Beginning Sept. 7, 11 additional library branches across New York City will offer service on Sundays, thanks to new operational funding of $2 million secured in the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The expansion was championed by the New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and council members and encompasses three Bronx libraries: Kingsbridge, Mott Haven and Baychester.

 

City Council officials said expanding 7-day library service to at least 10 additional branches was a proposal first outlined in the speaker’s 2025 State of the City address, and the city council subsequently included the funding proposal in its Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Response as a priority for the adopted budget.

 

City council officials said this $2 million is in addition to a $15 million increase in operating support for New York City’s three library systems, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), New York Public Library (NYPL) which covers The Bronx, and Queens Public Library (QPL), as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget. The new Sunday hours will begin Sept. 7 and will bring the citywide total number of branches open on Sundays to more than 30.

 

Adams said libraries are among the City’s most precious public resources, serving New Yorkers of all ages in every neighborhood. “I’m proud that we have secured an additional $2 million in the city budget to deliver for more neighborhoods and ensure even more residents have access to economic and educational opportunities. The Council will continue to prioritize support for our neighborhood libraries and the vital programs they provide for New Yorkers in our communities.”

 

Meanwhile, Council Member Eric Dinowitz (C.D. 11) said libraries are lifelines for local communities, places where children discover the joy of reading, students learn and grow, and neighbors connect to vital resources.

 

“Growing up, I was a regular at the Kingsbridge branch, and now, with it open on Sundays, countless Bronxites will have even more opportunities to experience the wonder of our libraries,” Dinowitz said. “For working families, students, and older adults, expanded access means more chances to read, learn, and build community. This investment ensures that Bronx residents, no matter their schedule or circumstances, can take full advantage of everything our libraries offer.”

 

Anthony W. Marx, president and CEO of NYPL said with the City undergoing an affordability crisis, and third spaces rapidly declining, libraries were increasingly the answer New Yorkers need.

 

“From working parents on a budget who want enriching experiences for their children, to seniors looking to stay engaged with their community, libraries provide a free sanctuary for millions of New Yorkers,” Marx said. “Expanding Sunday service to five additional NYPL branches will have a decisively positive impact on the surrounding communities.”

 

Expanded Sunday library service will be offered at the following branches:

New York Public Library (NYPL)

• Mott Haven
• Baychester
• Kingsbridge
• Harlem
• St. George

 

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL)

• Bay Ridge
• Bedford

 

Queens Public Library (QPL)

• Glen Oaks
• Hunters Point
• Jackson Heights
• Rochdale Village

For full details on hours and services, patrons are encouraged to visit the websites of each library system.

 

Branches Currently Offering 7 – Day Service (new additions begin Sept. 7)

Brooklyn	Bronx	Manhattan	Queens	Staten Island
Bay Ridge – new!	Baychester – new!	Harlem – new!	Central	St. George – new!
Bedford – new!	Bronx Library Center	Jefferson Market	Far Rockaway	Todt Hill-Westerleigh
Central	Grand Concourse	Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library	Flushing
Macon	Kingsbridge – new!	Washington Heights	Glen Oaks – new!
Brooklyn Heights	Mott Haven – new!		Hunters Point –  new!
Greenpoint	Parkchester		Jackson Heights – new!
New Lots			Rochdale Village – new!
Borough Park
Midwood
Kings Highway
Ryder*
Mapleton*

*closed for renovation