May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Teens, we want to help you feel comfortable with talking about your mental health this month.
Learn how to maintain your mental health and support your friends, with activities, exercises, and resources especially for you, all month long.
Come back to this blog post each week in May, and check out our Instagram page too, and use the hashtag #QPLTeens!
Teen Mental Health Programs
Join us for QPL’s in-person programs.
Mental Health Awareness Booklists
Moody Mondays
You know it, we know it: Mondays are the worst!
Each Monday in May, come here for music and videos to help you start your week.
May 1: Here’s some music and movement to help you improve your relaxation.
Take it Easy: A Relaxation Playlist
May 8: Here’s some music and movement to help you de-stress.
May 15: Here’s some music and movement to help you find calm.
Gentle Seated Chair Yoga For Beginners
May 22: Here’s some music and movement to help improve your mood.
Ocean County Library: Today Will Be a Wonderful Day
May 29: Here’s some music and movement to help you reduce your anxieties.
Herrick District Library: Meditate and Rejuvenate
Yoga For Health: Fears and Anxiety
Wreck It Wednesdays
Learn How to Create Your Own Wreck It Journal!
May 3: What's a Wreck It Journal?
A Wreck It Journal is not like traditional blogs, journals, diaries, or sketchbooks.
Yes, you can write or draw in it if you like. But you can also scribble nonsense, or throw it down the stairs, or put it under the leg of your kitchen table for a few hours!
There are no mistakes in how you use it, and you can wreck or destroy it however you want. Use your Wreck It Journal to let off steam, to experiment, to mess around!
Learn More and Try our Prompts to Create your own Wreck It Journal.
May 10: Teen Mental Health Month: What Do You Want?
This week, watch this video and use your Wreck It Journal to write down your goals and priorities for the rest of the month of May.
What questions do you have about mental heath and wellness? How do you want to help yourself this month? How do you want to help your friends?
May 17: Reflections from Thich Nhat Hanh
Watch this video with the Buddhist "father of mindfulness" and think about how you can practice gratitude.
Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down in your Journal at night, or replay them in your mind.
May 24: Take Out the Trash!
Write down a list of everything that is making you upset. Once you have filled up the page, crumple it up and throw it in the garbage!
If you need to talk about what’s making you upset, here’s a list of free Mental Health Hotlines that you can call.
May 31: Time to Wreck that Journal!
Still need to wreck your journal?
Glue in a page from a magazine. Circle words you like. Write with your pen in your mouth. Give away your favorite page!
Here's a video with some examples of Wreck It Journals.
Fulfilled Fridays
Each Friday in May, take a moment to think about what makes you feel fulfilled.
How can you care for yourself? What can you do to care for the world around you?
May 5: Self-Care
Self-care is so important. We need to check in with how we feel, how we treat ourselves, and how we respond to the world around us. How do you care for yourself?
Search for Self-Care on the QPL Website
Visit Mental Health Is Health
May 12: Advocacy
Advocacy takes many forms. You can give support, ideas, and goals to your community, your schools, and even your city and country! What things around you would you like to improve? What are small steps that you can take? Who can you talk to about it?
Search for Activism on the QPL Website
Visit My Life Is Worth Living
Learn More about Youth Activism
May 19: Meditation
Meditation is a form of self-care. Learning to manage your breathing can help you center your thoughts and help you reduce stress and anxiety. Take a moment today to stop, pause, and concentrate on your breathing. It will really make a difference!
Search for Meditation on the QPL Website
Watch 7-Minute Meditation to Start Your Day
Watch 30 Day Meditation with Arianna Elizabeth
May 26: Art and Self-Expression
Art and self-expression can fulfill us as we navigate the world around us. What art form makes you feel fulfilled? Drawing, writing, painting, dancing, knitting, crocheting?
Search for Crafting on the QPL Website
Crafts for Teens & Tweens: 50 Awesome Ideas!
Find More Fulfillment
Queens Community House: Young Adult Services
Your Life Your Voice: Ways To Get Help
Left to right: New York Public Library President Tony Marx, Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson, and Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott testified this morning before the New York City Council (photo credit: William Alatriste/New York City Council)
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 18
Contacts:
BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org, 929-276-4232
NYPL: Amy Geduldig, amygeduldig@nypl.org, 212-592-7177
QPL: Elisabeth de Bourbon, edebourbon@queenslibrary.org, 917-650-3815; Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org, 917-702-0016
New York City’s Library Presidents Testify About Impacts Proposed $36.2M Budget Cuts Will Have on Service and Days of Operation
May 18, 2023 — The presidents of New York City’s three public library systems testified this morning before the New York City Council calling on the City to reverse a planned $36.2M in proposed budget cuts in the FY24 budget. Their testimony comes after a rally outside City Hall hosted by the Libraries Committee Chair Chi Ossé, and DC37, the union that represents library workers. Hundreds of supporters attended the rally.
