Andrew, a former Brooklyn resident
"I am currently a professor in the CUNY system. I owe it all to these beginnings."
Once a week, my mother and I would walk to the Stone Avenue branch to borrow Babar, Madeline, and other assorted children’s books. Those visits made me become addicted to the smell of the library, to books, and to amassing information in general. I am currently a professor in the CUNY system. I owe it all to these beginnings.
Bernard, an artist in Harlem, Manhattan
This library has been a sanctuary for many Harlem residents. I belong to a book club: the Harlem Literary Society. I also enjoy the programming of artists and playwrights. The art displayed in the main reading area is gorgeous.
179%
Increase in e-book checkouts across all three library systems in 2011
Suzanne, a parent in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
The children’s collection is excellent. Whatever we are studying at home, we can always find source material. The librarians are so friendly and helpful, sometimes even suggesting other books that might help in our studies. The easy access to a huge variety of children’s books has played a large part in my son taking to reading early, and has encouraged his very real love of reading.
Natasia, a resident of Jamaica, Queens
I have no room in my budget to watch all the movies and read all the books and study all the things I’m interested in. But the library makes it possible for me.
"...the library makes it possible for me."
A parent in east Harlem, Manhattan
69,000,000
Number of items circulated in New York City’s libraries in 2011
My son Diego and I visit this library to borrow books to read right before bed time. Diego loves borrowing chapter books and exploring their science and non-fiction sections. It’s our weekly tradition to stop by and spend time browsing through the different titles. We can’t afford to buy books at Barnes & Noble or other book stores, my husband is unemployed so this branch has become a wonderful destination and resource for our family!
Raisy, a student in the Bronx
Since I love to read, I check out books about almost every topic, but I mostly like YA-fiction books. If the library wasn’t there for me, I wouldn’t be able to satisfy my hunger for books.
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."
James, a volunteer in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
I’m a Resume Troubadour. I help people create a resume and cover letter for immediate use, usually within one hour. I also provide the best job-seeking advice that I can. I love working with people and contributing my talents to the community, and I’m grateful for this library for giving me the opportunity to do so.
Rita, a blogger in Brooklyn
I visit the Cypress Hills Library to look for part-time jobs, to search for information on the internet, and to check out a good book. It’s helping me be an entrepreneur.
Keramesha, a job-seeker in the Bronx
I don’t have internet access at home. I visit the Parkchester Library for access to the job related laptops, which gives you extra time to complete applications online. I don’t know what I would do if my library wasn’t accessible.
Jacqueline, a resident in the Bronx
I came to the Career and Education Information Services Office at the Bronx Library Center for resume assistance and found so much more—encouragement, support and guidance. The staff helped me to believe in my skills and abilities once again. I know the right career opportunity is just around the corner.
"The staff helped me to believe in my skills and abilities once again."
Anthony, a job-seeker in Brooklyn
The Macon Library has been a home to me since I was 15 years old. I come here to study for the GED, or just chill out. I also meet with James. Since he helped me put together my resume, I’ve received two calls about jobs.
