Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani: Good morning, everyone. It is an honor to be in Flatbush alongside librarians, advocates and families who support New York City's Public Library system. And I want to acknowledge, alongside me, we have Linda Johnson, the BPL president; we have Iris Weinshall, the New York Public Library COO; [and] we have the head of the People's Plan, Zara Nasir. And we have, to my right, partners in government: our City Council Member Nantasha Williams, who is here with us; Crystal Hudson, our Council member; and then our Council Member Shahana Hanif.
It is a pleasure to be here alongside partners, whether it be the deputy speaker [or] whether it'd be the heads of public library systems, because we are all here with an understanding of the value of these kinds of institutions. No matter how much money you make, what language you speak or where you live in the five boroughs, New York City's 220 library branches are for you. Thanks to the New York Public Library, we have the work of Jamaica Kincaid, Maya Angelou and authors whose names we don't yet know. But who are scribbling in notebooks and typing on laptops at many branches right now.
Brooklyn author Jacqueline Woodson said, “From the time I could sign my name, we had library carts. I'm sure there were independent bookstores somewhere, but they weren't in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn in the 70s and 80s.” So, the library became her second home. Every day after school, while she waited for her mother to get off work, she lost herself in books, from Hans Christian Andersen to Langston Hughes. She reveled in the portal to other worlds that books opened up. It was in a public library where she first thought: “I can do this.” Unfortunately for me, the Bryant Park Public Library branch where I went to write my first ill-conceived screenplay is where I came to the conclusion: “Actually, I can't do this.”
Career pivot aside, my love for libraries has never changed. As mayor, I have often looked to libraries for proof of what's possible. Those who doubt [the] government's ability to deliver services like city-run grocery stores and universal childcare need look no further than our public libraries — 220 monuments to public excellence scattered across our city. And yet over recent decades, City government has paid lip service to the importance of public libraries and then refused to guarantee the funding they deserve. For too long, our libraries, along with our parks, cultural institutions, CUNY systems and transit programs have had to engage in what is known as a “budget dance.” It's a dysfunctional process that every year forces these kinds of libraries to fight for every single dollar in their share of the budget. This process keeps our libraries on the perpetual back foot, desperately trying to keep the same floor year after year instead of being able to advocate for more.
It is time we stop asking our libraries to justify their existence. It is for us to expand what New Yorkers can expect from core government services. Earlier this week, we released our executive budget. In doing so, we spoke of how a budget is a reflection of the vision we have for this city, of what we choose to materially support, [and of] what we chose to let wither. And our executive budget reflects a clear set of choices. City Hall believes in our public library system. We are funding our public library system. And instead of fighting to maintain the same floor year after year, we will see how high we can raise that ceiling.
Our executive budget baselines $31.7 million in new permanent funding across all three of New York City's Public Library systems. Instead of pouring their energy into funding fights, libraries can now use this time and funding to actually hire staff, expand hours and grow programming. They can start to plan on more than simply an annual basis — but beyond that they can use it to stock in-demand titles like Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy or the new Ben Lerner, if you're more of that type of guy, because our libraries and the New Yorkers they serve deserve better than politics as usual. And I want to acknowledge the partners that I have alongside me, who have been a critical part of us getting to this point, who have been advocating for this kind of funding, and who, alongside [us], we make this commitment.
Because no longer will we abide a budgeting process that degrades and demeans the institutions that make New York City what it is. When we speak of the work of building a more affordable, more dignified New York City, we often focus on the basics like the cost of rent [and] the cost for groceries, yet our libraries nourish us in ways that are hard to quantify yet no less essential. Let us no longer expend valuable energy debating whether a resume-building class or the weekend hours parents rely on to get through rainy days are worthy of our support.
There is nothing like the shared solitude found in our New York Public libraries. Let us continue to support these spaces that bring us together, that build a city we can all enjoy, and that foster our solidarity as New Yorkers. Thank you all very much, and now I'll pass it over to our BPL president, Linda Johnson.
