QUESTION
What languages are audiobooks and print books provided in by New York City's public libraries?
1:09:01
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146 sec
New York City's public library leaders explain the multilingual offerings available across their collections.
- The libraries curate collections reflective of each neighborhood's linguistic needs.
- Technology aids and multilingual staff support non-English language access.
- Public libraries actively work to be inclusive spaces for immigrants and non-English speakers.
- The Brooklyn Public Library provides resources in over 60 languages.
- The Queens Public Library's collection covers around 191 languages, with audiobook options as well.
Carlina Rivera
1:09:01
So the libraries offer, you know, books and materials in in many languages.
1:09:05
You touched on that in your testimony.
1:09:07
How many languages our audiobooks provided in or print books just to give an idea.
Tony Marx
1:09:16
We'll get you that precise number.
1:09:18
I mean, it is astonishing.
1:09:20
I know the New York the public school system, for instance, through our My Library's NYC partnership, In effect, depends upon our providing books in the multiple languages that they simply cannot.
1:09:31
In addition to our shelves and the branches, you know, tailored to the needs of each neighborhood and the languages that are being met there.
1:09:38
And we have amazing staff who are, you know, fluent in those languages.
1:09:43
We use technology to help us when we when we need help.
1:09:47
We are the first place of immigrants.
1:09:51
We always have been.
1:09:53
Because we're trusted, because we don't ask for your papers, because we respect you.
1:09:58
We're inclusive.
1:09:59
We want everyone to come and they can tell the languages are just a part of that.
Linda Johnson
1:10:08
I don't know the exact number in audiobooks, but I will say that the services that we provide in multiple languages is extraordinary.
1:10:16
And I always hesitate to say this number because it sounds so large, but we offer services in over 60 languages.
1:10:25
Throughout the borough.
1:10:26
And in Brooklyn where half the half the family speak a language other than English at home, it's essential that we'd be able to continue to do so.
Dennis Walcott
1:10:34
So in Queens, we have roughly 191 languages represented in our collection, not audiobooks, but in our collection.
1:10:41
And roughly dozens in audiobooks itself.
1:10:44
But obviously, as Tony indicated, based on the neighborhood, we always make show we tailor our collections and to invest of our ability, our audiobooks, to the neighborhood demographics as well.
Carlina Rivera
1:10:57
I just wanna thank you for that because I know even in my own district, we've had many people who are seeking asylum go to Saint Bridges, which is a church and former school and seeking services in Tomkins Square Park Library has actually added a section to accommodate the languages from West Africa.
1:11:16
And I know that you're doing that in your branches across the city, and we all know Queens.
1:11:20
I mean, you can walk in Queens and hear 50 languages in a given day.
1:11:25
So I wanna thank you for doing that.