The hearing and rally marks the first time the three presidents — Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson, Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott, and New York Public Library President Tony Marx — have spoken publicly about potential budget cut impacts since Mayor Adams partially restored some library funding in the FY24 Executive Budget. All three expressed gratitude to Mayor Adams, but said the remaining $36.2M in proposed cuts would impact libraries' ability to provide critical services and programs, and their ability to stay open for their regular hours and days.
Specifically, the presidents testified that, if the cuts were to go through, the systems would need to limit hiring for vacant positions, which would result in the elimination of all Sunday service and a five-day-a-week schedule for many branches that would replace the current six-day schedule every public library now enjoys.
Copies of their prepared remarks are available here.
Prior to the budget hearing, Library leadership, staff, allies and supporters of all ages from throughout the five boroughs, rallied with the public in front of City Hall to protest the cuts. The three presidents were joined by Council Member Chi Ossé (Chair of the Council’s Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations), Henry Garrido, Executive Director of DC37, the union that represents the majority of Library workers, Lauren Comito, Executive Director, Urban Librarians Unite, as well as teen patrons who shared the profound educational and social support they received from libraries.
Those in attendance wore bright orange t-shirts that read “Libraries are for everyone!” Supporters also carried signs that read: “No cuts to Libraries.” A public campaign held both online and at branches has sparked an outpouring of public support, with nearly 100,000 New Yorkers sending letters to City Hall advocating for New York City’s libraries.
Library services have remained crucial to the city's recovery from the pandemic and have also adapted to further champion access to information, fostering community collaboration, and ensuring all New Yorkers have a welcoming and inclusive space. In the past year, the three Library systems have worked to expand Teen Centers and services for students, supported asylum-seekers navigating New York City, and made frequently banned titles available to all.
Brooklyn Public Library President Linda E. Johnson, Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott, and New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx said: “New York City’s public libraries are trusted and safe community spaces that meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers, regardless of background, income, birthplace, or beliefs. From storytimes to senior services—and everything in between—libraries truly are for everyone. We thank Mayor Adams for restoring some of our funding. But our ability to continue this work is threatened by the proposed remaining budget cuts. If enacted, those cuts will end Sunday service at every branch across the city and eliminate universal six-day service. These are just a few of the difficult measures our systems will have to endure. Libraries are just 0.4% of the city budget, but their benefits are enormous.”
“Libraries are among New York’s most popular and utilized institutions, providing essential services to all New Yorkers. They need to be properly funded to continue this work. Like many New Yorkers, I grew up attending public libraries and know firsthand how these trusted institutions change and save lives. I stand with Brooklyn, Queens and the New York Public Libraries to demand fully funded systems in the FY24 City budget. Libraries are for everyone!” said Council Member Chi Ossé, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations.
"Our library branches are vital for connecting New York City residents to their history, to the outside world and to each other. Our communities can’t afford to lose these essential services at a time when access to information, free programming and educational resources is more important than ever. We call on City Hall and the City Council to restore this critical funding immediately," said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37.
“I don't understand a literate society not making libraries a priority. I’m addicted to St. Agnes Library on Amsterdam. I go there a lot to read the papers that I haven't caught up on. There are no seats available in the computer spaces. We need more librarians, not fewer. We need libraries to be open more hours, have more books, have more computers," said Council Member Gale A. Brewer.
“Public libraries are vital to the social and cultural life of our local communities, serving people of every ethnicity, age and economic class. We devote a small fraction of the city’s budget to funding our libraries, but the return on that investment is immeasurable. It is unthinkable to suggest they find a way to do the same with less by slashing their budgets. I pledge to support our city’s libraries to see that they get the funding they need to continue their vital work in our communities,” said Council Member Sandra Ung.
“The Mayor’s potential budget cuts to libraries are detrimental to our students, New Americans, seniors, and other vulnerable communities who rely on their services,” said Council Member Julie Won. “As an immigrant, I know firsthand that libraries are lifelines for our community. Budget cuts to libraries mean cuts to immigration resources, senior arts classes, and college readiness courses. We demand that the city fully restore cuts and baseline libraries by $36.2 million to prioritize the working people that keep New York moving.”
“Libraries are vital for our community; they are more than just a place to read books. Libraries help ensure that people can access the information they need regardless of age, education, ethnicity, language, or geographic barriers,” said Council Member Francisco Moya. “So we are doing everything we can to make sure they receive the right funding.”
