When the NY Public Libraries Are Facing a Devastating Budget Crisis— Who You Gonna Call?

In an attempt to publicize the New York Public Library's  looming budget crisis, Improv Everywhere in cahoots with Library officials, subjected readers in the Rose Reading Room to a nostalgic treat. Reenacting the epic opening scene of Ghostbusters (1984) the pop-up improv troupe flooded the main room with sheet-clad ghosts looking for trouble. Guests were aghast— well most with laughter. And just when things were starting to look ghastly— Who you gonna call? (Check out the viral above.)

 

The lighthearted stunt was devised to alert people to the “draconian” and “devastating” 37 million dollar budget cut. The Huffington Post reports:

 

If this cut becomes reality when the final City budget is adopted next month, we will be forced to drastically reduce programming, service hours, and staffing. Libraries would be open on average just four days a week; more than one in four library jobs would be eliminated. Almost six million fewer items would be circulated. Most impacting to New Yorkers would be the need to close ten libraries.

 

And what about computer access for New Yorkers who rely on their Library for the internet?

 

If there is any question about the necessity of libraries and why record numbers of people are walking through our doors, one need only consider a recent study funded by the Gates Foundation. It found that one-third of Americans now rely on public libraries for computers and Internet access. The study - conducted by the University of Washington Information School - further revealed that nearly half of those living below the poverty line depend on library computers. More than 60 percent of young people in those households use these computers for educational purposes.

 

NYPL offers more than 3,600 computers with Internet access, providing some five million computer sessions a year. Under today's proposed cut, we anticipate an astounding two million fewer sessions next year. Where will all those New Yorkers access the Internet?

 

On the day the survey was released, Ann Thornton, our acting Andrew W. Mellon Director of the New York Public Libraries, noted, "Many hardworking New Yorkers simply cannot afford computers or Internet access in their homes, so they rely heavily on libraries to help them with job applications, resume writing, online banking, small business services, record keeping, personal correspondence, homework help, and a host of other important needs."

 

Yowsa. I hate to say it, but NYPL who are you gonna call?