It's not a fabricated chain email this time: The New York City Public Libraries are definitely in trouble.

The NYPL has confirmed that all three of its systems (Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn) are up against a 30 percent reduction in funds for the next fiscal year. A full third of staffers are expected to be let go, with a whopping 40 branches facing the ax, not to mention devastating cuts in service hours and programs that the jobless, Internet-less and book-loving turn to on a daily basis.

We blame the Kindle.

In any case, a group of these brainy, library-science-degree-holding vixens and studs are throwing a big party. Well, actually, it's a 24-hour protest reading. Aliqae Geraci, a senior librarian from Queens, tells Asylum, "We envisioned an event that would augment the on-the-ground work we were doing to get postcards and petitions signed and sent to the New York City Council to protest the proposed budget cuts. The Read-In is a celebration of New York's world-class public libraries."

The reading, which is being held on the steps of the Central Library in Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza on June 12 and 13, is only a small skirmish in their ongoing effort. To raise awareness (and much-needed funds), the NYPL activists are also asking you to purchase one of these librarian-themed shirts. Don't forget -- ladies/men love men/ladies who read.

Speaking of folks who love to read, dozens have already signed up for the 20-minute open-mic slots, according to Geraci, and are covering romance, poetry, economics, history and library science. "Specific books range from 'Gossip Girl' to Jean Genet and Umberto Eco," Geraci says. We plan on bringing along "Naked Lunch" and reading the part about the Steely Dan dildos ... just because we can probably get away with it.