New York City is officially going through a heat wave, and Queens Public Library is here to help!
If you don’t have air conditioning in your home or your apartment, or if you are at risk for heat-related illness, please visit your local library.
Public libraries in New York City serve as official “cooling centers” during a heat emergency. Cooling centers are places where you can enjoy air-conditioned comfort. They are free and open to the public, even if you are not using their services.
NYC Emergency Management will let the public know when a heat emergency happens, such as an unusually hot day, or several hot days in a row.
If you need a cool place to visit, stop by your local QPL branch during their hours of operation for great books, programs, and more—and stay for the air conditioning!
All open Queens Public Library locations except Bay Terrace, Long Island City, and Woodhaven will operate as NYC Cooling Centers during this heat emergency.
Visit https://www.queenslibrary.org/about-us/locations for our hours of operation.
To check for any changes in the status of the air conditioning at your local library, please contact them directly.
If you need to find another Cooling Center closer to you, please call 311 or visit the NYC Cooling Centers webpage.
Extreme heat can be life-threatening! Visit nyc.gov/beattheheat to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a heat emergency.
The primary election is coming up on June 24—it’s time to get ready to vote!
Voters in New York City will help choose this fall's candidates for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, all five Borough Presidents, and all 51 City Council seats.
Ranked Choice Voting will also be used in the June Primary Election. Ranked Choice Voting is a system of voting in which you can rank up to five candidates in order of preference.
Take some time to make sure you are registered to vote. If you’re not sure that you are registered to vote, you can check your status here or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692) (TTY-212-487-5496 for the hearing impaired).
To find your poll site and early voting sites, visit this webpage or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC.
Make sure that your voice is heard! Make sure that you vote!
Important Dates
Early Voting: Saturday, June 14 to Sunday, June 22
Early Mail/Absentee Ballot Request Deadline (in-person): Monday, June 23
Deadline to Return Your Early Mail/Absentee Ballot: Tuesday, June 24
Primary Election Day: Tuesday, June 24
FAQs About NYC Voting
How can I check my registration?
- Visit the NYC Board of Elections (BOE) registered voter search page.
- Call the BOE at 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692) (TTY-212-487-5496 for the hearing impaired).
How can I make a plan to vote?
To find your poll site and early voting sites, visit this webpage or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC.
If you have language or other access needs, know your rights. You have the right to bring an interpreter, or someone who will help you vote in general. Apply for an accessible ballot here.
To request an early mail or absentee ballot, visit your local BOE office in person.
For other non-partisan information, read these resources and visit these organizations.
NYC Board of Elections: https://www.vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC
New York State Board of Elections: https://elections.ny.gov
NYC Votes: https://www.nycvotes.org
NYC Civic Engagement Commission: https://www.nyc.gov/site/civicengagement/our-programs/poll-site-language-access.page
Get Ready to Vote, New York: THE CITY Election Coverage 2025: https://projects.thecity.nyc/the-city-election-coverage-2025
League of Women Voters of the City of New York: https://linktr.ee/lwvnyc
GoVoteNYC Fund (The New York Community Trust): https://www.govotenyc.org
VOTE411: https://www.vote411.org
Disability Rights New York: Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access: https://www.drny.org/page/pa-for-voting-access-pava-26.html
Coalition for the Homeless: Voting Rights: https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/get-help/know-your-rights/voting-rights
Voting has started for The People’s Money, New York City's annual citywide participatory budgeting process!
The People's Money lets community members decide how to spend part of the city's budget. This process is open to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
Now through June 25, all New Yorkers ages 11 and older are invited to vote and decide which ideas they would like to see implemented in their borough. Projects ideas were determined by residents seeking to address important needs within their community.
You can Vote Online Now, or visit the participating Queens Public Library locations below to cast your ballot in person, and decide what ideas you want to see come to life!
Voting Locations
Arverne
312 Beach 54 Street
Baisley Park
117-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica
Bayside
214-20 Northern Boulevard
Briarwood
85-12 Main Street
Broad Channel
16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
Corona
38-23 104 Street
East Elmhurst
95-06 Astoria Boulevard
Far Rockaway
1637 Central Avenue
Flushing
41-17 Main Street
Forest Hills
108-19 71 Avenue
Glen Oaks
256-04 Union Turnpike
Hunters Point
47-40 Center Boulevard, Long Island City
Jackson Heights
35-51 81 Street
Kew Gardens Hills
72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing
Langston Hughes
100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona
Lefferts
103-34 Lefferts Boulevard, Richmond Hill
Long Island City
37-44 21 Street
Peninsula
92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach
Richmond Hill
118-14 Hillside Avenue
Rochdale Village
169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica
South Hollis
204-01 Hollis Avenue
South Jamaica
108-41 Guy R Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica
South Ozone Park
128-16 Rockaway Boulevard
St. Albans
191-05 Linden Boulevard
Steinway
21-45 31 Street, Astoria
Woodhaven
85-41 Forest Parkway
Students with guidebooks at Summer at the Library kickoff event; Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc/NYPL
City-Wide Summer at the Library Kicks off at New York, Queens, and Brooklyn Public Libraries
The annual initiative supports readers of all ages throughout the summer with programs, events, and activities
June 4, 2025—Today, The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library launched Summer at the Library, an annual initiative that inspires year-round reading through programs for kids and teens, events and activities for adults, reading recommendations, exhibitions, and much more.
At the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, The New York Public Library President and CEO Anthony W. Marx, and Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson together emphasized the importance of libraries in supporting New Yorkers of all ages in their access to books across the summer months.
