Eleven New York City public libraries will resume Sunday service starting Sunday, September 7th, bringing the total number of libraries open on Sundays to over 30.
The new Sunday service will cover all five boroughs of the city: the New York Public Library (NYPL)’s Harlem library in Manhattan, the St. George library in Staten Island, and the Kingsbridge, Mott Haven, and Baychester libraries in the Bronx; the Queens Public Library (QPL)’s Jackson Heights, Hunters Point, Glen Oaks, and Rochdale Village libraries; and the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL)’s Bay Ridge and Bedford libraries.
In addition, the Kew Gardens Hills library in Queens, which already offers Sunday service, will resume Saturday service starting September 13th.
The resumption of Sunday library services is primarily due to a $2 million investment from the City Council. Additionally, the 2026 City Budget includes a $15 million funding increase for the three major public library systems. Starting in November 2023, the New York City government, citing financial constraints stemming from accommodating undocumented residents, cut public library services, forcing the seven-day-a-week library system to cease Sunday service.
Beginning in July 2024, as the influx of undocumented residents decreased, the City restored library funding in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and gradually resumed Sunday service at some branches.
In addition to providing library services, the three major New York City public library systems also offer study spaces, archival research, free printing and scanning, free language education, family and community activities, and, in the summer, they also serve as cooling centers.
