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!"
Angela, an artist in Brooklyn
The Far Rockaway Branch was the center for a huge number of people in the Rockaways who were living without electricity, phone service and resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Not only did it function as a shelter and meeting point, but it was a food distribution center with more organization than any other center I found. There were lines around the block each day, and the library staff made sure all the food and supplies were divided into individual-sized portions and that the line moved in an orderly fashion. They not only knew what to do at the library, but they did it immediately and they did it right.
2,000,000
Number of New Yorkers without power immediately following the storm
An immigrant in Brooklyn
People who were affected so badly by the hurricane as we were, came to the Sheepshead Bay Library to restore themselves, attending programs and workshops: art of writing for stress relief, express your emotions through writing, art of positive thinking, some of those programs for our children and not only in English, but Russian and Chinese languages as well.
A parent in Brooklyn
When Hurricane Sandy occurred, the Kings Bay Library passed out vouchers for FEMA trying to be of assistance to those who lost homes and other valuable properties. They were trying to be of any assistance they could be.
A resident of Brooklyn
Gerritsen Beach Library does more than lend books and provide free newspapers and internet access. It is an anchor in a neighborhood that was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. Without this library there is no community, there is no place for residents to gather, talk about the community, and borrow books to take them to far away places.
Paul, a community group representative
30,000
City residents left homeless after the storm
The Red Hook Library was inundated with 18 inches of water during Hurricane Sandy, and was closed for several months following the storm. In spite of its condition, the library was opened up as a warming center during the cold spell that followed the storm, as many Red Hook residents were without heat or electricity, and many more were rendered homeless by the flood.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
