QUESTION
What role are public libraries playing in supporting immigrants and asylum seekers?
1:47:25
·
57 sec
The New York Public Library president explains that they are providing a record number of English language classes for immigrants and asylum seekers.
- The library filled nearly 14,000 seats in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes in fiscal year 2023, a 74% increase from the prior year.
- However, they still have to turn people away due to demand exceeding capacity.
- The libraries are a vital resource for new immigrants learning English.
- If they have to close due to budget cuts, there will not even be waitlists - people will simply give up hope of accessing these services.
Tony Marx
1:47:25
In FY and calendar year 23, the library filled 13, almost 14,000 ESOL class seats, record numbers, 74% increase from the previous year.
1:47:39
Got it.
1:47:40
But we still do turn people away and we'll get you those numbers.
1:47:43
Are proud to be there for the asylum seekers.
1:47:46
We are all talking about that.
1:47:48
We are front and center as we have been for generations of immigrants.
1:47:53
And will continue to be.
1:47:55
I'll just sadly say that the truth is when we have to close our doors, We won't even have a waitlist to show you.
1:48:03
Right?
1:48:04
People will get discouraged.
1:48:06
They'll turn away.
1:48:07
Yep.
1:48:08
Right?
1:48:08
They're busy.
1:48:09
They need to know they can rely on us.
1:48:11
That's the great tragedy, the sort of silent wait list, the sort of people just give up the hope that we have given them.
1:48:21
That is not New York.
