NYC Council, Library Systems Celebrate Expansion of Sunday Library Service at Eleven Branches across Five Boroughs

Harlem, NY - Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Members, leaders from New York City's three library systems - Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Public Library (QPL), and library patrons gathered at the Harlem Library to celebrate the expansion of 7-day library service to eleven branches beginning on Sunday, September 7. The expanded hours, first announced as a proposal in Speaker Adams' 2025 State of the City address, delivers new Sunday service at branches across the five boroughs including two in Brooklyn, three in The Bronx, one in Manhattan, four in Queens, and one in Staten Island.

Please see photos and video from the event.

"I proposed expanding seven-day library service across the city in my 2025 State of the City address, because libraries are among our most precious public resources that serve New Yorkers of all ages in every neighborhood," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "I'm proud that we have secured an additional $2 million in the city budget to ensure even more residents have access to economic and educational opportunities through our local library branches. The Council will continue to prioritize support for our library systems and the vital programs they provide for New Yorkers in our communities."

"Expanding Sunday service enables us to increase access for more New Yorkers to the crucial resources they rely on, from books and Wi-Fi to safe, welcoming spaces to work, study, and connect with their neighbors," said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson, New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. "We extend our sincerest thanks to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who championed the effort to open more libraries seven days a week, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, former Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations, their colleagues on the Council, and Mayor Eric Adams for their support in funding this expansion and for their steadfast commitment to New York City's libraries."

The new library hours are made possible by a $2 million investment secured by the City Council in the City's Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget. This funding is in addition to a $15 million increase in operating support for the library systems in FY 2026. New Yorkers will now be able to access more than 30 branches citywide that offer 7-day library service.

Sunday library service will now be offered at the following branches:

Branches Currently Offering 7 - Day Service

*closed for renovation

"At the City Council, we know that libraries are lifelines for our communities - places where children discover the joy of reading, students learn and grow, and neighbors connect to vital resources," said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. "Thanks to our investment in seven-day library service, 11 libraries across the city, including the Kingsbridge Library (my childhood library!), will now be open on Sundays, giving kids, older adults, and all residents more opportunities to learn and explore. Led by Speaker Adrienne Adams, the City Council's fight for these crucial institutions is a win for literacy and for the North Bronx community, ensuring that everyone can fully benefit from all our libraries have to offer."

"As our city continues to face an affordability crisis, libraries remain an essential resource," said Council Member Crystal Hudson. "They serve as hubs for education, community, and access to resources for all New Yorkers, regardless of income. While some in city government may view library funding as expendable, the New York City Council is committed to ensuring our libraries have the support they need to continue serving the city. I am proud of the work this body has done, under the leadership of Speaker Adams, to secure an additional $2 million to provide Sunday service at 11 more library branches across New York City. Maintaining our cultural institutions is not up for negotiation. The City Council will not stop fighting to protect the fabric of our city. Protecting our cultural institutions is non-negotiable, and the City Council will continue fighting to preserve the fabric of our city."

"Libraries are cornerstones of our communities every hour and every day of operation," said Council Member Chi Ossé. "The shift to 7-day service sets an excellent standard and expands access to the resources families, students, and seniors rely on most. I'm honored to represent one of the districts receiving this long-overdue upgrade and thrilled that our very own Bedford Library is part of it. This expansion ensures every New Yorker has the resources to learn and grow as integral pillars of their community. I am immensely proud to have helped deliver this win for our city, borough, and neighborhood."

"Having worked in every library in my district, I've seen firsthand how vital these spaces are for our communities," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "As a parent and as a Council Member, I know how much everyday New Yorkers- from working people and families to students and seniors- rely on the access and services libraries provide. Expanding seven-day service is an investment in education, opportunity, and equity for neighborhoods across New York City. Together with my colleagues in the Council, I remain committed to ensuring our libraries and other essential community spaces have the funding and support they need to continue serving residents."

"I want to thank Speaker Adams for championing this expansion-bringing seven-day service to Harlem means our community has reliable access to vital resources every day of the week," said Council Member Yusef Salaam. "Our libraries aren't just about books-it's where people connect to the internet, use computers, and tap into programs that enrich lives, many of them aimed at our young people. This is an investment in opportunity, learning, and community."

"Libraries are the heart of our communities," said Council Member Julie Won. "Thanks to $2 million secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget, the Hunters Point Library will have 7-day services beginning this week. This expansion is a big step towards ensuring New Yorkers' daily access to essential resources, whether it's books, internet, job support, or a safe space to learn and gather. Thank you to Speaker Adams and Queens Public Library for prioritizing literacy, learning, and safe community spaces not just in my district, but throughout New York City."

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