Friends,
In April, we were delighted to see that the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Executive Budget Proposal included a small net increase in funding (1.4%). We thank the City of Yonkers for the great confidence it's shown in the library during this difficult time.
However, just a few short weeks later, the fiscal landscape seems less certain. Due to falling local and state revenues, the Yonkers City Council has many difficult decisions to make. Please let them know that, although the library has temporarily shut its physical doors, YPL is just as active and more vital than ever. And they are! Within days of closing their doors, YPL staff began setting up virtual teams and inventing new ways to deliver experiences and services to its patrons.
Just some of the highlights include:
They've hosted over 188 new virtual programs since mid-March, serving an estimated 3,250 patrons.
They've issued over 250 new library cards and its eBook circulation and digital collection usage is way up.
They've been available for phone and email reference, customer support, and technology assistance.
They're in the process of redesigning their physical spaces to permit a safe and efficient phased reopening.
Please take a moment to support Yonkers Public Library by letting your elected officials know how important the library is to you.
We ask you to send your comments to be counted!
Note: They must arrive before noon, the day of the hearing:
Tuesday, May 19: Public Hearing at 7:00 pm
Submit your comments in support of Yonkers Public Library:
Call: 914-327-1846
Mail your comments to: City Clerk’s Office, 40 South Broadway, Suite107, Yonkers, NY 10701
Email: cityclerk@yonkersny.gov. Please feel free to copy and paste the text below:
[SUBJECT LINE]: SUSTAIN LIBRARY FUNDING: NOW MORE VITAL THAN EVER
Dear City Council:
I understand that in the era of COVID-19, budgets are going to be tighter than ever. But in a time of uncertainty, it is still so important to maintain library service, which is a source of vital public information as well as a bright spot to help our children learn, help us find the critical information we need, and seek entertainment and enrichment in these difficult times.
Though library doors have been closed since mid-March, Yonkers Public Library (YPL) has been outstanding at keeping public programs running and being a community connector, when so many of our spaces are shuttered. YPL staff continues running virtual programs, answering phone and email questions, issuing library cards, providing us with access to digital collections and online learning tools, and connecting us to community information and resources. When YPL reopens, its staff will be more nimble and its services will be more necessary than ever.
Despite the tough choices you may have to make this year, I ask that you help ensure that our library staff and services are preserved. This is a very small investment in the overall budget and is critical to the future of our community. Your support of YPL supports all of Yonkers.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
[Your name]
[Your address]
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