It’s officially that time of year—again! Summer is over, and a new school year is beginning. For seniors, this is a particularly exciting time as it is your last year of high school—not to mention the beginning of the rest of your lives! Let’s make this year count.
To prepare for college, there is a lot you can do whether you’re a senior—or even a freshman just entering high school. Here are some guidelines:
FOCUS
- The earlier you begin to plan for the college process, the better. However, remember you are a student first! Maintaining good grades is the key to getting into the colleges or universities you love, so don’t lose sight of that as you research and apply to colleges.
GET INVOLVED
- Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who balance both academics and extracurricular activities. Fortunately, there are many ways to get involved in your community. Find something that is truly interesting to you, or something you are passionate about, and you will find a way to shine as a college applicant!
SCHOLARSHIPS
- Let’s face it, college is expensive, and it’s never too early to start looking for scholarships! As it happens, there are scholarships for just about everything. Every year, over $100 million in scholarship money goes unclaimed, which means there is money out there that is yours for the taking!
RESEARCH
- Seniors: your college list may already be complete; if not, don’t fret! You still have time and resources. Reach out to your school counselors for help, or swing by the Central Library to receive support from one of our College Readiness Representatives.
- Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors: we encourage you to start planning and thinking about what you’re interested in. This way, you can identify schools offering related programs. College Board is a great place to help you get a sense of what’s out there. Consider the following questions as you research and think about which school is best for you:
- Where is the school located?
- Which majors are offered?
- Which sports are offered?
- What is the social scene like?
- What is the tuition?
- What opportunities and resources are available?
COLLEGE TOURS (VIRTUAL or IN-PERSON)
- Once you have done the research on the school(s) and created your college list, consider a college tour. You can either visit the campuses in-person, or virtually (pick up free tablets and Wi-Fi access from QPL, if needed). This is a great opportunity to get a sense of the school’s culture, campus, and environment!
College applications on top of schoolwork can feel overwhelming. But it is nothing you and your support system cannot handle. If you do find yourself in need of some advice or guidance, please reach out to us at college.readiness@queenslibrary.org.
- By Danielle Clayton, College Readiness Representative, Queens Public Library
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Are you finding yourself overwhelmed by student debt? If you’re a government or nonprofit worker, you may qualify for some much-welcome debt relief! PSLF, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, forgives any remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments have been made—if you’re working full-time for a qualifying employer.
Queens Public Library is here to support New Yorkers through the process of applying for PSLF. Read on to find information on the necessary materials, steps to enroll, and helpful resources for completing your application. Even if you’ve been rejected in the past, this program may benefit you—it’s certainly worth a try.
The PSLF waiver deadline is Monday, October 31.
Please note that PSLF is SEPARATE from the President’s Student Debt Relief Plan announced on August 24, 2022.
To apply, you will need:
- Your most recent W-2s from your employer OR your employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) login information
To enroll, follow these steps:
- Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s PSLF Help Tool
- Log in (or create an account and login)
- Use the PSLF Help Tool to check if you qualify
- Follow next steps based on the guidance provided on the website
Resources to learn more:
- NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection FAQ
- View a pre-recorded webinar or register for an upcoming information session at PSLF.nyc
- Forgivemystudentdebt.org has step-by-step instructions and additional tips
- Get free, individual support and counseling around loan forgiveness from:
- Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) by calling (888) 614-5004 or emailing edcap@cssny.org
- NYC Financial Empowerment Centers by making an appointment online here
Congratulations to the young people who completed all their reading challenges this summer, making them eligible to participate in our Summer Reading Raffle!
We just finished our prize drawing, and here are our winners!
Early Learning Winners of Apple iPads
Kaya W. from Seaside Library
Penelope from Bayside Library
Galaxy from Central Library
School Age Winners of Google Chromebooks
Madison from St. Albans Library
Arthur from Langston Hughes Library
Alaina from Forest Hills Library
Teen Winners of Beats by Dre Headphones
Esha from Rego Park Library
Harnoor from Glen Oaks Library
Omar from Long Island City Library
Thank you again to everyone who joined us this year for Summer Reading, and we hope that our programs, booklists, and resources kept you engaged and reading all summer long!
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Tuesday, August 23, 2022 is Primary Election Day, and several of our branches will serve as polling sites.
