New Yorkers submitted more than 13,000 nominations, including every single branch in New York City’s three library systems, to yield the five winning branch libraries in the 2nd annual NYC Neighborhood Library Awards.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Charles H. Revson Foundation announced May 20 the five winners of the 2nd annual NYC Neighborhood Library Awards, which celebrate the crucial role of local libraries in serving New York City’s diverse communities. The winners emerged from more than 13,000 nominations by New Yorkers, who nominated every single branch in New York City’s three library systems: the Brooklyn Public Library; Queens Library; and the New York Public Library, which operates branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
The five winners each received $20,000 at an awards ceremony in midtown Manhattan. They were selected from 10 finalists by a distinguished panel of independent judges: acclaimed authors Maira Kalman, Jonathan Safran Foer, and Jacqueline Woodson; Susan Hildreth, former Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services; Dutton Children’s Books publisher Julie Strauss-Gabel, and Maya Wiley, Counsel to Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The five winning libraries – and an excerpt from the nominations for each – follow:
Langston Hughes Library – Corona (Queens)
Carol, a neighborhood resident, retiree, parent, and community group member, said: “In an era of so much ethnic and cultural strife, this is one of the beacons that unites people across ethnic and cultural lines and allow us to see just how much we really do have in common. Through its cultural and educational programs…this institution can continue to bridge and even close the gaps caused by ignorance and misunderstanding.”
Mott Haven Library – Mott Haven (the Bronx)
A neighborhood resident and parent wrote: “As a new mother, the library became a haven and a refuge to go to with my baby specially during the harsh winter months. Its second level is one of the most elegant and spacious kid-friendly spaces I have encountered from all the public libraries. Its welcoming atmosphere has instilled in my daughter an instinctual love for books.”
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| L to R: Linda Johnson, president of the Brooklyn Public Library; New Lots library manager Edwin Maxwell; acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson |
| Photo by Don Pollard |
New Lots Library – East New York (Brooklyn)
Takora, a neighborhood resident, parent, and job-seeker, stated: “I live in a very impoverished neighborhood. Every day is a struggle for everyone but because of this place, we have access to the Internet and books and classes. This library helps people in our community better themselves and become a contributing part of society. Without this branch giving us the tools to do so, a lot of us would have no other way to get help or find things available to us.”
Parkchester Library – Parkchester (the Bronx)
Lawrence, a neighborhood resident and parent, noted: “As an at-home father, I am always looking for activities and programs in the neighborhood for my son who started Pre-K this September. With the help of the Parkchester Library, he went into the school year academically and culturally prepared… When I pick him up from school, he often asks if we can spend some time at the library before we go home.”
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| L to R: Anthony Marx, president of the New York Public Library; Stapleton library manager Robert Gibbs, and Reynold Levy, chairman of the board of the Charles H. Revson Foundation |
| Photo by Don Pollard |
Stapleton Library – Stapleton (Staten Island)
Samantha, a neighborhood resident and parent, said: “I live in the projects down the block from this library. Most of the kids I know are on their own after school and don’t always have somewhere to go or something to do… Stapleton Library is a safe place but most importantly a friendly place for them to go after school or on weekends. They organize movie nights, board games day, separate video game time for kids and teens, toddler and baby groups with songs, stories and art.”
In addition to the five winners of this year’s NYC Neighborhood Library Awards, the other five finalists were presented with checks for $10,000. Those five were:
- Cambria Heights Library – Cambria Heights (Queens)
- Clinton Hill Library – Clinton Hill (Brooklyn)
- Jefferson Market Library – Greenwich Village (Manhattan)
- Sunnyside Library – Sunnyside (Queens)
- Windsor Terrace Library – Windsor Terrace (Brooklyn)
All 10 of these libraries also received a unique two-minute video – each crafted to reflect the impact of the particular branch – created by acclaimed filmmakers Juliane Dressner and Jesse Hicks. The videos can be used to promote each of the branches further and to extend public appreciation of the crucial role that they play.
The five winners emerged from a nomination process that began in November 2014 on The Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC, the media partner of the NYC Neighborhood Library Awards, and ended in December. Each of the nominations was evaluated by Foundation staff and an independent review committee, focusing on libraries that demonstrated exceptional commitment to the needs of their respective neighborhoods. Site visits were conducted of potential finalists.
Last year’s Award winners were not eligible for this year’s Awards. They are Corona Library (Queens), Macon Library (Brooklyn), New Dorp Library (Staten Island), Seward Park Library (Manhattan), and Sheepshead Bay Library (Brooklyn).
The more than 13,000 nominations revealed the wide range of crucial roles played by branch libraries in New York City. They are a welcoming presence, a safe haven, and a quiet place for reflection. They are highly attuned to neighborhood residents: their needs, cultures, and languages. They are the only source of books and Internet for many New Yorkers. They serve as community centers, offering a remarkable variety of programs and activities – from those traditionally associated with libraries (including story time for children and book clubs) to others addressing contemporary needs (such as English as a Second Language, citizenship preparation, and resume-writing) to offerings tailored to specific communities (including many languages and shared cultures).
The demand for library services has only increased in a digital age. A recent report by the Center for an Urban Future – titled Branches of Opportunity and funded by the Charles H. Revson Foundation – revealed that over the past decade circulation at New York City libraries has increased by 59 percent, program attendance by 40 percent, and program sessions by 27 percent.
Main photo—L to R: Anthony Marx, president of the New York Public Library; Mott Haven library manager Jeanine Thomas-Cross, and acclaimed artist and author Maira Kalman. Photo by Don Pollard.
