Rebecca, a librarian in the Bronx
After the storm half of Riverdale was without power, including my branch. My cell phone rang endlessly with calls from my team and the public asking when we could open. I believe that some people kept a watchful eye on the branch, because I received about ten calls telling me that the power was back on and that we could open. When we did open, my team and I welcomed our community with hot coffee, donuts, extra programs for bored children, smiles, outlets for charging devices, internet access, and free Wi-Fi.
2,000,000
Number of New Yorkers without power immediately following the storm
Amber, a teacher in the Bronx
Adults in the South Bronx need access to information, work spaces, and services. We don’t have many book stores, coffee shops, or other similar types of multi-use study and meeting spaces. The library is so powerful because it is open to all ages, cultures and incomes. Middle school kids shouldn’t need to get on a train to Harlem, midtown or Parkchester to have a good selection of books and media on interesting topics.
1,500,000
Number of low-literacy adults living in New York City
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.
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
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."
Shonda, a resident in the Bronx
321,000
Number of New Yorkers who are unemployed
The Woodstock Branch is a really amazing resource. Without this place I would have had nowhere to write my resume, and thus never would have gotten the job I now have, and would likely still be living on the street. I know there are countless others in the neighborhood that could echo this statement!
John, a job-seeker in the Bronx
The Grand Concourse Library is very helpful to the neighborhood. Everyone I know uses it. We’d be poorer without it. People I know found work because of this library.
Linda, a librarian in the Bronx
...I told her I would do a one-on-one class with her on a Saturday morning...
An elderly Hispanic lady approached me at the information desk inquiring about computer classes in Spanish. At the time we only offered classes in English, but I told her I would do a one-on-one class with her on a Saturday morning if she was willing to try despite the language barrier. Bright and early Saturday morning, she appeared at the branch with her laptop in hand, ready to go. To my amazement, she grasped everything I taught her. The following week she returned with six other Spanish-speaking seniors, all eager to learn how to use the computer. Every time she comes to the library now she asks, “Do you remember me? I’m the lady who didn’t know how to use the computer.”
Jasmin, a student in the Bronx
Interactive programs for infants and toddlers are hugely popular.