About the Campaign
The #InvestInLibraries campaign is a partnership between the city’s three public library systems—Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library—and other library supporters across the city. Since the campaign launched in 2015, the City has allocated additional funding for programming as well as critical capital dollars to help address the over $1 billion in need facing the city’s aging library infrastructure. Despite this important support, libraries confront rising costs and increased demand for more services and programs (from New Yorkers and the City). The campaign urges the City to restore and increase funding to meet rising needs, demands, and costs
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It's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we're excited to celebrate AANHPI contributions to our nation's history and culture.
We’ve updated our blog post to reflect President Biden’s official proclamation of May as AANHPI Heritage Month.
Check out our booklists for adults, young adults, and children, join us for our virtual and in-person programs, and more.
Queens Memory Podcast: "Our Major Minor Voices"
AANHPI Books: Adult Nonfiction
AANHPI Books: Young Adult Fiction & Nonfiction
AANHPI Books: Children's Fiction
AANHPI Books: Children's Nonfiction
AANHPI Cultural Programs
Join us for QPL’s virtual and in-person programs for all ages, including arts and crafts, concerts, storytimes, and much more!
Queens Memory Podcast: "Our Major Minor Voices"
It’s the first anniversary of "Our Major Minor Voices,” the award-winning third season of the Queens Memory Podcast, which features stories from our neighbors of Asian descent living here in Queens, in their own voices.
Learn More about "Our Major Minor Voices" at https://queensmemory.org/podcast.
You can listen to the Queens Memory Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, and other major podcast platforms.
Season 3 of the Queens Memory Podcast was made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
AANHPI Booklists
Adult Fiction
When We Were Sisters by Fatimah Asghar
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi
Book | eBook
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Book | eBook
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
Book | eBook
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Chinese Groove by Kathryn Ma
Book | eBook
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Do-Over by Suzanne Park
Book | eBook
Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion by Bushra Rehman
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Adult Nonfiction
Go Back To Where You Came From by Wajahat Ali
Book | eBook
Fragile Cargo: The World War II Race to Save the Treasures of China's Forbidden City
by Adam Brookes
Book | eBook
Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II
by Daniel James Brown
Book | eBook
Eat a Peach: a Memoir by David Chang with Gabe Ulla
Book | eBook
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong
Book | eBook | Audiobook
On the Curry Trail by Raghavan Iyer
Book | eBook
Have You Eaten Yet? Stories from Chinese Restaurants Around the World
by Cheuk Kwan
Book | eBook
The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Not Quite Not White by Sharmila Sen
Book | eBook
Fairest: a Memoir by Meredith Talusan
Book | eBook
101 Thai Dishes You Need To Cook Before You Die by Jet Tila & Tad Weyland Fukomoto
Book | eBook
Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now
by Jeff Yang, Phil Yu, and Philip Wang
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Young Adult Fiction
Himawari House by Harmony Becker
Book | eBook
We Are All We Have by Marina Budhos
Book | eBook
We Are Not Free by Traci Chee
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Silence that Binds Us by Joanna Ho
Book | eBook
A Phở Love Story by Loan Le
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach
Book | eBook
While You Were Dreaming by Alisha Rai
Book | eBook
Private Lessons by Cynthia Salaysay
Book | eBook
Made in Korea by Sarah Suk
Book | eBook
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Book | eBook
Young Adult Nonfiction
Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao
Book | eBook
The American Dream? by Shing Yin Khor
Book | eBook
The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston
The Hanmoji Handbook: Your Guide to the Chinese Language through Emoji
by Jason Li, An Xiao Mina, and Jennifer 8. Lee
Book | eBook
Uprooted: The Japanese American Experience During World War II by Albert Marrin
Book | eBook
From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry by Paula Yoo
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Children's Fiction
Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
Book | eBook
I Am Golden by Eva Chen and Sophie Diao
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Troublemaker by John Cho and Sarah Suk
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury and Lavanya Naidu
Book | eBook
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho and Dung Ho
Book | eBook | Audiobook
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Book | eBook | Audiobook
No Kimchi for Me! by Aram Kim
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
Book | eBook | Audiobook
A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Ohana Means Family by Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins and Lavanya Naidu
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed
Book | eBook | Audiobook
My Bindi by Gita Varadarajan & Archana Sreenivasan
Book | eBook
Watercress by Andrea Wang and Jason Chin
Book | eBook
Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee
Book | eBook | Audiobook
The Dragon Path by Ethan Young
Book | eBook
Children's Nonfiction
Awesome Asian Americans: 20 Stars Who Made America Amazing by Phil Amara and Oliver Chin
Book | eBook
