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

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.

Shiuli, a Literacy Leaders program associate in the Lower East Side, Manhattan

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.

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

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!

Jing, an immigrant in Manhattan

For new immigrants, English classes provided by the library are extremely helpful for them to get information, make new friends and improve English. Many of my classmates from the library’s English classes have found better jobs, got citizenship or entered colleges. My father reads Chinese newspaper everyday there. The rich collection in Chinese literacy helped him a lot when he first arrived in New York from Beijing.

60%

City residents who are either immigrants or children of immigrants

An immigrant in Manhattan

"I think helping the community to be integrated is amazing."

I never thought when I first came to this country that I will find people that wanted to help me without asking me for anything. Since the moment I had my first class (ESOL) I felt very welcome. I think helping the community to be integrated is amazing. I just have been here for four months and my English is getting better and better.

Zelda, a senior in Manhattan

The library makes me feel welcome and assists me, a senior with multiple handicaps (sight, hearing, balance). They help me feel like a wanted individual.

Lorraine, a senior in Manhattan

"This has provided me with the energy to continue my life in an atmosphere of welcome and belonging."

This library and its librarians have been a personal support to me since the loss of my partner of 42 years. We both visited St. Agnes for all of those years. The current staff has been particularly attentive and supporting since my loss with their sympathy and friendship. This has provided me with the energy to continue my life in an atmosphere of welcome and belonging.

Jennifer, a library volunteer in Manhattan

I teach a unique ballet class to older adults, which has become unexpectedly popular. The class started with a handful of students, and now we overflow the large community room with our 67th Street ballerinas, ages 50 to 87, from places as diverse as Thailand, Inner Mongolia, India, France and New York City.

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.