Dear New Yorkers,
Back in 2021, the city’s libraries eliminated late fees — and predicted it would return hundreds of thousands of library users who had their cards blocked.
The result two-and-a-half years later has been a resounding success. That’s measured by a spike in materials taken out, library cards issued and program attendance, according to officials in charge of New York City’s three library systems.
“We’ve found that fines didn’t incentivize returns, but were keeping out the people who most needed our free services, programming and access to knowledge,” a joint statement from all systems said.
In New York City, patrons returned thousands of long overdue items shortly after the fines were lifted. That included one item from 1970 and others that were so dated the branch addresses had changed, according to library officials.
One patron in the Mulberry Street Library in SoHo said the fine elimination has led to more frequent visits: “I’ve come back here at least three four times a week instead of once every two or three weeks,” he said.
But library officials are worried the system’s progress will be curtailed if the Adams administration pushes through a $58.3 million budget cut as planned.
The city’s 220 public libraries have already lost seven-day service citywide and are now looking at most branches being open for only five days a week, according to the library officials. If enacted, the “devastating” cuts “threaten to upend much of the progress we’ve made over the past few years.”
Read more about the function of the city’s libraries — and their budget challenges — here.
Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather
Tuesday’s Weather Rating: 6/10. Morning clouds and showers will break for a period of partly sunny sunny skies later. Much cooler than yesterday with high temperatures only reaching the mid-60s, but still enjoyable. Another round of showers tonight. The vibes are … all right!
Our Other Top Stories
- This year, 125 years after it first opened its doors in 1899, the Bronx Zoo is kicking off a season of anniversary events. More than 250 million visitors have since passed through its gates; the zoo has become one of the borough’s top tourist attractions, as well as a beacon of animal conservation, education and jobs creation for young New Yorkers. But its history is not without some stains: the zoo’s founding and earlier years were marked by the racism that was part and parcel of many of New York City’s historic institutions. Read more about the Bronx Zoo’s legacy here.
- On the latest episode of the FAQ NYC podcast, Jeff Mays of the New York Times joins the hosts to discuss Mayor Eric Adams ousting the head of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, trying to install Randy Mastro as the city’s now corporation counsel, reversing some of his own cuts in a $111.6 billion executive budget proposal, and much more. Listen here.
Reporter’s Notebook
Last Push for ‘City of Yes’
Mayor Eric Adams kicked off the final push for his City of Yes zoning plan Monday with a rally outside City Hall and a new environmental impact statement claiming his series of changes would result in an estimated 58,000 to 109,000 new homes over the next 15 years.
The plan is designed to “add a little housing in every neighborhood in the city,” ending a practice where development is concentrated. Last year, for example, 10 of the city’s community districts produced as many new units as the other 49 combined. Proposals range from allowing midsized 5-story buildings in low-density neighborhoods to increasing the allowed density of apartment buildings by 25% to as much as 50% in what are likely to be a few high-density areas of Manhattan. Speeding office to residential conversions and bonuses for adding affordable units are also part of the package.
The plan now goes to all 59 community boards and five borough presidents for review. The City Council is expected to vote on the plan by the end of the year.
— Greg David
Things To Do
Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.
- Wednesday, May 1: The Career Resources Fair for Teens, hosted by the New York Public Library. The expo-style fair includes workshops, resources and more. Free from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the NYPL’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in Manhattan.
- Saturday, May 4: GrowTogether events in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, hosted by the Parks Department. Activities include DIY projects, mushroom workshops and a film screening. Times vary by location. Free.
- Saturday, May 4: Wall to Wall Prince, a daylong tribute in music, film, dance, stories, and more led by artists. Free from 3 to 11 p.m. at Symphony Space’s Peter Jay Sharp Theatre in Manhattan.
THE KICKER: Starting on Friday, and through June 3, a community art memorial to people lost to COVID-19 will be open to the public at Green-Wood Cemetery.
Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Tuesday.
Love,
THE CITY
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