Seven Voyages: How China's Treasure Fleet Conquered the Sea
by Laurence Bergreen and Sara Fray
Book | eBook
The Rise (and Falls) of Jackie Chan by Kristen Mai Giang and Alina Chau
Book | eBook | Audiobook
A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth
by Christina Soontornvat & Dow Phumiruk
Book | eBook
We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States by Naomi Hirahara and Illi Ferandez
Book | eBook
King Sejong Invents an Alphabet by Carol Kim and Cindy Kang
Book | eBook
The Story of Olympic Diver Sammy Lee by Paula Yoo and Dom Lee
Book | eBook
Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho and Teresa Martinez
Book | Audiobook
Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites
by Jamie Michalak, Debbi Michiko Florence, and Yuko Jones
Book | eBook
You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh (editor)
Book | eBook
Seen and Unseen by Elizabeth Partridge and Lauren Tamaki
Book | eBook
Mother Goose Goes to India by Kabir Sehgal, Surishtha Sehgal, and Wazza Pink
Book | eBook
Between Two Worlds: The Art and Life of Amrita Sher-Gil
by Meera Sriram and Ruchi Bakshi Sharma
Book | eBook
Tu Youyou's Discovery: Finding a Cure for Malaria by Songju Ma Daemicke and Lin
Book | eBook
Dear America: The Story of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist
by Julie Leung and Chris Sasaki
Book | eBook | Audiobook
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom
by Teresa Robeson and Rebecca Huang
Book | eBook
From the Tops of Trees by Kao Kalia Yang and Rachel Wada
Book | eBook | Audiobook
AANHPI Resources
Stop AAPI Hate
Resources and how to report hate incidents.
Stop Asian Hate Toolkit
A toolkit for addressing anti-Asian bias, discrimination, and hate.
Right to Be (formally Hollaback)
A key organization who creates Bystander Intervention Trainings to teach people how to stop harassment.
Asian Mental Health Collective
Mental Health resources for Asian communities worldwide.
Chinese American Planning Council
CPC’s mission is to promote the social and economic empowerment of Chinese American, immigrant, and low-income communities.
Heart of Dinner
A volunteer organization that helps deliver care packages and meals to Asian elders.
Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York
This organization serves as a bridge for Korean immigrants and the wider Asian community to fully integrate into society and overcome any economic, health, and linguistic barriers.
SAYA (South Asian Youth Action)
SAYA aims to foster a strong sense of belonging in youth and provide them with tools to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
South Asian Council for Social Services
This organization empowers underserved South Asians and other immigrants and integrates them into the civic and economic life of New York.
Queens Public Library Announces Business Disparity Study To Ensure Equitable Access And Inclusion In Contracting With Minority, Women And Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses
All Businesses Are Encouraged to Complete Online Form and Attend Upcoming Virtual Meeting to Share Their Experiences Doing Business or Attempting to Do Business with QPL and Other Entities
QUEENS, N.Y. _ Queens Public Library today announced a study to evaluate the Library’s use of businesses owned by minorities, women, and service-disabled veterans and the availability of these firms in the market – generally the Tri-State region -- where QPL buys its goods and services.
The disparity study, led by MGT of America Consulting, also will examine whether race, ethnicity, gender and service-disabled veteran status have a role in decisions to award contracts and subcontracts to vendors in this area. Founded 48 years ago, MGT of America has conducted hundreds of disparity studies for municipalities and nonprofit organizations across the country.
“We commissioned this study as part of our broader work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Queens Public Library, and to make sure we are a place of opportunity for all, including individuals and entities we are doing or attempting to do business with,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are looking for as many businesses as possible, regardless of whether they are M/WBEs or are owned by service-disabled veterans, to participate in this important effort.”
“MGT will focus on the Library’s utilization of vendors from underrepresented communities across its entire vendor community, and analyze if there is equal access to its contracting opportunities and best practices,” said MGT Director and Project Manager Vernetta Mitchell. “The results will help the MGT team provide recommendations to Queens Public Library that, when implemented, will aim to improve equity among contracting and purchasing processes.”
In the coming weeks and months, MGT will be in direct contact with M/WBEs and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, as well as other area businesses, for their feedback and has created a website -- accessible through the QPL website -- where they can provide information about their experiences with QPL and other businesses. In addition, MGT will hold virtual meetings for business owners, the first of which will be Thursday, May 25 at 9:30 a.m., and will reach out to trade associations and business groups to urge their members to participate. MGT will be collecting this qualitative data through August 31, 2023.
About MGT Consulting
MGT is a national public sector management consulting and technology services firm that delivers diverse consulting services to a wide range of state, local, and education clients across the U.S. and abroad. Leveraging a 48-year track record and reputation, MGT’s industry subject matter experts partner with thousands of public agencies to provide trusted solutions that improve government performance and help communities thrive. Visit MGT at www.mgtconsulting.com or on social media.