Linda E. Johnson, President, Brooklyn Public Library: Mr. Mayor, did you hear a collective sigh of relief the other day when the budget was announced? Library workers all over the city and here in Brooklyn definitely felt relieved. Good morning, everyone. I'm Linda Johnson. I'm president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library and I'm delighted to welcome everyone here to Cortelyou Library in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Today, we offer our sincere thanks to the mayor for restoring $31.7 million in operating funds to the city's three library systems in his Fiscal Year 2027 executive budget. And just as praiseworthy for baselining those dollars, [the] Brooklyn Public Library relies on city support, and it has been far too long since we've had this level of stability. Knowing our operating funding will be there next year is a really big deal.
Thank you, deputy speaker and library chair, Dr. Williams, for your advocacy and Council Members Hanif and Hudson and the office of Council Member Rita Joseph for your longstanding support of our Brooklyn branches and for joining us here. While our collective work is not yet done, today we breathe a sigh of relief. This step in the executive budget, makes it very clear that public libraries are central to the city's affordability agenda. So, to the mayor and to all of the city leaders, one more thank you on behalf of our dedicated library workers and the millions of people who rely on us every day for prioritizing libraries like this beloved one that we're standing in today. Thank you all.
Mayor Mamdani: And now it is my pleasure to introduce our deputy speaker of the City Council, as well as the library's chair, Nantasha Williams
Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and good morning, everyone. I really want to thank everyone who has worked to push this conversation forward. Of course, to the library leaders: Linda [from the] Brooklyn Public Library, who's hosting us today; New York Public Library [President] Tony; and of course, Dennis, who is also my constituent and the leader of the Queens Public Library. Just so you know, Queens has a big professional development day today, but we are represented. We're really excited to be here.
Libraries hold a unique place in this city because they are one [of the] very few public institutions that people interact with across every stage of life. A child learning to read, a student doing homework for school, a senior navigating technology, a parent applying for benefits or searching for work, a new immigrant learning English. All of these experiences exist inside our library systems every single day.
Over the last several months, we have heard clearly from library leaders, workers, advocates and patrons about the strain these systems have been under and what is at risk when funding does not keep pace with the level of need and usage they are carrying. Those conversations reinforce something many communities already understood. Libraries are functioning as educational, cultural and social infrastructure for this city. Often absorbing responsibilities far beyond what people traditionally associate with them.
That understanding is exactly why the Council was proud to include more than $30 million for libraries in our April 1 budget response. And we are super thrilled that the mayor has agreed with us. And this is something that he talked a lot about. And so, this is something that you've delivered for New York City. And you, again, believe that this is an important investment. This decision to baseline the funding and, as the mayor mentioned; moving forward is especially critical because it creates a level of long-term stability that allows libraries to plan, hire, expand services and operate with greater certainty instead of returning year after year to fight for that continuation, effectively ending the “budget dance.”
I want to thank, once again, everyone who worked so hard. I think the Council year after year has been like the library's critical champion. It is very frustrating. Once again, as the mayor said, to continue to fight for the same amount of money and not think to increase the amount of funding, but if you're still scrapping to just get to what you feel like you deserve, it's hard to talk about more. This makes clear that these institutions are essential to the life of this city.
Strong library systems expand opportunity and provide stability for families across the city. And sustaining that work requires long-term investments, and this commitment helps move us closer to ensuring these institutions can continue serving all New Yorkers at the level they deserve for years to come. And I always just like to share a personal story about the library system. I did not have a computer for many years of my life, and so when I needed to apply to college, I went to the library. I was a latchkey kid [and a] single mom. And so, I spent many time, much time in many of the libraries in Queens. And so, I know firsthand how important the library system is. And once again, we're just very very thankful to the mayor for not only making this investment but ensuring that this investment is permanent. So, thank you so much.
Mayor Mamdani: Now we will hear from Council Member Crystal Hudson.
