Librarians organize 4th annual “We Will Not Be Shushed” Read-In by Claire Kelley

As a result of the staggering 106 million dollar proposed budget cuts for New York City libraries announced this year, Save NYC Libraries, an initiative of Urban Libraries Unite, is planning their fourth annual Read-In on the steps of the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza on June 8th and 9th. All are encouraged to sign-up to read.

Once again readers, library lovers, librarians, families, and even unsuspecting people just wandering by in front of the library are joining together to take a stand against the outrageous proposed cuts to our beloved New York City public libraries.

Sunday from 8am to noon will be family story time, and organizers put at a call for readers late into the night: “Join us as we lovingly heckle other readers in the darkest hours of the Read-In (2 a.m – 4 a.m).”

Over the past four years, the Save NYC Libraries campaign has organized creative actions to bring awareness to the funding crises and staff layoffs that libraries across the country are facing. From “Zombie Walks” to petitions to a “Hug the Library” flash mob, the event is meant to be aggressive advocacy with a positive message.

Most recently, a NYPL librarian from the Webster Library branch put herself on display in a glass box. While there, she “demonstrates the library’s resources by reading a book, and also waves to patrons and encourages them to sign a letter to their city council member to oppose the significant budget cut.”