Queens residents will cast their votes at the East Elmhurst, Lefferts, North Forest Park, and Richmond Hill branches, from 6AM to 9PM.
Is your library where you should vote? Please visit https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc or call 866-VOTE-NYC (866-868-3692) to confirm the correct location for you to vote in your neighborhood!
It's Almost Time for the 2022-2023 School Year!
BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE
Queens Public Library is here for kids, parents, caregivers, and educators with our extensive Back-to-School Guide in three languages: English, Spanish (Español) and Chinese (中文)!This year's Back-to-School Guide includes:
- Spotlight on Banned and Challenged Books
Our featured booklists are inspired by the 100 most popular banned and challenged books in circulation at QPL from the past decade. We are featuring a terrific selection of titles for young children as well as school-age and high school students. - QPL Resource List
QPL offers access to public computers; free Wi-Fi and tablets to take home; the STACKS enrichment program for kids in grades K-5; and much more! - School Sleep Schedule
Help your child get back on a school-year sleep schedule. - College Readiness
Applying to college can be overwhelming, but QPL has plenty of valuable resources to help students with their journey. - What is “School Refusal”?
Recognize school avoidance, and support your child in feeling safe and comfortable in a school environment. This section includes a list of local community-based youth programs. - Family Communication
Tips for improving communication with your child. - This Year's Giveaway!
From August 29 to September 2, get a free backpack when you borrow a banned or challenged book or sign up for a library card! While supplies last.
Back-to-School Guide Available now:
YEARLONG FREE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Additionally, we have created an extensive booklet featuring all of the free programs and services we have available all year long!
Our yearlong offers include:
- Resources for adults including immigration needs, services for homebound residents, and Brainfuse HelpNow for adult students
- Resources for new parents
- Learning and researching resources for kids in elementary school, including STACKS enrichment program and Brainfuse Homework Help
- Educational resources for kids in middle school
- Resources for high school students, including College Readiness
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Join our upcoming programs to be ready for the classroom and beyond.STACKS
Our STACKS after school enrichment program, for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade, continues this fall, and offers students structured, grade appropriate activities, which are designed to stimulate curiosity in Science and Technology, Creative Thinking in the Arts, and a sense of wonder for the Humanities.BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOKLISTS
Books for Teens:
Teenagers Learn What They Live Book Ebook
Social Justice Parenting Book Ebook
Light Up Your Child's Mind Book Ebook
Price You Pay For College, The Book Ebook
We Want To Do More Than Survive Book Ebook
Montessori Toddler, The Book Ebook
Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie Book Ebook
Surviving High School Book Ebook
Does My Head Look Big in This? Book
High School Survival Guide, The Book Ebook
Special Topics in Calamity Physics Book
Fault in our Stars, The Book Ebook
Books for Children:
Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business Book Ebook
First Day of School, The Book Ebook
Merci Suarez Changes Gears Book Ebook
How to Win a Slime War Book Ebook
Twins vs. Triplets: Back to School Blitz Book Ebook
King of Kindergarten, The Book Ebook
Calvin Book
El Cucuy Is Scared Too Book Ebook
Danbi Leads the School Parade Book Ebook
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We hope you will visit Queens Public Library as you head back to school and throughout the school year!
Our library staff members are here to help you find what you need, including resources that can help you with your homework and school projects.
Free Books and Materials
Discover millions of free books at the library and enjoy reading and learning all year. Use your library card to check out books, eBooks, audiobooks, and so much more!
Computers and Wi-Fi
You can use the free public computers available at every library for up to an hour each day, and if you bring your own device, you can access our free wireless network.
Free Tablets
Borrow a tablet from the library for 1 month with 3 renewals (for a maximum total of 4 months). Bring your tablet to the library or anywhere with Wi-Fi for a full Internet and educational experience.
Educational Programs
Children, teens, and families can participate in programs that are educational and fun, like tech classes, hands-on science workshops, author talks, parent workshops, and more. Try our virtual programs on our YouTube channel, youtube.com/QueensPublicLibrary, or on our Facebook page, facebook.com/QPLNYC.
Online Libraries and Resources
Young children and teens can access our TumbleBook online libraries—which include animated talking picture books, early reader chapter books, children’s classics, graphic novels, YA/Teen novels, educational videos from National Geographic, and more. They can also visit the QPL website and find resources specifically for kids and teens, including booklists, databases, dictionaries, and more.