The New York Life Foundation is the 2025 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos spoke at the event, underscoring the role of libraries as a resource and destination for students as the school year comes to a close.
160 students were in attendance from Louis Armstrong and Albert Shanker Middle Schools. The event featured book giveaways and 10 engaging activities, including Cricut, photography, and GIF workshops, Sphero robot, VR and Kahoot presentations, a photobooth, arts and crafts, games, and more.
“This summer, our libraries will be the coolest places to stay curious, escape the heat, and keep students engaged while school’s out,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are excited to welcome everyone into our vibrant spaces and help them make the most of a fantastic lineup of programs and activities, thoughtfully designed by our team with the generous support of the New York Life Foundation,” said Dennis M. Walcott, President of Queens Public Library.
“We support access to knowledge and reading every day of the year at The New York Public Library. But it’s no secret that as the school year ends and the evenings grow longer, it can be challenging for New Yorkers to maintain their reading habits. Summer at the Library provides new opportunities to read and learn all summer long—and have fun, even an adventure, while doing so,” said Anthony W. Marx, President of The New York Public Library. “I’m proud to partner with Brooklyn and Queens public libraries each year on this important initiative.”
“Summer at the Library helps young readers stay engaged and inspired while school is out — building not just literacy, but a lifelong love of learning. I extend my sincere thanks to the New York Life Foundation for their generous and ongoing support of summer reading programs in Brooklyn and all across the city,” said Linda E. Johnson, President of Brooklyn Public Library.
“Making sure that our youngest New Yorkers are ready to pursue bold futures begins with fostering a passion for reading. That is why I am so proud to be partnering with our city libraries to launch the Summer at the Library initiative, creating access, engagement, and enrichment for young people across the city,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “This kind of important work goes hand-in-hand with our commitments to literacy, including NYC Reads—a recently expanded science of reading curriculum rollout—and Summer Rising, our summer program that combats ‘summer slide’ and builds students' academic skills."
“This summer, we’re not just opening library doors—we’re opening doors to imagination, learning, and opportunity,” said Council Member Francisco P. Moya. “With initiatives like Summer at the Library, we empower our young people to color their world with creativity and possibility. Libraries are more than buildings—they’re launchpads for dreams, and I’m proud to stand with our library leaders to make sure every child has access to that future.”
“Having grown up visiting Hamilton Fish on the Lower East Side, and now taking my sons to our local Manhattan branches, I know that libraries are gateways to imagination, discovery, and community. ‘Summer at the Library’ helps provide a safe and inspiring space for young people all year round while school is out. I’m proud to collaborate with our library systems and champion the incredible programs they offer that help every New Yorker connect to services, learn, and explore,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.“At the New York Life Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and be inspired—year-round,” said Heather Nesle, President of the New York Life Foundation. “That’s why we’re proud to once again support the Summer Reading Program at New York City public libraries, which sparks curiosity, fosters literacy, and helps prevent learning loss during the critical summer months. Through initiatives like the New York Life Foundation Summer Book Giveaway, we’re working to ensure more children have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”
Reading for pleasure has gradually been declining, according to data from the National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.
Yet research suggests that summer reading can positively impact literacy and academic performance, especially when blended with interactive or recreational activities. Further, “leisure reading” contributes to stress reduction and improves mental well-being.
Hundreds of events, programs, and activities will be held across The New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Highlights of Summer at the Library programming at The New York Public Library include:
- Free programs for kids, including the annual writing contest, a six-week Summer Adventure program series, and summer reading trackers—available in local branches.
- Free programs for teens, including the new Teen Zine Challenge, the annual Teen Voices Festival, and NYPL's annual Anti-Prom events.
- Free programs for adults, including the "Summer Reading Adventure," held in partnership with the National Book Foundation, and free reading parties with Reading Rhythms.
Discover the full line-up of events on https://www.nypl.org/summer/2025, and apply for an NYPL library card at https://www.nypl.org/help/library-card.
Additional support for The New York Public Library’s Summer Learning program is provided by Jane Lauder; The Rona Jaffe Foundation; New York Yankees Foundation; Montblanc; anonymous donors; and the continuing major support of the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.
These programs and initiatives are part of the Library’s overall commitment to our branch patrons and education programs, led by the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education. Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.
QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Throughout the summer, QPL will host dozens of programs and activities, including multilingual storytimes, author talks, and arts and crafts. As part of its annual Summer Reading Challenge, the Library will encourage children and teens to read for at least 20 minutes a day for a chance to win raffle prizes.
Forty QPL locations will also offer STEAM clubs tailored to different age groups, all aligned with this year’s summer theme of art and color. Programs will include sensory art, storytelling, and music and movement for early learners, as well as aviation and engineering activities for teens.
Special club offerings include Tween Cricut Club at North Hills Library, Financial Literacy Club at Baisley Park Library, Comic Readers and Creators Club at Bayside Library, and a Hip Hop Dance Series at Far Rockaway Library.
Additionally, QPL will host a Middle School Maker Club at its teen centers and innovation stations, where students can explore the science of color through hands-on experiments in vision, electromagnetism, and cognitive neuroscience.
QPL will distribute free books for youth—from early learners to teens—at the Children’s Library Discovery Center on June 5, at Corona Library on June 6, and at both Flushing and Langston Hughes Libraries on June 7.
For a full list of programs and events, visit Summer Reading 2025 - Queens Public Library.
