With around 40 million users a year, the importance of public libraries to New Yorkers shouldn’t be up for debate. Yet, threats of slashing their budget seem to be a guaranteed annual event. Because of pressure from elected officials, grassroots movements, library workers and, of course, constituents, the latest round of cuts was reversed. It’s a bittersweet victory. In an ideal world, we would be demanding more dollars for project expansions instead of struggling so much just to minimize cuts to funding that, as they are, can barely cover the needs of our city. As the Public Advocate often says: “Too often, we have to be fighting to restore cuts as opposed to asking for the more that we need.”
We think of public libraries as repositories of books and other media, but they offer a lot of other services and resources to our community. The best part: they are all free! Learn more about all the things you can do with the assistance of your local library in the non-exhaustive list below.
Learn a New Language
New York Public Library (NYPL) offers classes and conversation groups in multiple languages(including English and Braille), virtual or in person. Interactive virtual options can be found in the Mango language-learning app, which is also available via the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL).
In-person and app-based language learning resources are also available via Queens Public Library (QPL).
Access a Language Interpreter
BPL offers free language interpretation in all 60 Brooklyn libraries and telephone reference lines for over 100 languages.
See an Exhibition
All three New York City public library systems carry a robust art and history exhibitions program. Check the cultural calendars for NYPL, BPL, and QPL here.
Get Help With Your College Application
From financial aid application to individual counseling, NYPL has a plethora of resources for those looking to get a college education. Check out college application help at QPL and higher education resources at BPL.
Jumpstart Your Career
NYPL’s Career Services and QPL’s Job Search & Interview Help can assist you in crafting your job application, prepare you for an interview, and more. BPL offers similar services along with a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, plus personal finance assistance.
Learn All Things Technology Related
Tech hubs that range from basic computer skills classes to coding and robotics lessons are available at BPLs’ TechKnowledge (where you can also borrow a laptop), QPL’s Technology Training, and NYPL’s TechConnect.
Visit a Museum Free of Charge
The Culture Pass program allows you to use your library card to reserve a pass to visit several museums and cultural institutions all over the city.
Make Music, Video, and Objects
Use your BPL library card to borrow construction and DIY tools, borrow a musical instrument, or reserve a studio space to record and edit audio and video pieces. You can also borrow Tech Kits for Performing Artists at NYPL.
Become a Fashion Superstar
Apply for the BKLYN Fashion Academy at BPL to join a 16-week intensive professional development program for Brooklyn designers. Not ready for such a big commitment? Test the waters by borrowing a sewing machine.
Move Your Body
Public libraries not only help you care for your brain, but also for your physical health. Explore fitness classes at QPL, NYPL, and BPL.
Socialize
Several events, classes, concerts, lectures, book clubs, and other activities are added daily to the calendars of each of New York City’s public library systems.The best way to learn about them is by subscribing to your library’s newsletter, following them on social media, or stopping by your local branch. There’s always something to do at a library near you.
In an increasingly “pay-to-play” world, public libraries might be one of the last truly equitable spaces that exist. Everyone is welcome, no credit checks needed, no questions asked. Public libraries are also places that cater to our humanity, beyond our basic survival needs (though they can also serve as cooling, warming, and clean air centers and even public restrooms). In public libraries, everyone can experience beauty, be curious for the sake of being curious, or just hang out. It’s our duty not only to keep them functioning, but also to secure the means to make them even better.
By Luiza Teixeira-Vesey, Digital Marketing Specialist
All Images: Unsplash
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