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 200 languages, technology and digital resources. Prior to the start of the pandemic in 2020, the Library hosted more than 87,500 educational, cultural, and civic programs annually, and welcomed 11.4 million 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, two teen centers, two bookmobiles, and a book bicycle.
Media Contacts
Elisabeth de Bourbon
Queens Public Library
edebourbon@queenslibrary.org, 917-650-3815
Tiffanie Reynolds
MGT Media Relations
treynolds@mgtconsulting.com, 813-480-9749
It’s National Volunteer Week! Service Takes Many Forms here at the Library, and one of the ways we recognize it is with our Go the Extra Mile (GEM) Award!
The GEM Award is given to those QPL volunteers who go above and beyond in their service and embody the Library’s mission “to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities.”
We are proud to name Konrad Antonowicz, a Homework Helper at Briarwood Library, as one of our 2023 GEM Award recipients! Read our interview with Konrad below.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Queens Public Library at https://volunteer.queenslibrary.org.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Konrad Antonowicz, a student at Hunter College High School, and I want to build a career around chemistry and physics.
Give us 3 words that best describe your personality.
Curious, Competitive, Efficient.
What was your first memorable experience at Queens Public Library?
I always loved visiting the library as a child, and came back each week to see what new books were available. I think my most memorable experience was reading the Magic Treehouse series as fast as possible, speeding through all the editions the library had in about a week, which was no easy feat.
Why did you first volunteer with QPL? What was your first volunteer experience at the Library?
I volunteered with Queens Public Library because it felt like the easiest and most direct way I could help the people in my community. I think the Library is beautiful in the sense that it is truly the last indoor public space, and one of the only places almost anyone can enter and use.
"Konrad is so patient and caring with the children at Briarwood. He goes above and beyond in his service, not just assisting children with homework—he is talented in teaching our children origami every Saturday morning. He initiated a program for us that is so popular, families are pleased. Children at Briarwood are so appreciative of his kindness. We are very fortunate to have him on board."—Susan Paredes, Community Library Manager, Briarwood Library
Can you share your reasons for volunteering as a homework helper and why you felt a need to serve in this capacity?
I think volunteering as a homework helper is very important, both to me, as the volunteer, and to those whom I help. It is a way for elementary school children to get free guidance, almost a second teacher after school, which is hugely beneficial to learning and development. The most memorable moment I have is of a child giving me a Christmas card; it was something I totally hadn’t expected, and it demonstrated to me how much my efforts meant.
Can you name some skills that you have learned while volunteering at the Library, and how they are useful to you?
I have most definitely learned patience and time management while volunteering. A new schedule forced me to become more efficient with things outside of the library, like hanging out or doing homework. Working with kids for a few hours in a row also means learning how to work with them, and keeping my composure.
QPL continues to explore different ways for its volunteers to contribute to the community. What are some new ways you would like to support the community through the Library?
I think the Library’s efforts would be well spent in promoting more special events and classes. While I was in the STACKS program, I really enjoyed the guests we had who would come over to lead an activity or put on a show, and I think more of that would be great. I also believe the community would benefit from even more volunteers.
Give us some tips for anyone who is thinking about volunteering at the Library.
Be open and communicate your availability and schedule, and definitely build a personal relationship with the people and community you are working with.
It’s National Volunteer Week! Service Takes Many Forms here at the Library, and one of the ways we recognize it is with our Friends of QPL Shining Star Award.
The Shining Star Award is given to individual Friends members that demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities that inspire and motivate others to action; and Friends groups that exemplify a collaborative spirit and strive to work together to provide ideas, resources, and opportunities that uplift their community.
We are proud to name the Friends of Kew Gardens Hills Library as recipients of the 2023 Shining Star Group Award, and their president, Ethyl Haber, as a recipient of the 2023 Shining Star Individual Award!
Here are some comments from Ethyl about her time with the Friends of Kew Gardens Hills Library.
It seems like yesterday when I walked into the Kew Gardens Hills meeting room and was greeted with a dusty odor of hundreds of books arranged in some orderly fashion known as a Library Book Sale, sponsored by the Friends Of Kew Gardens Hills Library. I recognized the ladies taking money at the front of the meeting room. I knew these women from United Federation of Teachers functions or even parenting playground days. We chatted and I was easily convinced to join their Board.
I was certain I first became involved with the Friends of QPL in 2013, because I found an ancient Kew Gardens Hills newsletter with my name listed as Treasurer. There definitely was a time I was called Member-At-Large, so I must have been with the Friends earlier, perhaps 2012 or 2011.