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Brooklyn Public Library will kick off summer activities with activities and book giveaways June 5 at Macon and Williamsburgh Libraries, on June 6 at Sheepshead Bay and McKinley Park Libraries, and on June 7 at Rugby and Bedford Libraries. Visit the website for times and details.
Programs will run all summer long including reading with a therapy dog at Central Library, family concerts in the garden at Park Slope Library, a comic book workshop at Rugby Library and a series of foraging workshops at Greenpoint Library where teens can learn how wild urban plants can support health and nutrition.
BPL’s Teen Tech Centers are open this summer and the BookMatch Teen service (for teens, by teens) can provide personalized recommendations so you can find a great book this summer.
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2025 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
Lead support for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2025 program is provided by the National Grid Foundation. The program is generously supported by the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty. CBS2/WLNY is the official media partner for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2025 program.
About The New York Public Library
For over 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With over 90 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.
About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology center located in the nation’s largest public housing complex, and a community learning center at another public housing complex, the Ravenswood Houses. It also has five teen centers, two bookmobiles, and two book bicycles.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.
About New York Life Foundation
Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided over $470 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees and agents of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good program and Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative. To learn more, please visit newyorklifefoundation.org.
Media Contacts:
NYPL: Lizzie Tribone, lizzietribone@nypl.org
BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org
QPL: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
Photographs and B-Roll Available Here
# # #
Remember, Reflect, Rise.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Join us in June as we celebrate this annual Day of Jubilee, all month long!
Check out our reading lists and resources and enjoy our in-person and virtual programs in honor of this important day in U.S. history.
All Queens Public Library locations will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Books: Adult Fiction
Juneteenth Books: Adult Nonfiction
Juneteenth Books: Young Adult Fiction
Juneteenth Books: Young Adult Nonfiction
Juneteenth Books: Children's Fiction
Juneteenth Books: Children's Nonfiction
Juneteenth Programs
Join us for QPL’s Juneteenth programs for all ages, including arts and crafts, concerts, conversations, storytimes, and much more!
Here is a selection of our Juneteenth programs. Visit the QPL Calendar to see the full list!
Click on the links below for more information.
Juneteenth: Upcycle Art: Fashionable and Functional, an Art Workshop for Adults (In-Person)
Monday, June 2, 11am
East Flushing Library
196-36 Northern Boulevard, Flushing
Thursday, June 5, 4pm
Ozone Park Library
92-24 Rockaway Boulevard
Tuesday, June 17, 1pm
North Hills Library
57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck
Wednesday, June 18, 1pm
Douglaston/Little Neck Library
249-01 Northern Boulevard, Little Neck
***
Juneteenth: Jazz, Swing, and Dance! (In-Person)
Tuesday, June 3, 4pm
Long Island City Library
37-44 21 Street
Wednesday, June 11, 4pm
Hillcrest Library
187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing
Wednesday, June 18, 4pm
Bay Terrace Library
18-36 Bell Boulevard, Bayside
Saturday, June 21, 1pm
Fresh Meadows Library
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway
Tuesday, June 24, 4pm
Bayside Library
214-20 Northern Boulevard
Wednesday, June 25, 4pm
Rosedale Library
144-20 243 Street
***
Juneteenth: The Sounds of Freedom for Teens (In-Person)
Tuesday, June 3, 4pm
Baisley Park Library
117-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica
Monday, June 16, 4pm
Flushing Library
41-17 Main Street
***
Juneteenth: Afrofuturism Art Installation (In-Person)
Wednesday, June 4, 4pm
Cambria Heights Library
218-13 Linden Boulevard
***
Juneteenth: Craft Time for Children (In-Person)
Monday, June 9, 3pm
Fresh Meadows Library
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway
***
Juneteenth: Afrofuturism x Anime x AI x Tiktok (In-Person)
Wednesday, June 11, 4pm
Long Island City Library
37-44 21 Street
Wednesday, June 25, 3:30pm
Fresh Meadows Library
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway
***
Juneteenth: Afrofuturist Theory and AI (In-Person)
Thursday, June 12, 3:30pm
Peninsula Library
92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach
***
Juneteenth Celebration with The Art Studio NY (In-Person)
Thursday, June 12, 3:30pm
Long Island City Library
37-44 21 Street
Friday, June 13, 3pm
Hillcrest Library
187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing
Friday, June 20, 3:30pm
Sunnyside Library
43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City
***
Juneteenth Celebration with Brooklyn Music Learning (In-Person)
Thursday, June 12, 3:30pm
Briarwood Library
85-12 Main Street
Friday, June 13, 3:30pm
St. Albans Library
191-05 Linden Boulevard
Monday, June 16 3:30pm
Ridgewood Library
20-12 Madison Street
Tuesday, June 17, 4:30pm (this program is funded by NYC Council Member Nantasha Williams)
South Jamaica Library
108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica
Wednesday, June 18, 3:30pm
Far Rockaway Library
1637 Central Avenue
Friday, June 20, 4pm
Rosedale Library
144-20 243 Street
Monday, June 23, 4pm
Fresh Meadows Library
193-20 Horace Harding Expressway
***
Juneteenth Painting Workshop with Juan Ortega (In-Person)
Thursday, June 12, 3:30pm
South Ozone Park Library
128-16 Rockaway Boulevard
Wednesday, June 18, 3:30pm
Glen Oaks Library
256-04 Union Turnpike
Saturday, June 21, 3:30pm
East Flushing Library
196-36 Northern Boulevard, Flushing
***
Juneteenth: From Civil Rights to Civil Responsibility (In-Person)
Friday, June 13, 2pm
Cambria Heights Library
218-13 Linden Boulevard
Monday, June 16, 4pm
South Jamaica Library
108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica
