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Library Times Are A-Changin'

Data - March 2016

Library Times Are A-Changin'

Our second annual assessment of library hours in New York shows that 40 percent more branch libraries in NYC are open at least six days a week than this time last year. But while city libraries are open an average of 4 hours more per week than a year ago, they still lag behind many of the largest library systems in the state and nation in hours of operation.

CUF research paves way for huge budget victory for NYC libraries

Impact - July 2015

CUF research paves way for huge budget victory for NYC libraries

In the city's FY16 budget, our research helped lay the groundwork for an enormous win for NYC's libraries: the largest ever increase in combined operating and capital funding for public libraries.

NYC Libraries by the Numbers

Data - June 2015

NYC Libraries by the Numbers

Despite declining funds and limited hours of service, New York City’s public libraries are seeing a surge in users and uses. Below we show where the growth is happening and how funding cuts in recent years have affected performance, and provide the city’s first branch-by-branch accounting of book circulation, program attendance and visits.

CUF Influences City Council Response to 2016 Budget

Impact - April 2015

CUF Influences City Council Response to 2016 Budget

Earlier this week, the City Council issued its response to Mayor de Blasio's preliminary budget. We are heartened that many of the proposals outlined in the response—from opening libraries six days a week to creating a year-round youth employment program—follow a number of our reports' recommendations.

Library Funding is Behind the Times

Data - April 2015

Library Funding is Behind the Times

Though visits, book circulation and program attendance are on the rise, New York City’s public libraries are open fewer hours than the state’s largest counties and trail behind cities throughout the nation.

CUF Prompts City Council Hearing on Capital needs of City's Public Libraries

Impact - December 2014

CUF Prompts City Council Hearing on Capital needs of City's Public Libraries

Prompted by our Re-Envisioning New York's Branch Libraries report, City Council organized a hearing to discuss capital needs and planning for the city's public library systems.

Data from Re-Envisioning New York's Branch Libraries

Data - September 2014

Data from Re-Envisioning New York's Branch Libraries

Charts and tables from our Re-Envsioning New York's Branch Libraries report which found that while more New Yorkers than ever are using the city’s public libraries, a significant share of the branches suffer from major physical defects and are poorly configured for how New Yorkers are using libraries today. The report provides a comprehensive blueprint for bringing these vital community institutions into the 21st Century.

CUF Influences Full City Restoration of Library Funding

Impact - June 2013

CUF Influences Full City Restoration of Library Funding

For the first time since Fiscal Year 2008, Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council approved a city budget in which New York City's three public library systems did not lose any funding. The decision to fully restore the libraries’ budgets—after the mayor initially proposed a $106 million reduction in funding—was influenced by our groundbreaking study about New York’s three public library systems.

Libraries implement CUF recommendation on ebook purchasing

Impact - April 2013

Libraries implement CUF recommendation on ebook purchasing

Our January 2013 Branches of Opportunity study recommended that New York City’s three library systems pursue new revenue opportunities including facilitating book purchases by library patrons. We’re pleased to report that this recommendation is being implemented.

CUF Report About NYC's Libraries Sparks New Proposal From Speaker Quinn

Impact - April 2013

CUF Report About NYC's Libraries Sparks New Proposal From Speaker Quinn

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced a new proposal to harness the incredible power of New York City's branch libraries. The proposal was sparked by our January 2013 Branches of Opportunity report about the increasingly important role that the city's public libraries are playing in communities around the five boroughs.

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