Sunday service is set to return to select New York City public libraries in the coming weeks following the City Council's approval of a new budget that reversed previous cuts.

Library branches across the city had shuttered their doors on Sundays last November as part of cost-cutting measures initiated by Mayor Eric Adams. The decision was met with significant public outcry, prompting some City Council members to prioritize restoring full seven-day service during budget negotiations.

Tony Marx, CEO of New York Public Library, which serves Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, said Sunday service at some branches could return in as little as two weeks.

"I think just within two weeks, we should have the first three of those branches up again on Sundays: Park Chester in the Bronx, Todd Hill in Staten Island, the Niarchos library on 40th Street and Fifth Avenue," he said Monday during an interview on “Mornings On 1.”

According to the New York Public Library, starting July 14, some branches at the Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library will offer a seven-day service. This includes the Flushing and Central branches in Queens, and the Central and Kings Highway branches in Brooklyn. 

Marx said the funding restoration to libraries marks a “great day for New York” and emphasized the critical role libraries play in the community.

"New Yorkers use and love their libraries more than any other civic institution. We are the bedrock to democracy, to helping people learn about the issues, about each other, live together, work together, find opportunity—all of that is challenged when we can't open our doors,” Marx said.

Reflecting on previous cuts, Marx described the recurring struggle as a "budget dance” and expressed hope for more stable funding.

"We've spent now nine months fighting the budget cuts and not being able to hire to be ready to offer people what they need. Not a good way to do business," Marx said. "We need a steady commitment of funds, including capital funds, so that we can provide New Yorkers what they need, and we can give the city more than its dollars’ worth."

The restoration of service comes after the City Council approved a $112 billion budget that allocated $58 million to libraries, of which $43 million is expected to serve as a baseline for future funding.