New York City Council
Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations
Sep 25, 2024
·
10:00 AM
1 hr 27 min
Summary
A hearing on how libraries empower New Yorkers to become informed voters and engaged citizens.
Discussions focused on:
- Libraries' role in providing free access to information
- Voter education initiatives
- Multilingual services
- Youth engagement programs
- Efforts to combat book bans
- Challenges in maintaining and expanding civic engagement services
The hearing also addressed the importance of libraries as non-partisan institutions supporting democracy and providing spaces for respectful discourse on controversial topics.
Features testimony from representatives of Queens Public Library, New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Carlina Rivera's opening remarks on libraries and civic engagement
Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations, delivers opening remarks for an oversight hearing on the role of New York City's …
0:00:32
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4 min
Introduction and acknowledgments by Scott McLeod
Scott McLeod, Director of Civic Engagement at Queens Public Library, introduces himself and acknowledges the committee members. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to testify about the key role libraries …
0:04:50
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26 sec
The democratic role of public libraries
Scott McLeod emphasizes the crucial role of public libraries as democratic institutions, providing free access to information and resources for all residents regardless of their background. He expresses gratitude for …
0:05:17
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29 sec
Queens Public Library's Banned Books Week initiatives
Scott McLeod details Queens Public Library's activities for Banned Books Week, highlighting their commitment to protecting freedom of expression and access to diverse perspectives. The library organizes various events to …
0:05:46
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46 sec
Libraries as pillars of democracy and civic education
Scott McLeod emphasizes the crucial role of Queens Public Library in ensuring full participation in democracy and providing trustworthy resources to the public. The library serves as a steady force …
0:06:33
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22 sec
Collaboration with NYC votes and community organizations for voter education
Scott McLeod details Queens Public Library's collaboration with NYC votes and other community organizations to provide voter education and registration services. The library actively participates in National Voter Registration Day …
0:06:56
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87 sec
Queens Public Library branches as voting locations
Scott McLeod highlights the role of Queens Public Library branches as voting locations, emphasizing their importance as community centers. The library collaborates with the Board of Elections to facilitate voting …
0:08:24
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40 sec
Queens Public Library's Ranked Choice Voting education initiatives
Scott McLeod details Queens Public Library's efforts to educate the public about Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) implementation in New York City. The library developed various resources and programs to inform …
0:09:04
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99 sec
English literacy and civic education programs at Queens Public Library
Scott McLeod highlights Queens Public Library's integrated English literacy and civic education classes, which cover various aspects of U.S. history, citizen rights, and the electoral process. The library also offers …
0:10:44
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63 sec
Civic engagement initiatives at Rikers correctional facility
Scott McLeod describes Queens Public Library's efforts to promote civic engagement at Rikers correctional facility. The library works as part of a broader coalition to encourage participation in the voting …
0:11:47
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23 sec
Teen civic education initiatives at Queens Public Library
Scott McLeod outlines Queens Public Library's efforts to engage and educate teens in civic matters through various programs and partnerships. These initiatives aim to build a foundation of understanding government …
0:12:12
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50 sec
Community education and leadership initiatives at Queens Public Library
Scott McLeod describes Queens Public Library's various community education and leadership initiatives designed to empower residents and prepare them for roles in city government and community organizations. These programs cover …
0:13:06
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71 sec
Queens Public Library's partnership with Food Bank for New York City
Scott McLeod highlights Queens Public Library's collaboration with the Food Bank for New York City to address food insecurity in the borough. This partnership involves conducting mobile food pantry distributions …
0:14:18
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22 sec
Participatory budgeting and community engagement at Queens Public Library
Scott McLeod describes Queens Public Library's involvement in participatory budgeting and various community engagement initiatives. The library collaborates with government agencies and community organizations to facilitate these processes. - Works …
0:14:41
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59 sec
Collaboration with elected officials at Queens Public Library branches
Scott McLeod briefly mentions the collaboration between Queens Public Library and elected officials, including Speaker Adams and committee members. This partnership allows for direct constituent engagement at library locations. - …
0:15:41
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17 sec
Closing remarks on Queens Public Library's commitment to civic engagement
Scott McLeod concludes his testimony by reaffirming Queens Public Library's commitment to providing free, trusted resources and spaces for the borough's 2.4 million residents. He emphasizes the library's dedication to …
0:15:59
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30 sec
Introduction and acknowledgments by Dr. Brandy McNeil
Dr. Brandy McNeil, Deputy Director of Branch Programs and Services at the New York Public Library, introduces herself and thanks City Council Speaker Adams, Chair Rivera, and committee members for …
0:16:37
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24 sec
The vital role of public libraries in supporting democracy
Dr. McNeil emphasizes the crucial role public libraries play in supporting a healthy democracy as trusted, non-partisan institutions. She highlights how libraries provide access to resources, knowledge, and spaces that …
0:17:02
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25 sec
Three pillars guiding library efforts in civic engagement
Dr. McNeil outlines the three pillars that guide the library's efforts to inform voters and engage citizens: civic knowledge, civic attitudes, and civic actions. These pillars set the parameters for …