I moved to Kew Gardens Hills over sixty years ago. I raised my son and daughter here; they are now adults with adult children of their own. I had retired after 29 years as an elementary school educator and and college professor. I had completed a Master's degree as well as a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching. Now that I was retired, I found time to continue taking Adult Education classes, but I still wanted additional structure in my retirement life.
My daughter in Boston was my inspiration. Emily was and still is the CEO of the Massachusetts Service Alliance. They are in charge of volunteerism and service for the state. How could Emily’s mother not be a volunteer? So this began my volunteering as a Friends Board member.
I became president of the Friends when there were only 3 of us left on the Board. Other former members moved away or sadly passed away. When the prior president moved, much to my dismay, I was “it.” That happened a year or two before the pandemic. My proudest moments are many, since I get as much pleasure from my role as I hope I give.
We are a definite asset to the Kew Gardens Hills community. Many families here are Jewish, and the Friends consider this when planning our programs. I was proud to see standing room only at our lecture on Jewish New York. I am proud to see the huge snowman my son mounted on the library wall so we can sell the snowflakes as a fundraiser. I am proud of the success of our book giveaway; that we had so many people interested in our Fusion Glass art class that we had to turn people away; that the ping pong table the Friends purchased for the library is constantly in use; that we work with the KGH children’s librarian to schedule Animals Alive and other educational programs.
As an active Friends group, we will continue to find new ways to raise funds for and support the library. We have funded a color printer, bridge tables, and mahjong sets. We want to encourage a Knitting and Crocheting Club, a Mahjong Club, and other activities.
Looking ahead, the Friends of KGH can remain relevant and an asset to the community by continuing to offer lectures and programs. We will reach out to other Friends groups to share ideas, and we are planning an "interest inventory" to further our awareness of what our community wants and needs.
Our Board members all come from different backgrounds, and we are of varied ages and stages in our life. We all bring our varied expertise to the Friends. There have been countless benefits for me, working alongside them. I still hope to increase our number of Friends members.
The KGH Library staff have been totally supportive and useful. They come to our monthly Board meetings, and together we work on ideas for programs, events, and the library's needs. Our library is a colorful, cheerful, and warm venue because of the amazing job our staff does.
For more information about joining an existing Friends group or starting your own chapter for your neighborhood library, visit https://volunteer.queenslibrary.org/qplfriends.
If you're interested in other ways of volunteering at Queens Public Library, you can visit https://volunteer.queenslibrary.org.
It’s National Volunteer Week! Service Takes Many Forms here at the Library, and one of the ways we recognize it is with our Go the Extra Mile (GEM) Award!
The GEM Award is given to those QPL volunteers who go above and beyond in their service and embody the Library’s mission “to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities.”
We are proud to name Tammy Reed, a QPL General Volunteer, as one of our 2023 GEM Award recipients! Read our interview with Tammy below.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Queens Public Library at https://volunteer.queenslibrary.org.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Tammy Reed. I am a realtor looking forward to retiring in a couple of years.
Give us 3 words that best describe your personality.
Happy, Kind, Creative.
What was your first memorable experience at Queens Public Library?
My first memorable experience at QPL was getting my very first library card as a teenager. It meant that I could now borrow books that I couldn't buy and it afforded me the opportunity to go to "neverland" for a couple of hours. It's something I still do today. I love fiction and escaping the world!
Why did you first volunteer with QPL? What was your first volunteer experience at the Library?
I volunteered with QPL because I wanted to give back to my community, as the community (specifically the St. Albans branch) has given me so much. My first volunteer experience with QPL was joining the St. Albans Friends Group.
"Tammy is a longtime supporter of Queens Public Library and a shining example of a committed volunteer in service to others. She has worked to bring cultural enrichment programs to St. Albans and increase awareness of activities and resources provided at the local QPL branch. Regardless of the task given, Tammy is always ready to help, is a joy to work with, and brings as much energy to the final hours of a volunteer project as she does to its start. Her selflessness, dedication, and commitment to serving others makes her an exceptional volunteer. We are grateful for her contributions and honored to have her as a member of our team."—QPL Volunteer Services
Can you share some of the ways that you have volunteered at QPL and your reasons for volunteering?
I have participated in the Mobile Pantry Food Distribution at St. Albans, and on numerous occasions (including during the pandemic) I traveled to Central Library and helped put together hundreds of Grab-and-Go Kits to be distributed to various communities in Queens. My favorite activity was the Mobile Food Pantry Distribution, because I had the opportunity to work directly with the community.
Can you name some skills that you have learned while volunteering at the Library, and how they are useful to you?