Council Member Crystal Hudson: Year after year, as you've heard, my colleagues in the City Council and I have fought tirelessly to ensure our city's most democratic institutions, our libraries, have the resources required to serve the diverse needs of New Yorkers. Libraries are third spaces. They're where anyone can take a class, rent an instrument, get career coaching, learn to speak another language, or of course, borrow a book, all at no cost. The mayor's decision to baseline $31.7 million in funding and maintain library services will ensure more than 200 library branches across the city have the operating support needed, including funding for more than 30 branches to keep their doors open on Sundays.
I applaud Mayor Mamdani for finally ending the “budget dance” around library funding and thanks Speaker Menin, Deputy Speaker Williams, Council Member Hanif and the entire Council for their staunch advocacy for libraries. If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's adequate funding for our libraries. And I would certainly be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the intrepid, innovative and impactful work of Linda Johnson, [the] president and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library System; as well as her partners across the city, New York Public Library's COO, Iris Weinshall; and CEO, Tony Marx; and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott; and a special shout out to Antonia Bramble, who's a branch manager here at the Cortelyou Library for hosting us here today. And also I want to give a shout out to Council Member Rita Joseph, who couldn't be here, but we're in her district and she has a proud support of libraries as a forever educator. Thank you.
Mayor Mamdani: And now please join me in welcoming Council Member Shahana Hanif.
Council Member Shahana Hanif: Thank you, Mayor Mamdani. Good morning, everyone. I'm Council Member Shahana Hanif, and we're just right outside of the 39th District. But what I'll tell you is that I grew up around three libraries and walking distance: Cortelyou was one of them, [and] the other two are Windsor Terrace and Borough Park. So, I'm grateful to have been in an abundance of books and friends and just life and joy. I wanna first just give a big, big thank you to Mayor Mamdani, because over the last couple of years, budget after budget, the announcements that came showed that libraries didn't matter, that libraries are temporary, that we don't need to invest in them. And it was embarrassing.
It was embarrassing to need to fight to restore funds to say that our libraries matter, particularly when books are being banned across the country. Libraries are one of the few truly public, universal public goods left in our country. And it is an obligation. It is a moral responsibility that the city says “We care about libraries”; not only [about] surviving, but to make sure that we're putting in the resources — adequate funding, investing in the capital improvement projects and showing children everywhere that you have a place to be curious, you have place to read books you never thought you were going to check out, you have to place to apply for a job or school. And also, just the diversity of what our library space allows, with seniors being able to come in to read newspapers or watch movies, to families hanging out. I mean, I think the library for me, it showed me that my sister and I really can get along.
We were 11 months apart and we're very different and the library was certainly a place where she and I found our freedom — our independence — and I'm super grateful to that. So, I want to thank just everybody within the library system — Linda, Iris, our leaders, our librarians, [our] workers — for pushing us, continuing to advocate no matter what. This is a city that will invest in libraries. And our mayor has shown that it is easy to do that, actually. So, I feel really grateful to be in a city where we're demonstrating, signaling, that the library is a public institution we deeply care about. Since it's baselined, that means next year we're calling for more money.
[Crosstalk.]
Thank you all so much. And I wanna just thank my colleagues, Deputy Speaker Williams, Council Member Hudson and of course Council Member Joseph. We are a strong team in the Council. And of course, the Council will continue to fight for libraries. Thank you also much.
Iris Weinshall, Chief Operating Officer, New York Public Libraries: I'm Iris Weinshall, and I'm the New York Public Library's Chief Operating Officer. Unfortunately, Tony Marx, the president of the library, can't be with us today, but he sends his regrets and is grateful for this investment in public libraries. Speaking on behalf of the library, I want to say how wonderful it is to be standing here with city leaders who truly understand the importance and value of public libraries. We are an essential civic infrastructure dedicated to providing free access to knowledge and strengthening communities — a mission that we all share. Since 2019, libraries have had to start every budget cycle fighting for our funds to be restored. Thank you Mayor Mamdani, that you are, for keeping your word and ending the budget dance. This funding means we can continue Sunday service, which our patrons love, and we can focus on serving New Yorkers. And thank you to Speaker Menin, Deputy Speaker and Chair Williams, and Council Member Hudson, as well as Council Member Hanif, who are tireless champions for libraries. This is a great day for all New York City, and we so appreciate everything you've done and will continue to do for public libraries and New Yorkers that we all serve. Thank you.