0:17:28
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22 sec
Voter turnout statistics and challenges in New York City
Dr. McNeil presents concerning voter turnout statistics for New York City, highlighting the need for improved civic engagement. She notes that presidential election turnout is only 60.8%, while local mayoral …
0:17:52
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38 sec
NYPL's efforts in voter education and civic engagement
Dr. McNeil describes how NYPL, with its 88 neighborhood locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, is uniquely positioned to engage patrons and local communities in the electoral process. …
0:18:31
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47 sec
Collaboration with NYC votes and community partners for voter engagement
Dr. McNeil details NYPL's ongoing partnership with the CFB's NYC Votes initiative and other community organizations to enhance voter education and engagement. She describes various collaborative efforts, including training events, …
0:19:19
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108 sec
National Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day initiatives
Dr. McNeil describes the library's activities for National Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day, which coincided on September 17th. She highlights how this presented a unique opportunity to share voting …
0:21:08
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63 sec
Citizenship and civic engagement programs at NYPL
Dr. McNeil outlines NYPL's broader services, campaigns, and offerings focused on citizenship and civic engagement. She provides statistics on the number of programs and participants involved in these initiatives during …
0:22:12
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34 sec
Innovation Lab initiative for civic action
Dr. McNeil introduces NYPL's Innovation Lab initiative, launched in April 2023, which aims to support staff innovation and experimentation within the library. She describes how the first innovation challenge for …
0:22:46
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44 sec
Importance of freedom to read and NYPL's response to book bans
Dr. McNeil emphasizes the critical importance of preserving the freedom to read and ensuring access to books for all, especially in the face of increasing book bans across the country. …
0:23:32
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95 sec
Books for All campaign and Teen Banned Book Club
Dr. McNeil describes NYPL's Books for All campaign, launched in response to the rise of book bans and challenges across the country. The campaign aims to underscore the importance of …
0:25:08
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92 sec
Freedom to Read National Day of Action
Dr. McNeil announces the upcoming Freedom to Read National Day of Action, a collaborative effort between New York, Brooklyn, and Queens public libraries in partnership with various organizations. This first-of-its-kind …
0:26:41
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46 sec
Teen Civic Ambassadors program
Dr. McNeil introduces the Teen Civic Ambassadors program, a paid internship initiative designed to develop job readiness and leadership skills for teens, with a focus on library resources, civics, and …
0:27:28
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113 sec
Centers for Educators and Schools' civics initiatives
Dr. McNeil outlines the efforts of NYPL's Centers for Educators and Schools in bringing civics to life for school librarians, educators, and students. These initiatives focus on teaching research skills …
0:29:22
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69 sec
Libraries as polling sites and participatory budgeting
Dr. McNeil describes NYPL's long-standing initiatives to support democratic processes, including offering branches as polling sites and participating in city council and civic engagement commission's participatory budgeting processes. - Mentions …
0:30:33
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36 sec
Closing remarks on libraries' role in democracy
Dr. McNeil concludes her testimony by emphasizing the unique position of libraries as trusted institutions in New York City. She reiterates the library's commitment to providing equal access to information …
0:31:10
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45 sec
Introduction and acknowledgments from Brooklyn Public Library
Edwin Maxwell, Director of Neighborhood Services at Brooklyn Public Library, introduces himself and expresses gratitude for the City Council's support of libraries. He acknowledges the restoration of library budgets and …
0:32:07
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44 sec
Brooklyn Public Library's voter education and engagement efforts
Edwin Maxwell discusses the Brooklyn Public Library's commitment to non-partisan voter education and engagement in response to low voter turnout in New York City. The library takes various actions to …
0:32:55
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41 sec
Brooklyn Public Library branches serving as polling sites
Edwin Maxwell proudly discusses how 16 Brooklyn Public Library branches serve as polling sites during general elections, highlighting the extra effort required from staff to facilitate this important civic function. …
0:33:38
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30 sec
Voter education programs and partnerships at Brooklyn Public Library
Edwin Maxwell outlines various voter education programs and partnerships that Brooklyn Public Library engages in to inform and prepare voters for elections. - Partners with the Campaign Finance Board to …
0:34:10
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23 sec
Adult learning and civic participation at Brooklyn Public Library
Edwin Maxwell describes how Brooklyn Public Library's adult learning centers integrate voter education and civic participation into their curriculum, helping adults develop essential skills and engage in the democratic process. …
0:34:34
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24 sec
Youth voter engagement at Brooklyn Public Library
Edwin Maxwell discusses Brooklyn Public Library's efforts to engage young people in the voting process and help formerly incarcerated individuals understand their voting rights. - Team Tech Center staff and …
0:35:00
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17 sec
Special voter engagement programs at Brooklyn Public Library
Edwin Maxwell introduces a special 'vote story time' program designed to encourage voter registration and participation among patrons with children. - Offers 'vote story time' sessions where kids vote on …
0:35:18
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43 sec
Broader civic engagement initiatives at Brooklyn Public Library
Edwin Maxwell expands on the broader civic engagement efforts of Brooklyn Public Library, emphasizing their role in building community and fostering civic literacy beyond just voter education. - Library workers …
0:36:04
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64 sec