The skills that I have acquired are being a team player and observing leadership skills. Being a team player is always an invaluable skill to have, as a lot of projects require the ability to get along with others and work side-by-side with others. With regards to leadership skills, I got to see how Scott, Jerrie, and Dalicy in Volunteer Services interact with the public; keep team members in order and on task; show compassion where it is needed; and make sure that the interaction between team members and the public, whatever the activity, is fun.
QPL continues to explore different ways for its volunteers to contribute to the community. What are some new ways you would like to support the community through the Library?
I would like to see the St. Albans Friends Group reestablished and more classes at the St. Albans branch for those seeking employment, i.e., OSHA classes. Also, more activities to engage seniors in the community, i.e., a yoga class.
Give us some tips for anyone who is thinking about volunteering at the Library.
Be open to being told what to do and be willing to give from the heart. You can't go wrong when it comes from the heart.
It’s National Volunteer Week! Service Takes Many Forms here at the Library, and one of the ways we recognize it is with our Friends of QPL Shining Star Award.
The Shining Star Award is given to individual Friends members that demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities that inspire and motivate others to action; and Friends groups that exemplify a collaborative spirit and strive to work together to provide ideas, resources, and opportunities that uplift their community.
We are proud to name the staff of Kew Gardens Hills Library as the recipients of the 2023 Shining Star Staff Award, for their work supporting the Kew Gardens Hills Friends group!
Here are some comments from Kew Gardens Hills Library's Assistant Manager, Asher MacInnis-Call.
One of the biggest impacts the Friends of KGH made in our branch this year was purchasing a color printer for us, for flyers and programming outreach. We’ve been able to put together a notice board in the window of the library so that people walking by can see the programs we offer without coming into the branch. I’ve had several people tell me they came into the library just to attend a program we were advertising, when they were not regular users of the library.
The Friends have a unique connection to the community. They live here, they have friends and family here. The connections they bring for outreach are so important for growing our library users and getting the word out about the cool programs we offer. In addition to their assistance with outreach, the Friends bring in unique programs that are tailored to the neighborhood, in a way that only neighborhood residents could.
At Kew Gardens Hills, we are in the unique position of being one of the three QPL branches that are open on Sundays. We have a rotating crew of staff that works on Sundays, when the regular branch staff is out of the building. I want to take the time to give a shout out to our Sunday staff, who work with our Friends group when they present Sunday programming.
I would love to see our Friends chapter continue to push their fundraising efforts to gather support for the library. They’ve made some great progress in the last year, and they have some tremendous ideas for future fundraising events. I am so excited to see where these ideas lead.
For more information about joining an existing Friends group or starting your own chapter for your neighborhood library, visit https://volunteer.queenslibrary.org/qplfriends.
If you're interested in other ways of volunteering at Queens Public Library, you can visit https://volunteer.queenslibrary.org.
It’s National Volunteer Week! Service Takes Many Forms here at the Library, and one of the ways we recognize it is with our Go the Extra Mile (GEM) Award!
The GEM Award is given to those QPL volunteers who go above and beyond in their service and embody the Library’s mission “to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities.”
We are proud to name GoTEAM volunteers Tasfia Ahmed, Hannah Folkes, Chun Lai, and Zuhayr Islam as 2023 GEM Award recipients!
Learn about the QPL GoTEAM and read our interviews with Hannah and Zuhayr below.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Queens Public Library at https://volunteer.queenslibrary.org.
The Queens Public Library GoTEAM is made up of dozens of enthusiastic individuals that volunteer for single-day projects during the year. Although unable to serve on a regular basis, this dedicated group demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the Library, and their efforts make a significant impact in our communities.
GoTEAM teen volunteers Tasfia Ahmed, Hannah Folkes, Chun Lai, and Zuhayr Islam each participated in the majority of the eighteen Mobile Food Pantry Distributions held at our St. Albans and Rochdale Village branches in 2022. With their invaluable support, dedication, and hard work, the Library provided food and other essential resources to nearly 12,000 people.
Additionally, they helped assemble resource kits full of outreach materials for asylum seekers, Queens residents, and others. They were instrumental in helping us complete 3,500 kits that were distributed to library branches, community organizations, and shelters.
These amazing young people lead by example and have directly inspired others to volunteer at the Library. Their commitment to the community is truly inspiring, and we are honored to work alongside them and celebrate their service.—Dalicy Caraballo, QPL Volunteer Services
Hannah Folkes
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I'm Hannah, and currently I'm an 11th grader at the Young Women's Leadership School of Queens. In the future, I hope to have a career working in Computer Science & Business.
Give us 3 words that best describe your personality.
Friendly, Helpful, Independent.
What was your first memorable experience at Queens Public Library?
My first memorable experience dates back to when I was in the 8th grade. Every day after school, I would go to Central Library to visit the Teen Center and borrow manga (Japanese comic books), study for my upcoming tests, and print out papers.
