Overdue on libraries

To the editor:

The recent announcement about reducing library funding and closing some on Sunday is disappointing. This impacts libraries in every borough. 

During the many cold winter days, the city opens up warming centers to help New Yorkers get out of the cold. On hot summer days, NYC opens up cooling centers to help residents deal with excessive heat. Libraries can do the same. 

Many seniors and others are frequent visitors to their local library. In too many cases, they don't open until noon, close by 6 p.m. or remain shut Saturday and Sunday. Closing libraries on Sundays and reducing library hours on other days due to the multibillion dollar municipal budget shortfall is penny wise and pound foolish. 

It is a drop in the bucket to reduce this debt. Just the opposite, all libraries should be open seven days per week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. all year long. 

Every year, the City Council speaker allocates several hundred million to members to fund their projects. Elected officials can allocate a small portion of their share to keep libraries open for constituents. After allocating these funds, they are welcome to have their local library post signs by the entrance that "these longer hours including being open on Sunday are thanks to funding provided by your local Council members.

This just might be the incentive for Council members to do the right thing and find the funding necessary to take advantage of this underutilized asset. Major corporations, local businesses, community development corporations and charities should also be solicited for funding. They can be offered the same acknowledgements.

Larry Penner