#public-libraries

#public-libraries

"All of us work here because we believe in the library and our community impact,"

My district is home to some of the most active senior centers in the city, as well as beautiful libraries. Unfortunately, many of the institutions are under threat from federal funding cuts. In order for these havens of lifelong learning to continue to provide the highest quality services possible we need to ensure that funding can be replaced by the city.

On October 3, the library shared a video on its Instagram page in which two staff members prepare to perform a trust fall. Rather than catching her colleague, however, one of the librarians swiftly sidesteps away to deliver a message to the camera. Behind her, a thud rings into the air, presumably from her colleague crashing into the ground, while another colleague rushes out from behind the circulation desk in shock.

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works through strategically placed needles that trigger healing throughout the entire body. Urban planner Jaime Lerner's concept around targeted architectural interventions find success in China as well as neighboring countries in Asia, where localities are revitalized through simple interventions. Libraries, specifically, are bringing in social, cultural, and economic transformation to the continent. Necessity drives innovation. Rapid urbanization, limited public funding, and diverse geographic and cultural contexts have forced architects and communities to think beyond traditional library models.

New York City is investing billions in workforce development yet continues to overlook three of its most powerful, scalable, and community-rooted workforce engines: the arts, public libraries, and the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

Mayer's tenure included increasing the library budget by $6 million, hiring over two dozen new staff, and expanding services like Sunday openings at specific branches.

A nostalgic memoir morphs into a comprehensive exploration of America’s public library system, highlighting its community significance while addressing ongoing challenges such as book bans and funding cuts.