Save NYC Libraries Postcard Campaign and Urban Librarians Unite
www.savenyclibraries.org
savenyclibraries@gmail.com
For Immediate Release
May 20, 2011
Media Contacts: Christian Zabriskie 941.445.7114 and Lauren Comito 646.662.6209
Save NYC Libraries Postcard Campaign and Urban Librarians Unite Announce
We Will Not Be Shushed: A 24-Hour Read-In
June 11 and 12, 2011
4:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Brooklyn, New York — May 2011 — Save NYC Libraries Campaign and Urban Librarians
Unite announce We Will Not Be Shushed: A 24-Hour Read-In in support of New York
City’s public libraries, to be held June 11-12, 2011, on the steps of Brooklyn Public
Library’s Central Library, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, New York, USA. Official website:
www.savenyclibraries.org
The We Will Not Be Shushed 24-Hour Read-In brings New Yorkers together for 24-
hours of continuous public reading to focus attention on the disastrous budget cuts
faced by New York City’s public libraries. From 4PM Saturday to 4PM Sunday, in 15
minute increments, authors, supporters, and library staff will read aloud from books of
their choosing. Readings will span the gamut and includes hours of Sunday morning
storytime for children.
New York City’s three library systems serve 8 million residents from a combined 212
locations. Since the economic crisis began, library use has been at an all-time high,
with many New Yorkers depending on their local library for access to the information,
resources, and programs necessary to conduct job searches, complete their education,
navigate the Internet, and access public services.
Mayor Bloomberg’s Executive Budget for FY’11 calls for a reduction in funding of $25.5
million for Queens Library, $25.2 million for Brooklyn Public Library, and $40 million for
New York Public Library. This represents a cumulative 40% decrease in funding since
2008. If enacted, the budget cuts will result in the closing of at least 28 libraries, nearly
1500 library staff being laid off, almost all libraries closed on the weekend, and many
local library’s hours being reduced to 2-3 days a week. Unless the City Council votes to
restore funding, libraries’ ability to provide New Yorkers with job search help, afterschool
tutoring, computer access and instruction, English classes, and research assistance will
be decimated.
Last year the Read-In had approximately 1200 attendees over the course of the 24 hours
and received extensive coverage in print, radio, and television media. This year’s Read-
In is part of an aggressive activism campaign for libraries in the city which includes a
mass hug of the Schwarzman library and an ongoing postcard campaign.
For more information on the Read-In, please contact savenyclibraries@gmail.com
