Keep Libraries Open

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The phrase keep libraries open is in response to harsh New York Public library budget cuts. In 2010, the New York Public Library (NYPL) faced the most severe budget cuts in its history. The proposed cut of $36,800,000 was said to be the worst the NYPL has seen since the 1970 cuts when the city was close to bankruptcy. Hamilton Fish Park, Seward Park, and Chatham Park Library located in Lower Manhattan were anticipating cuts to valuable programs geared toward students, adult education, and English language learners. Protests were held at city hall where elementary school students gathered with letters addressed to city council members and former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg voicing their concerns about the proposed cuts. In an effort to restore funding, an advocacy website, dontclosethebookNYPL.org was created where concerned patrons submitted letters pleading with the City Council to bring back funding.