Posts by The Library Stories Project

Meet Jinglu, a super user of the NYPL who funnels many of her selections through a tiny branch library on Roosevelt Island.

St. Agnes Library in Manhattan allows a range of artists to hang their work on the walls, a month at a time. This work is by a nearby artist who gets inspired by, and paints images of, vibrant New York City streetscapes.

Check out one of Manhattan's silent oases, a library space devoted to total quiet. Volunteer Roberto-Cristoforo describes how he came to monitor the room and garden at 67th Street Library.

There's an exciting installation at Hudson Park Library, in the children's room. Check out what happens when you put kites, scarves, or parachutes into the wind tunnel, as Jen Casado and her sons do.

A library can be a safe place to work after school, but it's also important to get there safely. As a crossing guard outside Castle Hill Library, Casilda sees her role as an extension of its protective space. She knows the branch well, having grown up in the neighborhood and now takes her own daughter there.

When Pelham Bay Library patron Patrick Mulligan came upon some comic books for sale, he bought them for his own children. But his wife pointed out that the books bore the NYPL imprint, so he knew he had to act.

Story time is about so much more than just stories, says JC, who has found learning at 58th Street Library "changed everything" for her baby. There, they enjoy books, parenting tips, and even sign language as a way to build skills for life long learning. "Even though I was a teacher," JC says. "I still need to learn how to be a mother."

In the early 20th century, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated $5.2 million to build more than 60 libraries throughout New York City. For many years, the Carnegie libraries were heated by coal, and each had a custodian who lived inside the branch, often with family, to keep the building warm. Raymond Clark, custodian for three decades, lived at NYPL's Washington Heights Library with his son Ronald and granddaughter Jamilah. Now, their former apartment has been renovated and will serve as a teen center. We invited Ronald and Jamilah back to Washington Heights to see the renovation and 

Not every mom designs a curriculum for her preschool child, but NYPL helped Trenicia see possibilities—especially when she added more than one branch library into the equation. The combination of multiple library locations, diverse children's programs, and lots of books helped Trenicia boost her daughter's early literacy and ability to engage with different people.

Relationships are a big part of reason that NYPL's BridgeUp after-school program works for Matthew. When he gets to the Bronx Library Center, he gets a snack, checks in with his mentors and friends, does homework, and gets to spend time on personal projects, including his electric skateboard. He says the program has a "great positive vibe" and is motivating him to greater academic success.

When artist and author Melinda Hunt started to research the potter's field on Hart Island, she turned to The New York Public Library for newspaper articles tracing its story. Today, as founder of the Hart Island Project, she shares her findings in public places, including nearby City Island Library, to help people learn about Hart Island's unique spot in New York City history.

Sometimes, it takes a little help to raise your game. Jeremy has worked with his NYPL tutors after school for two years. With more confidence and knowledge, he enjoys doing his homework, and his school has recognized him as most improved. Now Jeremy is thinking big: going to college and getting a job.

When vocal artist Russell Saint John was preparing for a concert of the music of greats Paul Robeson and Hall Johnson, he turned to his nearby Hamilton Grange Library to conduct his research. "To have all of this information at your fingertips is phenomenal," he says. "This is a place for growth, and that's what The New York Public Library is for me."

Inspired by a librarian at the Grand Concourse Library, actress Youmie Francois decided to create a program for area school-age children. Now she's providing lessons in acting, dance, music, and more, and has created a scholarship named after the librarian who encouraged her. "People didn't know that this library had all the stuff that it had, all the opportunities that it provides," she says.

Who better to coach young readers than an enthusiastic high school student with some training? That's the idea behind NYPL's Literacy Leaders, and Zippy captures the spirit well in her regular reading group with Henry and Manuel at the Mosholu Library. One of the Library's many free programs, Literacy Leaders develops career skills for Zippy and her peers while helping young readers see where books can take them.

Overcoming a fear of technology wasn't on the course description. But NYPL's Office Readiness Series gave James more than basic computer skills training when he was ready to look for a job. Although the classes were free, James says he considers them "extremely valuable."

Working in the New York City public schools, Terri created a partnership with Aguilar Library to let 8th graders sample library careers. But it wasn't just to provide job skills. Terri thinks libraries offer a complementary learning space to that inside schools, and says that's important because many kids don't have adequate structure at home.

Getting free help with homework can make a big difference in a child's life.

Fiber artist, designer, and cultural activist Xenobia Bailey has a favorite institution where she goes for inspiration: the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.