QUEENS LIBRARY

FY’11 CITY FINANCIAL PLAN IMPACT

New York City’s Executive Budget for FY’11 would reduce funding to Queens Library by
$16.9 million effective July 1, 2010. That is on top of $11.5 million already cut. State funding
has been reduced $1 million, bringing total reductions to $28.3 million since 2008 when
funding was provided to keep all libraries open Saturdays.

During FY’10, funding levels caused the closure of all community libraries on Sundays; the
library’s workforce has been reduced through attrition to cut 160 jobs.

Proposed FY’11 funding levels would cause further service reductions, to the lowest levels on
record.

 Layoffs of 412 employees early in FY 2011. Cumulatively, workforce reductions over

the last 18 months will total 44%.
 14 community libraries will close completely.
 34 community libraries would be closed 4 or 5 days a week.
 12 community libraries would be open 5 days.
 Only one community library would be open six days a week.
 Only one library would be open 7 days.
 Much needed library expansions, including the opening of a remarkable 14,000 square
foot Children’s Library Discovery Center in FY’11, will require considerable resource
allocations, further stretching staff and reducing service in other libraries.
 Further deep reductions in books purchased, programs, building maintenance,
furniture, and needed equipment.

A reduction in hours of service eliminates access to all the free library services that nearly
50,000 people now enjoy each day. This includes jobseekers using computers, school kids
getting homework help, immigrants taking English classes and seniors.