In a cost-cutting measure, 62 branches of Queens libraries in New York City stopped adding new books in December 2010. According to The New York Daily News, Queens libraries annually purchase 8,500 new books.
This means Queens patrons do not have access to the latest titles or new copies of old favorites. With mayor Michael Bloomberg‘s looming “Agency Gap Closing Programs” proposal, things look worse than ever for New York City library services.
Here’s more from the article: “Overall, city libraries are facing nearly $100 million in budget cuts, which they say would lead to an estimated 1,500 layoffs…Without restored funding, city libraries would be forced to shorten hours and close dozens of branches, library officials testified.” (via Ron Hogan)