heated Rivalry.” While testifying in Albany last week, Mamdani vowed the city would not resort to a “politics of austerity.”
“If you're just going to say, ‘Oh, I love the library,’ but you’re not actually supporting them, then that’s a real disappointment and, frankly, bulls---,” said Abby Emerson, a member of the NYC Public Library Action Network, or NYC PLAN.
Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for the mayor, said in a statement that "the budget crisis we inherited compels us to take an all-of-government approach and use every tool at our disposal to meet the legal mandate to balance the budget, including achieving efficiencies and cutting waste."
Pekec pointed out that the preliminary budget marked the beginning of a months-long budget process.
Emerson pointed to Mamdani’s promise on his campaign website to increase funding for the libraries and end the perennial budget dance that turns libraries into a bargaining chip with the City Council in budget negotiations.
Asked about libraries in December, Mamdani said he would end the practice of using them as a budget pawn.
“We’re not going to be doing a dance around things that are critically important to New Yorkers,” he told reporters.
NYC PLAN, which is made up of library patrons and staff members, formed in 2024 after former Mayor Eric Adams battled with libraries over cuts. Adams and the City Council ultimately agreed to restore cuts that had forced libraries to close on Sundays.
NYC PLAN has already mobilized a campaign to fight the cuts. Members have scheduled a rally for libraries in March. They launched an online campaign describing the mayor’s preliminary budget as “terrible” for the city’s libraries.
Part of the group’s mission is to raise funding for libraries to 0.5% of the total budget. Mamdani pledged to meet that goal as a candidate and as mayor-elect. But the current spending plan provides $456 million for libraries, or less than 0.4% of the total $127 billion budget.
The mayor’s budget does leave $2 million for libraries open on Sundays. But it’s unclear whether that additional funding is sufficient for branches to maintain their operating hours, given the overall cuts.
Melissa Grace, a spokesperson for New York Public Library, issued a statement on behalf of all three library systems that expressed appreciation for the $2 million in funding for Sunday services.
“We look forward to working with the administration and City Council to ensure that the [fiscal year 2027] budget fully funds the city’s libraries so that we can maintain vital services while also supporting enhanced Sunday hours,” Grace said.
Tagged
Politics
Zohran Mamdani
education
eric adams
libraries
new york city
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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