Friday, June 20, 3pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
***
Juneteenth & Black Music Month Celebration (In-Person)
Saturday, June 14, 12pm
Langston Hughes Library
100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona
***
Juneteenth: Black and Indigenous Cowboys (In-Person)
Saturday, June 14, 2pm
Lefrak City Library (Outside)
98-30 57 Avenue (Priscilla Carrow Way), Corona
***
Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys (Virtual)
Monday, June 16, 11am
Join us on Zoom: https://queenslib.org/3E78
Passcode: 127199
***
Juneteenth: Afrofuturism, Anime, AI and Tiktok (In-Person)
Monday, June 16, 3:30pm
Far Rockaway Teen Library
2002 Cornaga Avenue
***
Freedom is a New York Story: Honoring the Radical History of Black Freedom Celebrations (Virtual)
Monday, June 16, 6pm
Join us on Zoom: https://queenslib.org/4ka
Passcode: 909844
***
Juneteenth Hip Hop Celebration with Batingua Dance & Drums Productions (In-Person)
Wednesday, June 18, 4pm
Cambria Heights Library
218-13 Linden Boulevard
Wednesday, June 18, 6pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
***
Juneteenth Freedom Walk (In-Person)
Wednesday, June 18, 4pm
Rochdale Village Library
169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica
***
Juneteenth: Examining Our Racial History Through Poetry with Aileen Bassis (In-Person)
Saturday, June 21, 1pm
Cambria Heights Library
218-13 Linden Boulevard
***
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom (1865-2024): 159 Years of Strife, Struggle, and Success (In-Person)
This program is funded by New York State Assembly Member Vivian Cook.
Saturday, June 21, 3pm
South Jamaica Library
108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica
***
Juneteenth: Let the Dress Tell My Story: A Tribute to Anna Murray Douglas (In-Person)
Monday, June 23, 6pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
Juneteenth Booklists
Adult Fiction
Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Yonder by Jabari Asim
Book | Audiobook
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Book | eBook | Audiobook | Graphic Novel | Graphic Novel (eBook)
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehesi Coates
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Black Cloud Rising by David Wright Faladé
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge
Book | eBook
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Iola Leroy, or Shadows Uplifted by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Book | eBook
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Moonrise Over New Jessup by Jamila Minnicks
Book | eBook
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Book | eBook | Audiobook
River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer
Book | Audiobook
The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathan Snipes
Jubilee by Margaret Walker
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Book | Audiobook
Adult Nonfiction
Juneteenth Texas: Essays in African-American Folklore by Francis E. Abernethy, Patrick B. Mullen, and Alan B. Govenar
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership by Brea Baker
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Remembering Slavery by Ira Berlin
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Galveston's Juneteenth Story: And Still We Rise by Tommie Boudreaux, Alice Gatson,
Jami Durham, and W. Dwayne Jones
Juneteenth: The Story Behind the Celebration by Edward Cotham
Book | eBook
The War Before the War by Andrew Delbanco
Black Reconstruction in America by W. E. B. Du Bois
Book | eBook
She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Book | Audiobook
Forever Free: The Story of Emancipation and Reconstruction by Eric Foner
The Second Founding by Eric Foner
Being Black in America's Schools: A Student-Educator-Reformer's Call for Change
by Brian Rashad Fuller
Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow
by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Book | eBook | Audiobook
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
Book | Audiobook
Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston
Book | eBook | Audiobook
To Raise Up a Nation by William S. King
Book | eBook
American Inheritance by Edward J. Larson
The Failed Promise by Robert S. Levine
Black Ghost of Empire by Kris Manjapra
Sleeping with the Ancestors by Joseph McGill Jr. and Herb Frazier
Book | eBook
All That She Carried by Tiya Miles
Of Greed and Glory: In Pursuit of Freedom for All by Deborah G. Plant
The Last Slave Ship by Ben Raines
Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human by Cole Arthur Riley
How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Watermelon & Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations by Nicole A. Taylor
Freedom's Children by Velma Maia Thomas
Lest We Forget (eBook) by Velma Maia Thomas
Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Young Adult Fiction
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party
by M. T. Anderson
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Deep Blue Between by Ayesha Harruna Attah
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Crossing Ebenezer Creek by Tonya Bolden
Book | eBook
Inventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden
Book | eBook
Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper
Book | eBook
Dream Country by Shannon Gibney
Book | Audiobook
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
Book | eBook | Audiobook
This Is My America by Kim Johnson
Book | eBook
African Town by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
Book | Audiobook
Riot by Walter Dean Myers
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi
Book | eBook
The Awakening of Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Tiffany D. Jackson
Book | Audiobook
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Book | Audiobook
A Sitting in St. James by Rita Williams-Garcia
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Young Adult Nonfiction
Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandy Colbert
Book | Audiobook
Passenger on the Pearl by Winifred Conkling
Book | eBook
In The Shadow of Liberty by Kenneth C. Davis
Book | Audiobook
Unequal: A Story of America by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau
Book | Audiobook
Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself
by Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge
This Book Is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
Book | eBook
Poemhood: Our Black Revival: History, Folklore & the Black Experience: A Young Adult Poetry Anthology
