Brooklyn library-lovers can nominate their branch to win $20,000 as part of the third annual NYC Neighborhood Library Awards.
New Yorkers can nominate their library for exceptional service to the community, via a form available online, in paper at local branches, and in six languages. Patrons can describe how their neighborhood library goes above and beyond to serve their particular community. Five special libraries will receive the top prize.
Last year, more than 13,000 New Yorkers wrote in. The five winners have already put their winnings to good use. One of Brooklyn’s branches was a winner, and has already put the money toward great things — New Lots Library, in East New York, used the money to purchase new technology, set up satellite collections across the neighborhood, and launch an entrepreneurial series for teens. Another example is The Langston Hughes Community Library in Queens, which added to the collections and lectures available at their Black Heritage Reference Center. Stapleton Library in Staten Island is planning arts programs for adults and tech classes for students. In the Bronx, the Parkchester Library is adding furniture and materials to their “Spot for Tots,” and the Mott Haven Library is remodeling their Children’s Reading Room with an interactive wall display. How wonderful!
Based on patrons’ nominations, data on circulation and program attendance, visits to see the branches in action, and the recommendations of a philanthropic review committee, the pool will be narrowed to ten finalists. From there, a group of eminent judges will pick five branches for the $20,000 prize. The remaining finalists will receive $10,000 each, which is nothing to sneeze at either.
Nominations can be submitted at www.nyclibraryawards.org, through each library system’s website, or in person at any neighborhood library, and will be accepted through December 18, 2015. This year’s winning branches will be selected by a panel of judges including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff, acclaimed New Yorker writer and author Jelani Cobb, and Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director for the DC Public Library, and former Chief Librarian for the Brooklyn Public Library. Go ahead and put a good word in for your local library!
Rebecca Conroy is an artist, stylist, and Editor of A Child Grows in Brooklyn. She is from New York City, and has an MFA from Columbia University in screenwriting. Rebecca often finds herself on film and photography sets making things run or look better, and is the mom of two outrageously wonderful kids.