Protecting the New York Public Library

This week I sent a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio applauding his opposition to the renovation plan for the New York Public Library’s Central Library as New York City Public Advocate. I expressed my deep concern about several of the proposed changes presented in the plan, namely the displacement of the historic stacks and consolidation of the Mid-Manhattan and Science, Industry and Business Libraries into a space less than one-third their current size. Numerous community groups are also opposed to the plan, and I joined their call to halt the process and for an independent, evaluative review of the financial risks of and possible alternatives to the current plan. Please see my letter below.