edited by Amber McBride, Taylor Byas, and Erica Martin
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Book | eBook | Audiobook
A Long Time Coming: A Lyrical Biography of Race in America from Ona Judge to Barack Obama
by Ray Anthony Shepard and R. Gregory Christie
Children's Fiction
The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story by Glenda Armand and Corey Barksdale
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens and Monica Mikai
Book | eBook
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson
Book | Audiobook
Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
Book | eBook | Audiobook
All Good in the Hood by Dwayne Reed and Gladys Jose
Annie and Juneteenth by Aletta Seales and Artkina Celestin
A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor
Book | eBook
Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett and Daniel J. O'Brien
Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford and Yvonne Buchanan
Book | eBook
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Children's Nonfiction
The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate
by Alliah L. Agostini, Taffy Elrod, and Sawyer Cloud
Juneteenth by R.J. Bailey
Book | eBook
The American Civil War in Texas by Johanna Burke
Let's Celebrate Emancipation Day & Juneteenth by Barbara deRubertis
Book | eBook
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
by Alice Faye Duncan and Keturah A. Bobo
Book | eBook | Audiobook
They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park
by Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed
Hidden Black History: From Juneteenth to Redlining by Amanda Jackson Green
Book | eBook
What Is Juneteenth? by Kirsti Jewel
Book | Audiobook
Traditional African American Arts & Activities by Sonya Kimble-Ellis
Juneteenth by Julie Murray
Book | eBook
Juneteenth by Lynn Peppas
Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and Alex Bostic
The Real History of Juneteenth by Elliott Smith
Book | eBook
Stories of the Spirit of Justice by Jemar Tisby
Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History by Schele Williams and Tonya Engel
Book | eBook | Audiobook
African-American Holidays by Faith Winchester
Juneteenth (Racial Justice in America: Histories) by Kevin P. Winn and Kelisa Wing
Book | eBook
Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom by Sharon Dennis Wyeth and Kim Holt
Book | Audiobook
This image appeared on an 1865 recruitment poster encouraging African American men to join the Union Army’s United States Colored Troops. During the Civil War, the United States Colored Troops made up more than 10% of the Union Army, despite being prohibited from joining until July 1862, 15 months after the war began. (Source: African American Civil War Memorial Museum)
Juneteenth Resources
The Spirit of Juneteenth: The Journey Continues (Virtual Brochure from QPL, Langston Hughes Library, and Queens Memory)
Juneteenth: The Legacy of Black Greek Organizations (QPL/YouTube, 2022)
Juneteenth - All About the Holidays (PBS Kids/YouTube)
Juneteenth Storytime: "Opal Lee And What It Means To Be Free" (Alice Faye Duncan Books/YouTube)
How 97-Year-Old Activist Opal Lee Became the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” (Biography.com)
The history behind the Juneteenth flag (WCNC Charlotte/YouTube)
Juneteenth Digital Toolkit (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
What Is Juneteenth? (HISTORY)
Celebrating Juneteenth, the Day Slavery Ended (The New York Times)
What is Juneteenth? (CBS News)
Juneteenth: The History of a Holiday (The New York Times)
The History Of Juneteenth (NPR Fresh Air)
Galveston, Texas, is the birthplace of the Juneteenth holiday (NPR)
United States Colored Troops History (African American Civil War Memorial Museum)
Fighting for Their Freedom: Historian Steward Henderson Talks about the United States Colored Troops (Emerging Civil War/YouTube)
How Black families, torn apart during slavery, worked to find one another again (NBC News)
Songs For Freedom: A Juneteenth Playlist From Pianist Lara Downes (NPR)
24 Recipes to Celebrate Juneteenth (Food & Wine)
DIY Confetti Poppers for Juneteenth (Crafting a Fun Life)
4 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth with Your Kids 2022 (Indy's Child Magazine)
Great Ideas for Celebrating Juneteenth (HGTV)
Recognizing This Significant Day in History—Here Are 60 Quotes To Better Understand Juneteenth (Parade Magazine)
How to Celebrate Juneteenth This Year (PureWow)
Juneteenth Printables (Primary Treasure Chest Resources)
25 Ideas to Help You Celebrate Juneteenth (The Cubicle Chick by Danyelle Little)
8 Ways to Teach Your Kids About the Importance of Juneteenth (PopSugar Family)
Rising Costs and Growing Demand: Libraries Need Help
NYC libraries call for $46.8M in baselined operational funding.
The presidents of New York City’s three public library systems testified before the New York City Council on Wednesday to call for increased funding to address rising costs, aging infrastructure and growing demand for their services. Without funding increases, over time New Yorkers can expect longer waits for books, more unexpected branch closures due to staffing shortages and emergency repairs, and fewer programming options, including for children, teens and seniors, the presidents testified.
NYC’s public libraries are seeking $46.8 million in baselined operational funding, including the Speaker’s $2 million proposal for expanded 7-day service, and a $1.1 billion investment as part of the City’s Ten-Year Capital Plan.
The City's FY26 Executive Budget allocated $15.7 million for public libraries, bringing libraries back to their current level of funding. While this allocation was a welcome addition, it was not baselined and does not increase overall funding for libraries, which has remained essentially flat for the past five years.
But while funding has remained flat, costs have skyrocketed, including higher costs for books, healthcare, wages, maintenance contracts, and technology services, testified Brooklyn Public Library President Linda E. Johnson, New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx, and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott at a joint hearing before the Council’s Committee on Libraries and Cultural Affairs and Committee on Finance.
Boosting the library's operating funds and making sure they are baselined allows the library systems to stabilize staffing in branches, keep up with the increased cost of physical and digital books, upgrade outdated technology, and sustain the programs and services that so many New Yorkers depend on.
