QUESTION
What virtual programs and services are the New York City public libraries continuing to offer?
1:13:30
·
4 min
The New York City public library representatives explain that they are maintaining a blend of virtual and in-person services following the shift to a digital model during the pandemic.
- They continue to offer virtual programs like mailable programs for homebound individuals, virtual ESL classes, and DJ events.
- The transition to digital platforms increased operational costs but expanded reach and accessibility.
- Efforts are ongoing to bridge the digital divide and provide free broadband access from library branches.
- While restoring in-person services, the libraries aim to maintain their enhanced digital offerings like ebooks and online research resources.
Carlina Rivera
1:13:30
I know you brought and you brought back so much programming.
1:13:33
You know, during the pandemic, you moved to have an expanded virtual presence and and remote offerings.
1:13:41
You're still offering virtual programs, obviously.
1:13:44
So can you just talk very briefly about that just so I can get to my colleague's question.
Linda Johnson
1:13:49
Yeah.
1:13:49
Thanks so much for that question.
1:13:50
Because one thing that has added significantly to our operating costs is that during the pandemic, we all sort of transformed ourselves into digital enterprises, and it was necessary, and it was fabulous.
1:14:03
And, unfortunately, it made the ability to reach those on the wrong side of the digital divide that much more difficult.
1:14:11
And then as we started reopening and taking full advantage of our bricks and mortar libraries.
1:14:19
We find ourselves in the position of having to finance not only the traditional bricks and mortar business, but also the digital enterprise because there's once that Once that box was open, there's no way to put that back nor do we want to.
1:14:34
But part of the reason that our expenses have increased, not only inflation, but also the fact that our business is much more complicated today than it was before the pandemic.
Tony Marx
1:14:47
I'll just reiterate the digital divide continues to be a major problem.
1:14:52
I mean, let's just be very clear.
1:14:55
Something like 1 and a half to 2000000 New Yorkers don't have broadband at home.
1:14:59
Imagine living through the pandemic.
1:15:02
When that was the only way to go to school.
1:15:04
That was the only way to go to work or to do research or to be in touch with your loved ones.
1:15:09
Imagine being cut off like that in the world that is the communications capital of the globe.
1:15:19
We are we have a pilot project.
1:15:21
We've been investing millions of private dollars to figure out whether citizens band radio can be a way to provide basic utility level broadband to every New Yorker for free by broadcasting it from our branches.
1:15:34
We'll explore anything.
1:15:37
As Linda said, the pandemic proved that our investment in digital had been foresighted.
1:15:43
I wish that it hadn't proven it so powerfully, but it did.
1:15:47
We we didn't lose any circulation.
1:15:49
We shifted to ebooks.
1:15:51
On the research library, we're aspiring to provide every book ever written to anyone on the planet as an ebook.
1:15:59
And now that people are returning, thank God, to regular something more like regular life and enjoying each other's company and community and physical spaces that we need to be sure are inviting and and and respectful of people.
1:16:16
We're now doing both.
1:16:18
As my colleagues say, we're running 2 libraries Mhmm.
1:16:21
On the budget, we used to run 1.
1:16:24
And we're here talking about restoration of massive cuts.
1:16:30
We're not even talking about the resources to maintain those additional expectations that we are proud to provide to the city of New York.
Dennis Walcott
1:16:40
So one of our programs is a mailable program.
1:16:44
And mailable did something this year.
1:16:46
And prior years, but this year, I think it was even more people participated where we had a New Year's Eve celebration for people who are home bound for the most part.
1:16:57
And it was fantastic, and I joined in for a little bit.
1:17:00
And those are the types of things we do, and we have orthotics, ESO world classes virtually in addition to having in person as well.
1:17:06
And so those are the things that we get involved in.
1:17:09
And then one of our key people at the library is Ralph McDaniel's.
1:17:15
And Ralph of those who know Ralph is video music box.
1:17:20
And so Ralph holds his DJ Munch brunch sessions on a regular basis on Saturday and during the week and then uses that for various program reinforcement as well.
1:17:32
So we've incorporated both the virtual side as well as the in person side and as Tony indicated.
1:17:38
And Linda indicated, you know, we're running 2 libraries for the benefit of the public.
Carlina Rivera
1:17:43
Thank you for that.
1:17:44
I just wanted to highlight how much work you do in terms of your remote presence.
1:17:49
And of course, you're going to hear from our colleagues about our experiences.
1:17:53
Even as council members, I know my first experiences were watching drag story hour.
1:17:58
I think now also with what we're seeing across the country with banned books and how you all continue to help not just New Yorkers, but other people read books that are important to our development as people.
1:18:11
And civic engagement, what you offer in terms of computer services.
1:18:16
Thank you.
1:18:16
With that, I will turn it over back to the chair.
1:18:19
Thank you very much.
