Ronnie, a teenager in Alphabet City

"The library is in a mostly poor neighborhood, so if people want to stay out of trouble they mostly come to the library, which is a pretty smart idea."

I visit this library mostly for advanced reading materials on the sciences and classic literature. I also like to involve myself in African-American history. I enjoy the work space where I can do my homework and chill out in a cool, quiet environment. The library is in a mostly poor neighborhood, so if people want to stay out of trouble they mostly come to the library, which is a pretty smart idea. But it’s not like the library is a stranger to the community. I mean it’s like a hotspot for people who need to get things done or who just want to relax.

Daniella, a student in Brooklyn

The Sheepshead Bay Library is one of my favorite places to go to. I call it: My Second Home. I always feel welcome here and everybody respects everyone, especially us children. There are so many fun programs, so I forget about getting bored here. I am 11 now and am participating in library book discussions, poetry workshops, arts and crafts, talent shows, and sidewalk chalk art competitions. The library made me love reading and art.

1,100,000

Number of children who attend public schools in New York City

A student at P.S. 235 in Brooklyn

Without the Canarsie Library I would be lost in school since I use the computer there, I get school books and I study there. I am a straight "A" student and the library helped me with my path to success.

Jasmin, a student in the Bronx

Interactive programs for infants and toddlers are hugely popular.

300,000

Number of children in New York City who need a spot in an after-school program

I come from school and do my homework in the Belmont Library because it's peaceful and I'm less likely to get distracted. This is where I go to look for books and where I get my research for papers for school. Everyone is so welcoming, and it feels safe to be in this library and it's clean. To me basically it's a safe heaven, a place where I just can catch a breather and read a good book because that's what I like to do.

Lindsey, a student in Staten Island

I have six other people in my house hogging the internet so I spend a lot of time in this library for internet access. I try to come to the library as often as I can to do my homework. Whenever I need help with reports I know that the friendly staff will help me. I love visiting the library to find new books, just this week I read three. When you walk into this library you feel the troubles of the day melting away. It is truly a second home to me.

#1

New York City Libraries are the largest employers of teens in the city

Daisy, a high school student in Queens

"Reading is my everything."

I am a teenager who loves to read. So the obvious reason why I go to the Langston Hughes Library is for books. Reading is my everything. I usually read about teenage problems but I also read about religion. I also take my sisters to events for girls. My sister suffers from a reading disorder problem and when she attends these events she feels motivated to keep trying her best to read better.

Oswald, a student in the Bronx

"The library is the only place I can go after school that is safe and I don't have to worry about trouble."

Malvina, a teacher in the Bronx

In the cultural desert that is this part of the Bronx, this library is a true beacon and sanctuary. It is particularly important for high school students who use it, long after their school is closed for the day. It is a godsend that the Baychester Library is so close.

Claudia, a parent in the Bronx

Many libraries have special computers for young children.

There are free music classes for kids at the Mott Haven Library on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. There were so many kids playing the cello, violin, clarinet and working with music teachers. I thought this was inspiring: in the south Bronx, kids are learning music.