Question: Hi, good morning, Mayor Mamdani and everyone. I know that this is a celebration because the money has been baseline, which we learned last year means forever from your predecessor. But it does fall short of the 0.5 percent of the city's budget that you promised as a candidate, and I think we were in a Brooklyn Library in Greenpoint a few months ago when you vowed to get that. Do you think that there will ever be a point where we'll reach that, what you've promised — the half of 1 percent either by the adopted budget or perhaps by next year to get that full funding as you've promise?
Mayor Mamdani: Yes, I absolutely think that there will be a point at which we get there, because it's a goal that I continue to believe in, and it's one that I've said that we will accomplish by the time that I'm done being the mayor of the city. And the reason that I believe that is, as you've heard from so many of our partners across both the public library systems as well as the City Council, is these are spaces that are at the heart of so much of what makes our city special. And we heard from Council Member Hanif, what this means is that next year there can be advocacy for more. And that's the point of this, that we want to have a conversation about how to go beyond what the status quo is. This is an incredibly difficult year where we have faced what was at its beginning a $12 billion fiscal deficit. And even in that year, we wanted to make sure that we found a way to raise that floor. And now, for the years to come, the conversation will not be: “Should we keep the resume building class? Should we have seventh-day service”? Instead, it will be: “How can we invest in these libraries”? So yes, that 0.5 percent goal continues to be a goal, and we will achieve that goal by the time I'm done being mayor.
[Crosstalk.]
Question: You're claiming victory that you didn't do a budget dance, but you lowered library budgets in the preliminary by $30 million. [The City] Council pushed for that to be increased, and now you've included it. How is that not a budget dance?
Mayor Mamdani: So, in the preliminary budget, we were at the time facing a $5.4 billion fiscal deficit. And we made the decision to increase funding in our preliminary, compared to what the prior mayoral administration had done in their preliminary or their executive [budget]. We also ensured that we put money forward for seventh-day library service. The executive budget, the last budget that we present before we begin our negotiations with the Council on the adopted budget, was one where we were able to not only steward our city into a balanced budget and firm financial footing, but also one where will make this investment and make it very clear that this is not a one-time investment. This is an annual investment. And that is something that for many New Yorkers, they have had to advocate every year for the retention of this. We're making it clear that that's coming to an end.
[Crosstalk.]
Question: Well, Katie actually asked my question, so I'll ask you instead, what was your ill-conceived screenplay about?
[Crosstalk.]
Question: And then I will ask you a policy question, because this is what I've always wondered. Why is it — so libraries make up less than half a percent of the city budget, and it's been like that, I don't know, since the budget began. And similarly with parks, parks less than 1 percent. Why is that? They’re such popular resources for New Yorkers. Why is it that — it’s like they're asking for crumbs from, you know, elected officials.
Mayor Mamdani: You know, I think what we've seen for far too many years is that public institutions have been systemically undervalued and under-invested in. They have oftentimes only been discussed in terms of their potential value if we were to convert them into a private institution. And we know that parks, libraries, cultural institutions — these are the lifeblood of the city. These are like the subway. They are the thing that makes the city different from so many others in that you are not priced out of them. I think about growing up in the city, it was these kinds of institutions that you heard every single Council member has a story like this, because we're all New Yorkers. I think about the public library, it wasn’t just where I went to the reading room to write that screenplay. It was also when I was studying with a friend of mine for the SAT — it was in another room at the Bryant Park Public Library.
