Taneya, a librarian in Brooklyn

I started my career as a journalist, but never lost my childhood desire to be a teacher, dancer, and an artist. Growing up, I envisioned a space where I could combine these loves with transformative social services—and I do that as a librarian. Malcolm X said the library was his alma mater, and that still resonates today. It’s truly the “People’s University.” We offer hundreds of free resources, and see the tangible results in the community. For example, a winner of our business competition now partners with a local farmer’s market to bring affordable
healthy food to the neighborhood.

Susan, a parent in Park Slope, Brooklyn:

This library is heavily used and heavily loved by every member of this vibrant neighborhood, yet it clearly does not have the resources it needs and deserves. In the summer its air conditioning system roars ineffectually, and in all seasons it is just too under-furnished for all the people who love to spend time there. Its books selection is strong and thoughtfully assembled, but nowhere near the size and scope its patrons would like and would use. And yet the staff is so generous, so happy to see you, so undaunted in the face of meager resources that they deserve recognition and additional resources!

-8%

Decrease in city funding for New York City libraries from 2002-2011

"And yet the staff is so generous, so happy to see you, so undaunted in the face of meager resources that they deserve recognition and additional resources!"

Brynne, a student in Staten Island:

40% 

Increase in library program attendance from 2002-2011

Mrs. Amy and her staff at Tottenville Library are very friendly. They try their best to work with what they have but also have big plans. They decorate the library in many themes throughout the year. When you see all the little kids amazed at how it is decorated you can't help but smile. They are able to turn paper towel rolls into a giant elephant and turn the library into a jungle.

Yomara, a resident of Manhattan:

Spanish Harlem doesn't have the fanciest library branch but they certainly have a lot of visitors stopping by and I know these funds could improve the branch. This is a neighborhood with a high density population, we have blocks and blocks of high rise public housing units. This would be a great place to invest money because it would reach a large number of low-income and working class people and uplift those who need it most.

"This would be a great place to invest money because it would reach a large number of low-income and working class people and uplift those who need it most."

Mary, a job-seeker in Manhattan

We have a tiny branch in terms of the physical space but a huge branch in terms of positive impact! Not only does our branch try harder, it does so much with the little it has. More money would open up so many other wonderful possibilities! I know our staff to be hard working and imaginative. More money would enable them to make more of their dreams a reality!

59%

Increase in circulation experienced by New York City libraries from 2002-2011

Clare, a parent in the Bronx

My children go to the library every day after school to do their homework with classmates. Whenever it rains a lot,
the library gets flooded, especially in the children’s section. When this happens, arriving families are turned
away and this always makes them frustrated and sad. It would be so nice to have funds to make the necessary
upgrades for flood prevention.

A resident of Harlem, Manhattan

While this library does what it can, it is very over used, and very under serviced. Many people in the community use this library, and they need new services, more books, and to get a bit more up to date. Many people rely on that library for vital resources, so additional help is absolutely needed.

An artist in Sunnyside, Queens

This library is an important resource. The past couple of years the hours that the library is open has been decreasing, and I believe that this is a detriment to our community. Students, seniors, and the general populace should be able to count on the library to be open seven days a week, and this is just not possible with the current state of library funding.