Of the $44.8 million operating expense request to help meet uncovered costs, $12.4 million would go to BPL, $18.9 million would go to NYPL, and $13.5 million to QPL.
This ask for greater investment comes after the libraries faced years of cuts and proposed cuts, including $58 million in proposed budget cuts last year, the steepest in over a decade.
“Libraries are uniquely positioned to meet today’s most challenging issues. With reading on the decline, misinformation continuing to rise, and social divisions widening, a strong library system is precisely what we need,” said NYPL President and CEO Anthony W. Marx. “Demand for library services is growing, but without additional funding for libraries, patrons could face longer wait times, fewer programs, and more unplanned closures. Now is the time for City leaders to invest in libraries.”
"We are grateful the FY 2026 Executive Budget includes a one-time allocation that brings library funding to FY 2025 levels,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “However, after years of flat funding and sustained and looming cuts, libraries need additional dollars to meet growing demand for our resources, cover increased costs, and invest in our collections, programs and infrastructure. We need to fortify our three systems now to help lead New York City into the future, creating a more informed, equitable, and democratic city. We are hopeful that as discussions between the Administration and the Council continue, we can fulfill this vision together.”
“Libraries are one of the few public spaces that match the creativity, drive and resilience of New Yorkers,” said BPL President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “We look forward to working with the Council and the Administration to increase the City’s investment in libraries and continue providing New Yorkers with robust programs, services and resources.”
"For so many New Yorkers, public libraries are where opportunity begins. They are essential pillars of our communities, offering free resources that promote education, culture, and advancement. Whether it’s a student logging on to finish homework, a new New Yorker learning English, or a senior finding connection in a book club, the impact of the public library system reaches far beyond their walls, providing vital programs that strengthen our city’s future. I’m committed to securing the funding they need to continue this invaluable work for every New Yorker,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.
“Libraries are among the most trusted and essential institutions in our city — offering everything from early literacy and legal support to job training and safe spaces for youth. Simply restoring funding isn’t enough. We must baseline this support and make long-term investments to keep our libraries strong, accessible, and open to all New Yorkers,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías.
“In every corner of New York City, libraries and library workers are providing essential resources,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37. “After years of fighting off cuts, it’s time to make sure our Libraries are fully funded. Whether it's books and technology, story time, career help, after school programs or language classes, investing in libraries and the workers who keep them going is essential.”
“New York is a city that adores its libraries, but five years of flat funding leaves these beloved institutions unable to plan and expand to meet community needs,” said Urban Librarians Unite Executive Director Lauren Comito. “Increasing funding will allow the libraries to maintain consistent service with staff that have the bandwidth to dream big about what is next.”
Copies of prepared remarks are available on investinlibraries.org.
Media Contacts:
BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org
NYPL: Connor Goodwin, connorgoodwin@nypl.org
QPL: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Queens Public Library is joining the national movement to bring awareness to mental health, and to fight the stigma that surrounds the topic.
Throughout the month of May, QPL will be offering programs, workshops, and resources designed to help everyone of all ages navigate their individual mental health journeys.
Mental Health Awareness Month Booklists
Teen Mental Health Month Programs
Join us at our branches for these special programs, designed specifically for teens, where they can learn how contemporary life impacts mental health, build coping strategies that will help them now and in the future, enjoy activities designed to strengthen their mental health, and develop the tools necessary to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Teens can also download a copy of our special Teen Mental Health Month Brochure, or pick one up at their QPL branch.
Mental Health Awareness Month Resources
NYC 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
NYC 988 is your connection to free, confidential mental health and substance use support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in over 200 languages.
NYC Department of Health: Health Topics: Mental Health
Learn about the City's mental health and substance use resources and services.
NYC Department of Health: NYC Teenspace
Teenspace provides free mental health support through licensed therapists to teens in NYC.
NYC Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health: Resource Guides + Toolkits
Guides and toolkits providing information, resources, and skills to promote emotional well-being.
The Mental Health Coalition
The Mental Health Coalition is a collective of influential and respected nonprofits, mental health organizations, and experts who are working together to end the devastating stigma surrounding mental health.
National Institutes of Health: Social Wellness Toolkit
A toolkit for learning new strategies and ways to improve your social well-being.
Safe Horizon, 1-800-621-HOPE (1-800-621-4673)
Safe Horizon provides assistance, advocacy, and support to victims who have experienced domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, youth homelessness, and other crimes.
Therapy for Black Girls
An online space dedicated to the mental wellness of Black women and girls; you can also use this resource to locate mental health professionals in your area.
Therapy for Black Men
A directory of mental health professionals and coaches that provide multiculturally-competent care for Black men.
QPL Introduces New Mobile Library
Vehicle Will Be Stationed Each Wednesday in Breezy Point and Serve Communities Across Queens on Other Days
Breezy Point, NY_ Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola and community members today marked the launch of a new QPL mobile library and the start of weekly library service in Breezy Point with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a packed lineup of activities.
The event took place outside the Breezy Point Cooperative Activity Center at 17 West Market St., where the mobile library will be stationed every Wednesday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
“This fantastic vehicle will not only extend our reach. It will also offer a next-generation experience to everyone who steps inside, engaging individuals of all ages through its innovative features and inspiring programs,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are thrilled to introduce this mobile library in Breezy Point, where it will provide regular library access. We are deeply grateful to the Office of NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola for funding this bookmobile, and we look forward to serving local residents right in the heart of this neighborhood.”
