St. Agnes Library, which opened in 1906.
St. Agnes Library on Amsterdam between 81st and 82nd Streets is still closed but librarians there still want to connect, particularly with younger readers. They’re answering questions and making book recommendations on Instagram. You can follow them here. And you can see some of their videos below.
And Upper West Siders can still request and pick up books at at Riverside Library at 127 Amsterdam Avenue (66th Street). The other is Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library at 203 West 115th Street while St Agnes remains closed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CECNKuOJ9RI/?igshid=1xbgihg25wgan
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEEqc2yJdla/?igshid=1js58c93ukxqs
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDwRLOnpx5K/?igshid=czmt6w2besrg
Librarians are angels on earth and NYPL remains a treasure — online and off. Thank you for your devotion to curious minds in our city.
I so miss my neighborhood libraries. How spoiled I have been. I used to tell my ESL students that all they needed in life was to be able to read and have a library card. Librarians are my heros. We also would visit the Bronx Library Center every semester.
If people can shop, why can’t they use a library?
Not only children need libraries. Books from our neighborhood library have sustained many people living alone. During this pandemic, books provide a private space, a mental distraction from the constant digital pounding of distressing and discouraging news. For older people, many of whom rely on large type, one can’t know what’s available to ask for and hopefully of interest; that requires being able to SEE what’s on the Large Type shelves.Bowling, dining, museums, so much is now available with strict guidance.Why can’t libraries open, controlling the number of patrons at a time, using distanced browsing and checkout lines? In one of the cultural capitals of the world,no one (except the librarians) has remembered the importance, even the urgency, of reading books. Six months of abstinence, now. Let’s stop ignoring a population already trying to resist depression.
For anyone wanting to cut across the park, New York Society Library on E 79th is providing full browsing and fine-free lending. Patrons can also reserve titles online for curbside pickup.
There needs to be greater awareness about the working conditions for librarians and library assistants. Yes, we do great work for the community, but there are very real safety and job equity concerns to be addressed. If you really care for librarians and value their work, please take the time to read up on the issues and vocally support them. For example, libraryworkers dot net is a good place to start.