News from Yonkers Public Library.

CORRECTION: The proposed FY2020-21 library budget contains an accounting change that reduces the library funding but also reduces expenses, with the net effect of a small increase. In our last newsletter we incorrectly identified this as a cut. We apologize for our error and any confusion it may have caused. We thank the city for its continued support and funding. It is still very important to voice your support for the library, given the broader national and state fiscal issues that are likely to have a serious impact on our City and its proposed budget.

Library Budget Alert: Show your support for Yonkers Public Library!

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