The 32-foot-long, 13-ton vehicle is equipped with an automatic wheelchair lift, a retractable exterior awning, a skylight, solar power technology, and two Wi-Fi-enabled TV screens. It also has 12 laptops, a printer, Wi-Fi access, a self-checkout machine, gaming systems, and a collection of 5,000 books and other materials for people of all ages.
The mobile library will offer storytimes, early literacy sessions, STEM activities, movies, arts and crafts workshops, book discussions, and more.
Customers can also sign up for library cards, check out, return and reserve materials, and access digital resources, databases, and reference services.
Manufactured by Farber Specialty Vehicles in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and funded by the Office of NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola, the $500,000 mobile library is wrapped in purple and features the Library’s logo and a map of its locations.
QPL has provided intermittent mobile service in Breezy Point over the years, including after Superstorm Sandy, which in 2012 flooded the waterfront neighborhood and caused a fire that devastated more than 100 homes. Now, Breezy Point residents will have access to regular library service in their community. The nearest QPL location is the Seaside branch in Belle Harbor, about 4.5 miles away.
“For too long, Breezy Point has gone without a library of its own,” said NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola. “That's all changing. I'm proud to partner with the Queens Public Library to finally give residents here the resources they deserve. This mobile library will open the door for more learning and greater opportunities, and I look forward to its impact being felt for years to come.”
“On behalf of the Breezy Point Cooperative community we sincerely thank NYC Councilwoman Joann Ariola and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott for this wonderful opportunity to bring library services directly to our children, seniors and residents,” said Denise Lopresti, General Manager of the Breezy Point Cooperative.
“Reading is fundamental, and it's essential that underserved communities have equal access and opportunity to expand their minds,” said Community Board 14 District Manager Felicia Johnson. “I grew up visiting the bookmobile every summer, joining reading programs and contests. My 93-year-old mother, who holds a Master’s in Library Science, worked on our local bookmobile—she loved delivering not just books, but adventures to neighborhoods and their children. I’m thrilled to see this valuable resource return. Thank you to Queens Public Library for this wonderful gift.”
This mobile library is the first of three new vehicles that will hit Queens streets this year, bringing library services to shelters, senior centers, hospitals, and other locations. The new vehicles will complement QPL’s existing fleet of two mobile libraries, which will now primarily serve neighborhoods where branches are temporarily closed for renovations.
About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology, and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology lab at the Queensbridge public housing complex, a community learning center at the Ravenswood public housing complex, and five teen centers. It also has two bookmobiles and two book bicycles.
CONTACT: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
City Launches ‘Neighborhood Tech Help’ to Bridge Digital Divide Across the Boroughs
The new pilot program will provide in-person support with internet, mobile devices, and computer at affordable housing developments and community centers
New service to meet digital literacy needs created following engagement of low-income New Yorkers and community stakeholders with HPD and the three public libraries.
NEW YORK – This morning, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Public Library (QPL), announced the launch of Neighborhood Tech Help, an innovative, in-person program designed to help New Yorkers build confidence using technology.
The pilot program offers one-on-one support for Section 8 tenants at participating affordable housing developments and community centers, helping with everything from getting online and setting up devices to navigating digital services and avoiding scams. The launch builds on the City’s broader efforts to close the digital divide, as outlined in the NYC Digital Equity Roadmap, and is informed by feedback from hundreds of residents engaged during the program’s development.
“In the 21st century, the internet is essential for finding a job, filling a prescription, and applying for childcare. When we came into office, the digital divide was leaving too many New Yorkers behind, which is why we brought free WiFi to hundreds of thousands of public housing units through ‘Big Apple Connect’ and announced an innovative program to expand free internet access to thousands of Section 8 homes earlier this year,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Today’s announcement will help bring even more families online, connect people to essential services, and advance our administration’s vision for a more affordable, equitable New York City.”
“At HPD, we recognize that access to technology and the skills and confidence to use technology are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity,” said Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “The launch of Neighborhood Tech Help underscores our commitment to ensuring that all New Yorkers, especially those in affordable housing, have the digital tools and skills they need to thrive in today's world.”
Need for Tech Help in Affordable Housing
During the winter 2022, HPD partnered with the NYC Behavioral Design Team (BDT) at the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity—run by ideas42, a behavioral science research and design nonprofit—to better understand whether Section 8 recipients were using the public library systems’ tech services and, if not, what new service models could better meet their needs. BDT engaged nearly 800 New Yorkers and found:
- Many residents do not know the breadth of technology services that the public libraries offer
- Many residents face hurdles in attending in-person or online library programming
- Many residents fear being exploited by digital scams or viruses
- Many residents feel a lack of confidence in their ability to learn digital skills
With over 30 percent of New York City households, more than 2.5 million residents, lacking both mobile and home broadband needed for full connectivity, the three public library systems will promote Neighborhood Tech Help through tabling at community events, posting flyers in local businesses and community spaces, and partnering with community-based organizations. Program materials, featuring illustrations by local artist Ilya Milstein, reflect the diversity of New York and highlight the many ways technology can offer opportunity or present challenges.
So far, Brooklyn Public Library alone has had more than 1,000 service interactions through Neighborhood Tech Help. The most common requests include assistance accessing benefits, using laptops, navigating WhatsApp, working with Microsoft programs, and removing spam messages.
