Earlier this month, mayor Michael R. Bloomberg‘s Office of Management and Budget released a “Agency Gap Closing Programs” (PDF link) proposal that would dramatically cut library services in New York City.

Librarian Rita Meade took a personal look at the cuts: “These cuts would result in reduced library hours, the reduction and/or elimination of programs & materials, and staff layoffs. (Based on this budget model, Brooklyn Public Library could potentially lay off 158 employees this summer, including yours truly. Zoinks.)”

If you want to help, Meade linked to three online petitions to fight for library support. Choose your library: Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Borough Public Library, or NYPL (Manhattan, Staten Island, Bronx). For readers outside of New York, you can join the American Library Association’s National Library Legistlative Day to lend your support. (Link via, photo via)