Welcoming Spaces
Your local library is a great spot for kids and teens to do homework and research, and for families to spend time reading and learning together.
Connections With Teachers
Queens Public Library can arrange class visits to neighborhood libraries and get students signed up for library cards. Queens teachers can also create Assignment Alerts that take advantage of the materials available at their local library for student projects and assignments. There is also MyLibrary NYC, a partnership between QPL and the NYC Department of Education that empowers school libraries and school librarians. For more information about all these resources, visit the QPL website.
STACKS After-School
STACKS is an after-school program for children Grades K-5 and operates during the school year Monday through Friday from 3-5:30pm. STACKS offers children structured and unstructured programming every day. Each session begins with homework help, facilitated by qualified and caring staff supervised by a children’s librarian. Children can also participate in a variety of enrichment activities and projects that are informative, hands-on, and fun, complement the school curriculum, and allow students to use all the resources Queens Public Library has to offer.
STACKS is not available at all QPL locations. Check with your librarian to find out if STACKS is available at your local branch.
STACKS Virtual World
This virtual program offers daily enrichment activities for students in Grades K-5. It also enhances fun and learning through structured, age-appropriate activities that are accessible to families with computer technology and Internet access. From the safety and comfort of their own homes, young people can develop their social, emotional, cognitive, and hands-on skills in a secure online environment. Please see the STACKS page on the QPL website for more information.
Queens Connected Mobile Hotspot Lending Program
Do you need Internet at home for your child’s schoolwork? We’ve got you covered. QPL offers Wi-Fi hotspots to provide you with free unlimited Internet, so students can keep up with homework and access online resources. Hotspots are available at select library locations. Limit of one device per household; devices may be checked out for 2 months, with up to 5 optional renewals.
Library Cards
A QPL card is your passport to over 5.3 million books, movies, and other media; over 19,000 classes and events per year; over 5,000 computer workstations; and so much more! Apply online or in-person now!
Children 12 and over can apply for a library card. Children 11 and younger must have a parent or guardian who resides at the same address (with proof of identification and address) sign for permission to get a library card. For more information, call (718) 990-0700. Access your account information, renew books, and check availability on the QPL website, or call (718) 990-8508.
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Check out our list of recently released books for all ages, including a variety of absorbing novels, twisty thrillers, and mind-expanding nonfiction—from Kristin Dwyer’s debut YA romance Some Mistakes Were Made, to Linda Villarosa’s Under the Skin, which examines the toll racism takes on the health of Black Americans and the entire nation. Read on for more stellar recommendations!
Fiction for Adults
The Summer Place: A Novel
by Jennifer Weiner
Print | Ebook | eAudiobook | CD Audio | Large Print
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of That Summer comes another heartfelt and unputdownable novel of family, secrets, and the ties that bind.
Meant To Be: A Novel
by Emily Giffin
Print | Ebook | eAudiobook | CD Audio | Large Print | Playaway
He is American royalty. She comes from a troubled past. Is their love story meant to be? This “lively page-turner” (The New York Times) offers a nostalgic, hopelessly romantic escape—from the author of Something Borrowed and The Lies That Bind.
This Time Tomorrow
by Emma Straub
Print | Ebook | eAudiobook | CD Audio | Large Print | Playaway
With her celebrated humor, insight, and heart, beloved New York Times bestseller Emma Straub offers her own twist on traditional time travel tropes, and a different kind of love story.
Out of the Clear Blue Sky
by Kristan Higgins
Print | Ebook | eAudiobook
From New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins comes a funny and surprising new novel about losing it all—and getting back more than you ever expected.
The Girl Who Survived: A Riveting Novel of Suspense with a Shocking Twist
by Lisa Jackson
Print | Ebook | Playaway
In this deviously volatile, deliciously creepy thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson, the lone survivor of a brutal family massacre must uncover the awful truth about the fateful night that left her forever marked.
Nonfiction for Adults
African Founders: How Enslaved People Expanded American Ideals
by David Hackett Fischer
Print | Ebook
In this sweeping, foundational work, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David Hackett Fischer draws on extensive research to show how enslaved Africans and their descendants enlarged American ideas of freedom in varying ways in different regions of the early United States.
Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation
by Linda Villarosa
Print | Ebook | eAudiobook
From an award-winning writer at the New York Times Magazine and a contributor to the 1619 Project comes a landmark book that tells the full story of racial health disparities in America, revealing the toll racism takes on individuals and the health of our nation overall.
Sisters in Resistance: How a German Spy, a Banker's Wife, and Mussolini's Daughter Outwitted the Nazis
by Tilar J. Mazzeo
Print | Ebook
Discover how three women delivered critical evidence of Axis war crimes to Allied forces during World War II in “a tantalizingly novelistic history lesson" (Kirkus) that’s as twisted as any spy thriller.
Young Adult (Teens) Fiction and Nonfiction
Some Mistakes Were Made
by Kristin Dwyer
Print | Ebook
Sarah Dessen meets Adam Silvera in the debut YA romance everyone is talking about!
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
by Sonora Reyes
Print | Ebook
A sharply funny and moving debut novel about a queer Mexican American girl navigating Catholic school, while falling in love and learning to celebrate her true self. Perfect for fans of Erika L. Sánchez, Leah Johnson, and Gabby Rivera.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler: A Novel
by Casey McQuiston
Print | Ebook | eAudiobook
From the New York Times bestselling author of One Last Stop and Red, White & Royal Blue comes a romantic comedy about chasing down what you want, only to find what you need.
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality
by Eliot Schrefer
Print | Ebook
This groundbreaking illustrated YA nonfiction title from two-time National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer is a well-researched and teen-friendly exploration of the gamut of queer behaviors observed in animals.
Inheritance: A Visual Poem
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Print | Ebook | eAudiobook
In her most famous spoken-word poem, author of the Pura Belpré-winning novel-in-verse, The Poet X, Elizabeth Acevedo embraces all the complexities of Black hair and Afro-Latinidad—the history, pain, pride, and powerful love of that inheritance.
Children’s Books
Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country (Picturebook)
by Kelly Yang
Print |
Ebook
| eAudiobook
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang comes a gorgeously illustrated picture book about Asian American changemakers doing everything they dreamed of and inspiring all of us to reach for new heights! Each spread is illustrated by a different renowned Asian American or Asian artist, including Yo-Yo Ma, Sandra Oh, and I. M. Pei.
I Won’t Give Up My Rubber Band (Picturebook)
by Shinsuke Yoshitake (Illust.)
Print | Ebook
An everyday object (the endlessly versatile rubber band) becomes an invitation to imagine new possibilities in the latest laugh-out-loud picture book from acclaimed author-illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake!
Small Town Pride (Middle Grade Novel)
by Phil Stamper
Print | Ebook | eAudiobook
From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Us and As Far as You’ll Take Me) comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Perfect for fans of Rick by Alex Gino and The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy.
Dance Party NYC, on Saturday, August 6, is a special, citywide event. You are invited to get down with thousands of New Yorkers along 100 city blocks in 90 locations across all 5 boroughs.
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
11am Music with DJ Lennox*
STEM Activities and Giveaways (while supplies last): Sun Safety, UV Beads, and Gears
East Elmhurst Library
95-06 Astoria Boulevard
11am QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels MCing
11:30am Music with DJ Stokes (until 6:30pm)
12pm Dena's School of the Arts Dance Group
1:30pm Face Painting and Balloon Twisting
2pm Sharing the World with George Dixon
(Location: Meeting Rooms A & B)
2pm Berto Reyes and His Band
3pm Special DJ appearance by NYC Council Member Francisco Moya
Elmhurst Library**
86-07 Broadway
2pm Chinese Music and Dance for Kids with Chinese Theater Works
Hunters Point Library***
47-40 Center Boulevard, Long Island City
10:30am Sound Stage Music with Fit4Kids
2pm Adult Zumba with Ciara
Langston Hughes Library
100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona
2pm Dance Workshops presented by Urzúa Dance Academy
Peninsula Library***
92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard
3pm DJ MB Kidz Bop Program
Ridgewood Library****
20-12 Madison Street
3pm Pop, Jazz y Sazon with Edwin Vazquez & Friends
Windsor Park Library***
79-50 Bell Boulevard
2pm Face Painting with Party Colors
3pm Children and Families Band Performance
Queens Public Library is proud to present this program as part of the Festival of New York. For more information, visit festivalofny.com
*This program is sponsored by Bike the Block Queens.