“As one of the largest providers of free WiFi in the borough, Brooklyn Public Library is committed to narrowing the digital divide and helping our patrons gain critical technology skills for everyday life—from completing homework to making a doctor’s appointment,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “We offer hundreds of free tech programs for learners of all ages and are proud to partner with HPD and libraries across New York City to launch Neighborhood Tech Help.”
“The digital divide remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities across the city—communities that often depend on our libraries for free access to the internet and tech resources,” said New York Public Library President and CEO Anthony W. Marx. “Our goal is to ensure that all New Yorkers have the resources they need to succeed in today’s world, and we are excited to expand our digital equity work through Neighborhood Tech Help and in partnership with HPD.”
"We are committed to ensuring that everyone in our communities has the skills needed to navigate our increasingly digital world effectively and confidently, and this program helps us go beyond our walls to make that happen," said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “It also provides an opportunity for us to introduce residents to the many services, resources, and programs available at QPL's locations across the borough. We are grateful to HPD for their partnership as we continue our work to close the digital divide.”
Based on these research findings and best practices for deploying “digital navigators,” HPD, BPL, NYPL, and QPL collaboratively designed Neighborhood Tech Help to engage hard-to-reach communities throughout the city, build confidence in basic digital literacy skills, train vulnerable populations to safe online, and boost participation in library programming. These digital literacy skills include avoiding scams; connecting with family, friends, teachers, or case workers; navigating online social services; recovering passwords; finding reliable health information; and accessing low-cost internet service.
This initiative also advances recommendations from the “New” New York Panel in the Making New York Work for Everyone action plan to invest in partnerships with libraries to support remote work across the five boroughs. The recommendations specifically sought to address the lack of broadband at home for New Yorkers from historically marginalized communities of color, among other challenges these populations face. The plan cited the redevelopment of the Inwood Branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL) as a striking example of how the City, NYPL, and philanthropy can partner on issues across affordable housing, community development, and the digital divide.
Beginning today, the program will be available at select affordable housing developments, older adult centers, and community centers throughout the city. Select sites across Brooklyn and Queens have already launched programming, with Far Rockaway staff providing 1:1 support to participants who have taken previous technology classes. New Yorkers can find participating Neighborhood Tech Help sites at nyc.gov/TechHelp or by calling 311.
To support this effort, each library system is hiring 10–15 part-time staff at competitive wages—including CUNY students, library interns, and local community members. While Brooklyn and Queens public libraries are already fully staffed, NYPL is actively hiring part-time Lead Neighborhood Tech Helpers Outreach Associates and part-time Neighborhood Tech Helpers Outreach Associates.
Contact: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org
Queens Public Library Announces Banned Books Library Card Design Contest Winner
Designed by Queens Resident Sammi Wu, the Special Edition Card Will Be Released in Fall 2025
Queens, NY_Queens Public Library today named Flushing illustrator and undergraduate arts student Sammi Wu the winner of its first-ever Banned Books Library Card Design Contest. The competition invited entrants to vie for a $2,000 cash prize and the chance to have their artwork featured on a special edition library card, which will be released in the fall as part of a Freedom to Read campaign.
Sammi’s design (pictured below) was selected from a pool of more than 1,100 submissions, along with 10 finalists, whose artwork will be showcased at our locations. Their designs are posted here.
QPL launched the contest last October during Banned Books Week to celebrate the freedom to read and show support for the stories, voices, and titles threatened by censorship.
To qualify for the contest, entrants had to be 13 or older, write an artist’s statement, and create original artwork inspired by banned or challenged books or by their own interpretation of what the freedom to read means in Queens. A panel of judges comprised of representatives from QPL and local arts organizations evaluated the submissions.
“The public’s robust response to our contest highlights the importance of celebrating the freedom to read, especially as efforts to restrict expression escalate across the country,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Congratulations to Sammi and all the finalists, whose creative and inspiring designs not only help raise awareness about book bans, but also honor Queens and the many historically marginalized voices that have been challenged over the years.”
Sammi was born and raised in Flushing and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration at the School of Visual Arts. Her work draws inspiration from her childhood memories and vivid imagination, which is fueled by her love for books and movies.
In her artist's statement, Sammi describes how reading shaped her understanding and appreciation of Queens’ diverse population and enabled her to relate to the borough’s many cultures.
“No matter the reason, banning books would restrict these connections and sense of community, encouraging closed-mindedness in a city that thrives in its diversity,” she said. “In an increasingly polarizing climate, the freedom to read is essential to a kinder and more interconnected world. Taking away the freedom to read is the antithesis of what defines Queens.”
Wu’s thought-provoking visual depicts five young people seated closely together on the 7 train intently reading an oversized book spread across their laps. Several Queens landmarks can be seen in the distance through a window behind the kids, and the Library’s logo appears on the lower right corner of the card opposite the words, “Freedom to Read.”
“It is an honor to be chosen to represent my borough, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love for my home, books, and, most importantly, the value of the freedom to read through my art,” said Wu. “I have a deep appreciation for the many libraries in New York, which not only served as my safe haven while growing up but continue to be a refuge for others as well. I want to express my gratitude to Queens Public Library for this win and will use the award to support my studies as an illustrator.”
According to the American Library Association, the number of requests to ban books is among the highest since the organization began compiling the data more than 20 years ago. In 2024, ALA reported 821 attempts to censor library materials and documented challenges to 2,452 unique titles. Most of the targeted titles were by or about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.
About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology, and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology lab at the Queensbridge public housing complex, a community learning center at the Ravenswood public housing complex, and five teen centers. It also has two bookmobiles and two book bicycles.
Contact: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org