New Yorkers from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens share what they love about their neighborhood libraries.
Kids & Teens
Thousands of kids and teens go to libraries everyday to spend time in a safe space with access to a variety of free activities, resources, and homework help.
Seniors
Libraries provide seniors with everything from computer and exercise classes to programs for the homebound and community events—all opportunities to spend time with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Immigrants
With free English classes, citizenship preparation, job search assistance, and a vast array of foreign language materials, the public library is the largest provider of services to immigrants in New York City.
Career Services
Libraries are key resources for New Yorkers looking for personalized assistance with their resume, help filling out job applications, or classes to improve job skills.
Community Hub
As rare "third spaces" that allow community members to interact with each other outside of their workplaces and homes, libraries help to make neighbors out of New Yorkers of every stripe.
Literacy & Culture
The classic role of libraries as places where anyone can explore humanity's cultural and intellectual achievements remains as important and appreciated as ever.
Storm Shelters
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, NYC’s libraries acted as first responders in devastated communities—providing services and support to many residents who had no other place to turn
Smart Investment
Despite budget cuts and perennially uncertain funding, libraries go above and beyond to serve their patrons. Additional resources would allow them to do even more
Download the Booklet
Read stories from real NYC library patrons submitted for the 2013 NYC Neighborhood Library Awards, and learn about all of the amazing ways that local branches serve their communities every day.