I think that the amount of time I spent in parks you know as a kid growing up, it wasn't just where I would play soccer or cricket or go for a run, very slowly. It's also where I would just wander. And I think in a world like the one we live in there is always such pressure on productivity at every single point. And here are these institutions that allow you to just think, they allow you to just explore. And I will not stand here and say that the fight is over — the fight has to continue. What we are doing, however, is ensuring that the fight is now about the future, as opposed to the retention of the past. And so, in baselining this $31.7 million, we also made a decision to baseline additional funding for parks, to baseline addition funding for cultural institutions. And the Council, they have been champions of a lot of these points of investment and now we look forward to having that conversation with them about more than just of what they've had to fight prior administrations on, but how we can go beyond that to build on these experiences—
Question: Now tell us about the plot of your screenplay.
Mayor Mamdani: The screenplay. Oh my god. It will not—
Question: Why didn’t your mother produce it?
Mayor Mamdani: That's how you know it just, it was that bad. Even with all the advantages, we couldn't get it off the ground. And it will not shock you like most initial aspirations of screenplay writers, [that] it was in many ways a mirror of some parts of my own life. And I think that's what made it so uninteresting.
[Crosstalk.]
Question: So, Mr. Mayor, we understand that you reached out through an intermediary to Ken Griffin in some way. I'm wondering, what did you say? And also, aside from what you've already said publicly about how you want all New Yorkers to succeed, including him, what else might you do, what else you might need to do to engage him?
Mayor Mamdani: You know, I — a member of our team reached out to his to set up a conversation, that continues to be an open invitation. And it's part of invitations that I've made to a number of business leaders across the city. And I've appreciated those conversations. And I think what's critical is that in those conversations, I both share that which you've already quoted, but also I'm there to listen, and there to have a conversation that goes beyond places of agreement, but perhaps places of disagreement, hear honest reflection, critique and not put any precondition on the nature of that conversation. So, that continues to be an open invitation.
Question: Quick follow, are you — was it ever your sense that he might have wanted a public apology in exchange for setting up a meeting? Is there anything else you think you need to say publicly before he might say yes?
Mayor Mamdani: No, we reached out to set up a meeting. Still waiting to hear.
Question: In order to move forward with your proposal to restructure pensions to free up savings, it'll need to be approved by each of the board of trustees that oversee the five funds, as you know. So far, none of the unions who have members on the boards have publicly committed to supporting the proposal. I understand we're still waiting on language from the state, but are you expecting union buy-in to be an issue?
Mayor Mamdani: We've put forward this proposal. It is a proposal that would ensure that our annual payments to the liability would be consistent each and every year as we extended that time period out by an additional five years. And it is one that we have made very clear will have no effect on pensions, whether for retirees today, or whether for active city workers who are worried about the future. And we look forward to continuing those conversations with our partners in organized labor. And we've appreciated their consideration of this proposal and how we are all looking to ensure that we can put our city back on firm financial footing.
[Crosstalk.]
Question: So, the governor last night came out with some new details, at long last, about the pied-à-terre tax. Are you satisfied with this set up? I know it might impact fewer properties than the 13,000 number originally talked about. And then also I believe it broke yesterday that the state will be granting mayoral control for just two years, which is less than you were hoping for. So, your reaction to the mayoral control and pied-à-terre?
Mayor Mamdani: I think that, as you said, the conversations are ongoing with the exact language. However, I would say that we have been very appreciative of the partnership that we've built with the governor, as well as with Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins [and] Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and an extension of mayoral control is a critical part of that partnership and also our stewardship of the city's public school system. We heard, I think, from Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams about Dennis Walcott, who was one of the many New Yorkers who added their voice in support of that extension. We appreciate that as well. And when it comes to the pied-à-terre, the most important aspect of this proposal is one that it would raise half a billion dollars. And that's something we continue to be confident about, and we continue see this as a critical part of bridging the fiscal deficit.
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