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Libraries, arts leaders ask aldermen for capital, staffing and cultural funding amid federal cuts
Summary
Library and arts leaders told the finance committee that the city must invest in library infrastructure (a $500,000 capital request), stronger arts department funding and staffing for cultural programs as federal grants shrink. Speakers warned that proposed cuts to librarians and arts educators would reduce services and community programming.
Representatives of the New Haven Free Public Library system and the city’s arts community urged aldermen to protect and expand funding for libraries and arts and culture programs as part of the municipal budget.
City Librarian Maria Bernain and Kim Rogers, identified in testimony as lead librarian for New Haven Public Schools, described capital and equipment needs across five library buildings and requested $500,000 in city capital funding and $400,000 for IT upgrades. "We are community hubs that offer…
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