Why did you first volunteer with QPL? What was your first volunteer experience at the Library?
A friend recommended me to the QPL volunteer team. I joined to earn community service hours and to have a free, fun activity to do with my friends when school isn't in session. I started volunteering at QPL in July 2022; I helped distribute food at the St. Albans and Rochdale Village branches.
Can you name some skills that you have learned while volunteering at the Library, and how they are useful to you?
Inventory Management, Networking, and Leadership. These skills have helped me become a better communicator and have boosted my self-confidence. Furthermore, these skills have taught me self-discipline, how to manage my time effectively, and how to stay organized when I'm doing a task that has multiple parts.
QPL continues to explore different ways for its volunteers to contribute to the community. What are some new ways you would like to support the community through the Library?
I would like to see more hands-on volunteer activities outdoors, like raking up leaves during the fall and watering plants during the warm seasons. This would give volunteers a chance to take cool pictures while they're working and move around more. Another activity that QPL could provide is giving volunteers a chance to work in a soup kitchen. I feel like this would inspire volunteers to learn how to cook.
Give us some tips for anyone who is thinking about volunteering at the Library.
Don't stress out about volunteer work too much; it may be a lot of work, but it's easy and fun to do once you do it for a while. Don't forget to bring a community service hours tracking sheet with you. This makes it easier to record all of the hours that you earn while volunteering with QPL. And talk to other volunteers while you're working, because there's a good chance that you'll become friends with someone who has similar interests to yours.
Zuhayr Islam
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Zuhayr Islam. My hobbies are watching films and playing games. Currently, I am a sophomore in high school and do not have a career plan. But, in the future, I'd like to go into the medical field.
Give us 3 words that best describe your personality.
Empathic, Attentive, and Zestful.
What was your first memorable experience at Queens Public Library?
I think my first experience was when I went to the library to make cards for each of my family members.
Why did you first volunteer with QPL? What was your first volunteer experience at the Library?
I first volunteered at the Mobile Food Pantry at Rochdale Village because I was looking for activities that summer. I was kind of nervous about it, but the tasks were rather simple. Overall, I enjoyed the new experience.
As a GoTEAM member, you have participated in a number of projects. Which ones were your favorite?
As a volunteer in the STACKS program, I helped kids in grades K-5 with their homework. I liked working at the Mobile Food Pantries because I got to meet such nice people.
Can you name some skills that you have learned while volunteering at the Library, and how they are useful to you?
Throughout my time as a volunteer, I have learned how to be more organized and social.
QPL continues to explore different ways for its volunteers to contribute to the community. What are some new ways you would like to support the community through the Library?
Since QPL's motto is "we speak your language," I would like to participate in programs where people could learn a language other than English at the Library. It would be terrific if we, the volunteers, shared our languages with the community.
Give us some tips for anyone who is thinking about volunteering at the Library.
My two pieces of advice to new volunteers are communicate with others and always participate, since it is super fun and you get to learn a lot of things.
It’s National Volunteer Week! Service Takes Many Forms here at the Library, and one of the ways we recognize it is with our Go the Extra Mile (GEM) Award!
The GEM Award is given to those QPL volunteers who go above and beyond in their service and embody the Library’s mission “to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities.”
We are proud to name Jian Le, a Clerical Aide at Flushing Library's Adult Learning Center, as one of our 2023 GEM Award recipients!
Below, Flushing ALC Literacy Manager Arshia Hossain describes why she nominated Jian for the GEM Award.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Queens Public Library at https://volunteer.queenslibrary.org.
Volunteering is a source of great joy and satisfaction for many, an essential part of any organization, and a big support for the whole community. Volunteering is important because it provides essential help to people and communities in need. Ms. Jian Le has demonstrated continued initiative, leadership, and dedication. She has always been ready to donate her time whenever we needed her.
Jian is diligent and hard-working. She abides by all rules and regulations, has the spirit of teamwork, and actively participates in volunteer work. She is optimistic, has a friendly service attitude, and cooperates well with our staff.
Jian is devoted to selfless voluntary service and has earned the respect of her peers. She goes above and beyond our expectations, has always supported our program with a pleasant demeanor and patience, and she sets an example to encourage more people to join our volunteer teams. Jian loves volunteer work and takes every job seriously.
Jian has helped our non-English speaking students during ESOL orientation sessions by explaining different procedures and how to fill out various documents. She is also a member of the Friends of Flushing Library, and participates in various library and community events and workshops to support us and help new immigrants.
Jian's valuable work has made our students feel supported by our community, and I am proud that she has earned the Go the Extra Mile Award. Congratulations Jian!