Read it and Weep: Libraries Face $1 Billion Gap for Repair of Decrepit Buildings

This article was originally published on Jun 26 5:00am EDT by THE CITY

Broken air conditioners. Clogged toilets. Leaky ceilings.

Those are just some of the much-needed fixes at the 217 public library branches citywide that add up to more than $1 billion, according to budget documents obtained by THE CITY.

That’s up from $900 million in 2019.

The ballooning costs to maintain and repair the aging facilities present another challenge for the city’s three library systems as the Adams administration seeks to reduce library spending by $36.2 million before the city’s executive budget is due June 30.

“Few things are as important to local communities as their library projects, whether it’s a new HVAC system, new doors or roof, or an expansion,” said Jimmy Van Bramer, a former City Council member from Queens who chaired the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.

At the same time, library buildings, on average around 65 years old, are deteriorating.

Stacks of Repairs

Some need a total overhaul or replacement — including a LeFrak City branch damaged by Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Some funds have been allocated for major repairs in the city’s capital budget, which is separate from the city’s expense budget and addresses long-term and large construction needs like infrastructure and major repairs.

The Adams administration has earmarked $760 million for libraries and their broader needs in the mayor’s current 10-Year Capital Strategy plan. City officials note there’s $198 million in capital funding for libraries in the current fiscal year budget.

But budget watchdogs, library officials and book lovers of all these institutions offer — much more than just books — say those sums don’t come close to paying for all the repairs that buildings need.