Anindita, a social worker in the Bronx

I provide domestic violence services mostly to South Asian women. We chose the library because it’s a welcoming and safe environment. It has books in Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu, which makes everyone in the neighborhood feel like their existence is acknowledged. They see the library as a place for resources, a stepping stone to learn to navigate the larger system—help with domestic violence, but also careers and public benefits—a path toward independence and safety.

José, a resident of Brooklyn

"I am very appreciative with the librarians, their services are wonderful to me."

By helping deaf people like me by calling someone for my next appointment time and day. I am very appreciative with the librarians, their services are wonderful to me. I couldn’t hear on the phone and struggle with IP Relays and on 711.com for deaf services. The librarians helped me to call my workers.

Debra, a community board member in Staten Island

Staten Island has become home to a multiplicity of ethnic cultures. Library announcements and other fliers are available in several languages. There are summer reading programs, book discussions groups in both English and Spanish, knitting, English as a Second Language, a mah jongg group, as well as a program for tots. The library truly embodies community spirit with something for everyone.

Tori, a resident of Brooklyn

The Cortelyou Library is at the very heart of this neighborhood; it stitches together all the various ethic and socio-economic strands of the neighborhood in a way that no other institution could. It’s part of the glue that holds us together.

"It’s part of the glue that holds us together."

A parent in Mott Haven, the Bronx

I’m prideful that a library is in my community and the people are coming in and using it. It is our neighborhood community center. It keeps us socially connected. The neighborhood is a bit rough so coming to this library is my opportunity to escape some of the day to day drama. It brings people together from all walks of life in one space to enjoy programs, to learn, and to just escape from daily challenges of poverty, drugs, gun violence, and gangs.

Fournier, a parent in the Bronx

When I was and still is homeless they let me and my daughter sit down and relax until the library closes.

94%

Americans who say that having a public library improves the quality of life in a community

Joy, a senior in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

This library offers me and my neighbors opportunities to learn about subjects we wouldn’t otherwise know much about, one of which is each other. At this library, people of various nationalities (Albanian, Bangladeshi, Irish, Italian, Mexican, Pakistani, Polish) and religions find reading materials and classes that pave their way to a more informed and better life. It is one of the very few places where these groups of people mingle, and that promotes neighborhood harmony.

"It is one of the very few places where these groups of people mingle, and that promotes neighborhood harmony."