Five Things NYC’s Libraries Offer Which Might Surprise You
As a New Yorker – and especially as an international acclimatizing or building your life here – the New York Public Library (NYPL) system has a lot to offer you. Going far beyond the usual library fare of books, e-books, DVDs and computer access, NYPL offers cultural programs, exhibitions, classes, and assistance in a variety of areas from business to taxes.First, a quick overview:The New York Public Library system consists of 90 locations spread throughout Manhattan, Staten Island, and The Bronx, which together offer more than 53 million items. Add to this the Queens Library (62 branches, 7.5 million items) and the Brooklyn Public Library Systems (60 branches, 5.45 million items), which operate independently from the NY Public Library System, and New York City has the largest library system in the U.S. second only to the Library of Congress.The NYPL system offers a range of classes and services that can make life in New York City simpler and easier for internationals. Want books? That’s great. But what else is there…?
1. HELP WITH YOUR NYC TAXES
Help with taxes, due to be filed every April for the preceding calendar year in the U.S, is offered at many of the library branches. Many locations offer computers for E-filing your taxes with tax assistants on hand to help you with any questions you may have while other locations offer IRS-trained volunteers who will help prepare basic income tax returns free of charge for people with incomes of $50,000 or less. These free services can be invaluable if you are new to U.S. taxes and the correct and legal way to file online. They are offered multiple times during evenings and local branch libraries host the events, so you don’t have to travel to the central Manhattan branch to benefit.The financial services and advice offered go far beyond taxes though, with classes and services year round. The Financial Literacy Center brings together all the NYPL’s resources and classes. Queens Library also features "Financial Literacy in the Community" programs in five different languages (Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Korean, Spanish) and Brooklyn Public Library offers business classes and free one-on-one financial counseling through its Business and Career Library.
2. US CITIZENSHIP RESOURCES
NYPL libraries house material and online resources for becoming a US citizen – and again, all free. Naturalization tests, test reviews, a guide to applicable laws, and citizenship test question sand answers in multiple languages are available through Citizenship Resources. These are vital if you intend to stay long-term (visa permitting) and apply to become a US citizen.
3. EXPERT SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE
If you are an entrepreneur or small business owner, the NYPL has a helpful Small Business Resource Center which can link you to events, information, & tools to help you grow your businesses. Their calendar of events includes classes such as "Is Your Business Ready for Investment Capital?," "How To Network: Developing a Compelling Narrative to Connect with People," and "Sell Yourself as a Consultant." Classes rotate regularly so be sure to check the calendar often. The Brooklyn Library’s Business and Career library offers a full schedule of events as well
4. PLAYTIME!
Infants and Young ChildrenKids Crafts, Color and Sketch Away (drawing time), Preschool on the Planet (craft-based fun for preschoolers), Tuesday Crafternoons, even Baby Laptime for New Walkers – there are plenty of groups and activities for children throughout the city. There’s also a dedicated Resources for Children page, which also gives you access to animated stories online, and the Children’s Center at 42nd Street, an ongoing public program featuring special events and talks by authors, music and theatre performances. School Age and TeenagersBranches throughout NYC run Homework Help sessions for grades K – 8 (age 5 – 12), with volunteers from high schools and colleges on hand to guide students through homework. There are also subject specific classes – such as math tutoring, computer and technology classes for children and science afternoons with workshops. The Resources for Teens site gives detailed information about library resources and available classes – and there’s also the NYPL Youtube Channel with a playlist of kidLIVE and teenLIVE events. These events are made up of “thought-provoking conversations, real debates, and exciting spectacular performances with your favorite authors, artists, filmmakers, musicians, fashionistas, and more.”NYPL along with Brooklyn and Queens Libraries, is also part of HomeworkNYC, an integrated app that gives students access to resources, research tools, and online homework help through their smartphone. Moving schools and countries can often impact a child’s education, and these extra helping hands can make a big difference for international kids.
5. PARTY TIME
New York is a city of beautiful buildings – and the New York Public Library is one of the most stunning. Whether it’s weddings, film shoots, banquets, or a corporate event, the library’s buildings – some more than 100 years old – are available as event spaces. Rental is generally for five hour events, ending no later than midnight, and no deposit is needed to hold a date. The library even has a liquor license!Spaces include the Celeste Bartos Forum – with a glass saucer dome roof – Astor Hall - with white marble entrance – and the McGraw Rotunda, set beneath arched bays and 17-foot high walnut pilasters.