June 20, 2018
Dear Library Supporters,
We wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the devotion you have demonstrated over
the past several weeks, since we learned that the library’s budget was at risk.
Over the course of our campaign to save the budget, nearly 500 supporters sent over 4,000 emailed letters to our elected officials. Almost 600 of you wrote postcards which were delivered to City Council members and the Mayor’s office. We were both deeply moved to see how many people showed up in person at the public hearings and at the final budget hearing. At the second public hearing, out of nearly 70 speakers who signed up, nearly half rose to speak on behalf of the library. Now that is really something.
Your words, in all the forms you expressed them, described your reasons for loving the library: because you love its programs; because you treasure the books, films, and music you find there; because you love spending time there with friends; because it is a home away from home. You were honest, charming, funny, and passionate.
On Wednesday, May 23, the YPL executive staff and board officers made our best case to City Council, and explained the need to preserve the library budget. On Wednesday June 13, the City Council presented and voted on the final budget in which 92% of the cuts were restored.
Your voices can and do make a difference. We thank you whole heartedly for your dedication to the Yonkers Public Library.
With our sincere appreciation,
Nancy Maron President, Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library
Anietra Guzmán-Santana President, Board of Trustees, Yonkers Public Library