**This program is sponsored by the Queens Public Library Foundation.
***Summer Reading at New York Libraries is funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
****This program is sponsored by the Friends of Ridgewood Library.
Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Linda Lee Announce Over $9 Million in Funding for the Renovation of the Queens Village Public Library
Queens Village, NY_On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Linda Lee announced that Queens Village Public Library, located at 94-11 217th Street, will receive $9,587,000 million for capital renovations in the Fiscal Year 2023 NYC Budget. In attendance were Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, Assembly Member David Weprin, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, and various community leaders and residents.
“I am proud to join Speaker Adrienne Adams to allocate these funds to give the Queens Village Public Library a much-needed overhaul and provide the community a modern and accessible facility,” said Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions. “Libraries are more than just a place to read your favorite book; they serve as community centers for residents to socialize and engage with one another and access the internet and essential services. Residents deserve to feel a sense of pride in their neighborhood, and this investment will make an impact on young people and seniors throughout Queens Village. I thank Speaker Adrienne Adams for her leadership and for supporting this initiative that will benefit the residents of Eastern and Southeastern Queens.”
"Libraries are vital community centers and hubs of opportunity that serve all New Yorkers, regardless of age or background,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Working together with Council Member Lee and the Women’s Caucus, the City Council has invested more than $9 million in the city budget to renovate the Queens Village Library. This funding allocation will have an immense impact on this neighborhood and all users of this library branch. I commend Council Member Lee for her advocacy and leadership on behalf of District 23, and I look forward to seeing the completion of this critical project.”
"This allocation will ensure the transformation of the Queens Village branch into a modern, vibrant and accessible space that meets the changing needs of the community," said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. "We are grateful to NYC City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Linda Lee, the New York City Council Women’s Caucus, and its co-chairs, Council Members Amanda Farías and Farah Louis, for their financial support as we work to provide educational resources and opportunity to all."
NYS Senator Leroy Comrie said, “From family storytime and game days, to painting, summer readings, and access to tablets, WiFi, and hotspots, our public libraries play a critical role as educators and community builders. That’s why I’m so pleased to join in celebrating this $9 million investment in the Queens Village Public Library. Thanks to Speaker Adams, Council Member Lee, and the Women’s Caucus for their continued leadership in ensuring our community institutions have the funding they need.”
"We are excited about the investment in our library. With the improvements, the library will continue its vital service to the entire Queens Village community," said Assembly Member Clyde Vanel.
"I applaud this crucial funding allocation for the Queens Village Public Library, which will provide much-needed improvements to the building,” said Assemblyman David Weprin. “Our public libraries have been fantastic partners and are important places to promote lifelong learning and provide community services. I’m so pleased that this historic investment will yield an improved, accessible building for current and future generations to enjoy."
"I am glad to share the neighborhood of Queens Village with Council Member Lee,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. “Although the public library is geographically in her district, many of my constituents frequent the location because of its proximity to my district. The library is going to greatly benefit from this investment. I am excited to see the upcoming renovations and to have a state-of-the-art facility that Queens Village residents can enjoy. I want to thank Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Linda Lee for securing the funding for this project."
“This is a very happy day for me and the residents of Queens Village,” said Mo Ishamel, President of the Queens Village Civic Association. “Firstly, I want to thank our Council Member Linda Lee and Speaker Adrienne Adams for spearheading the approval of this budget item! Our new CM Lee and our new Speaker Adams, you guys have really hit the ground running! Renovating and upgrading the Queens Village Library is long overdue. The residents and especially the children will really appreciate an upgraded facility.”
The Queens Village branch of Queens Public Library was built in 1952 and has not received major renovation since its construction. The funds, totaling $9,587,000, will provide for a full renovation of the library, including interior and exterior improvements, as well as HVAC installation, and roof repairs.
Additional pictures available below:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VvJLdq_LbXh8S1hvi2xX9zSh5lzNbZNX?usp=sharing
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Contact: Walter Chi, WChi@council.nyc.gov, 646-901-7409 (Speaker Adams)
Daniel Sparrow, DSparrow@council.nyc.gov (Council Member Lee)
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 during the next few days, stop by your local QPL branch for great books, programs, and events—and stay for the air conditioning!
All Queens Public Library locations except Cambria Heights, Langston Hughes, and Rochdale Village 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 http://www.nyc.gov/beattheheat.