Monday, June 8, 2015

Time to Exercise Our Power: A Public Plea from Renowned Author Robert Caro

"NYC libraries deserve more funding. With the budget process ending soon, we’re running out time to make it happen."


Dear Friend,


Think of all the books that were written in the library. Or even better, all the books that live there. There are few places more perfect, or more important, than a public library.

Today, I want to ask you to join me in doing something with the collective power of the millions of us in the NYPL community: make things better for New York City by asking our Mayor and City Council to invest in our struggling libraries.

With the budget process ending soon, we’re frankly running out of time. Today, I joined with Oliver Sacks, David Byrne, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and dozens more to sign a full page New York Times ad that asks our City's leaders to invest in libraries. Will you join us? 


Since 2008, NYC’s libraries have lost 20% of their funding, as well as a thousand staff. At the same time, demand for books, programs, and classes has increased significantly.

When I was writing The Power Broker, I did much of my research at The New York Public Library. It was wonderful to have those materials at my desk, and the materials were wonderful too. It seemed like everything in the world could be found at that beautiful building on Fifth Avenue.

What’s even more important is that anyone who wants to come to the library is welcome there. All New Yorkers can go to the library read, find jobs, study, and pursue their own passions.

Libraries shouldn’t have to struggle. Neither should those who depend on them most. It’s really that simple.

Don’t let NYC leaders overlook libraries. Tell them right now to invest in libraries–for our kids, for ourselves, and for our entire city. 

The services that libraries give the community are so important. Thanks for joining me.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Caro
Author 

Additional information on the author's illustrious career is available through the following link: http://www.robertcaro.com/

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