Addressing political discourse challenges through innovative programs
Edwin Maxwell discusses various programs initiated by Brooklyn Public Library to address the challenges of meaningful political discourse and community engagement. - Launched 'Anthem to Us' program in collaboration with …
0:37:10
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115 sec
Brooklyn Public Library's response to book bans and defending the freedom to read
Edwin Maxwell addresses the nationwide threats to libraries and outlines Brooklyn Public Library's efforts to defend the freedom to read and combat book bans. - Spearheading a national day of …
0:39:07
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45 sec
Closing remarks on the vital role of libraries in democracy
Edwin Maxwell concludes his testimony by emphasizing the crucial role that libraries play in fostering healthy, resilient communities and supporting democracy. - Asserts that communities with vibrant public libraries are …
0:39:53
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21 sec
Council Member Rivera's personal voting experiences
Council Member Carlina Rivera shares her childhood memories of voting, emphasizing the importance her family placed on the act of voting. She recalls dressing up for the occasion and experiencing …
0:40:15
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90 sec
Discussion on library programs for voter engagement and budget concerns
Council Member Rivera inquires about library programs promoting voter engagement and expresses concern about potential budget cuts affecting these initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of expanding successful programs rather than …
0:41:45
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78 sec
Effective methods for promoting voter participation and information
Library representatives discuss the most effective methods for promoting voter participation and providing information. They emphasize the importance of having a consistent presence and offering multiple channels of engagement. - …
0:43:07
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177 sec
Engaging the next generation of voters through library programs
Library representatives discuss their efforts to engage young voters and cultivate the next generation of civic participants. They highlight various programs and initiatives aimed at teens and children. - Libraries …
0:46:06
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108 sec
Online programming and digital access during the pandemic
Dr. Brandy McNeil highlights the importance of online programming introduced during the pandemic to address the lack of internet and device access for many people. - Libraries introduced online programming …
0:47:55
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30 sec
Importance of broader community engagement and awareness
Scott McLeod emphasizes the importance of investing in community engagement and awareness beyond just the voting process. He discusses how this approach naturally leads to increased civic participation. - Libraries …
0:48:25
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80 sec
Appreciation for work with currently and formerly incarcerated individuals
Council Member Rivera expresses gratitude for the libraries' work with currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. She highlights the importance of addressing misconceptions about voting rights for this population. - Rivera …
0:49:47
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118 sec
Language access programs and services in libraries
Council Member Rivera inquires about language access programs in libraries, emphasizing their importance in diverse communities. Library representatives discuss various initiatives to support multilingual patrons. - Libraries offer translation services …
0:51:46
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3 min
Expansion of language services and programs for asylum seekers
Dr. Brandy McNeil discusses the New York Public Library's expanded language services and programs, with a focus on supporting asylum seekers and enhancing overall language access. - A new program …
0:55:16
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155 sec
Funding needs for library programs and services
Library representatives emphasize the crucial role of funding in maintaining and expanding their programs and services. They highlight how financial support impacts various aspects of their operations. - Funding is …
0:57:53
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113 sec
Council member inquires about objectivity in library educational efforts
Council Member David Carr raises concerns about the importance of objectivity in library educational efforts, particularly regarding contemporary politics and events. He highlights the high standards expected by the public …
0:59:47
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70 sec
Library representatives discuss maintaining neutrality and trust in programs
Representatives from Queens Public Library, New York Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library explain their approaches to maintaining neutrality and trust in their programs and services. They emphasize the importance …
1:01:00
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3 min
Addressing controversial viewpoints in library-hosted discussions
Council Member David Carr raises a follow-up question about how libraries handle controversial or potentially offensive viewpoints in public discussions. He highlights the challenge of balancing free speech with the …
1:04:19
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77 sec
Training library staff to manage sensitive topics and maintain civil discourse
Library representatives discuss their approaches to training staff for handling sensitive topics and maintaining civil discourse during public discussions. They emphasize the importance of respect, de-escalation techniques, and setting ground …
1:05:39
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146 sec
Council Member Farah Louis questions Brooklyn Public Library about Clarendon branch closure and civic engagement services
Council Member Farah Louis raises concerns about the prolonged closure of the Clarendon library branch and its impact on civic engagement services, particularly in light of the upcoming November election. …
1:08:05
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4 min
Libraries serving as polling sites: Numbers and challenges
Council Member Rivera inquires about the number of library branches serving as polling sites in the upcoming election and the potential logistical or financial strain this causes. Representatives from Brooklyn …
1:13:35
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87 sec
Supporting libraries' civic engagement efforts during elections
Council Member Rivera asks how they can better support the libraries' civic engagement efforts, particularly during crucial election years. Scott McLeod from Queens Public Library responds, highlighting the challenges faced …
1:15:03
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63 sec
Importance of access to elected officials and local government information
Scott McLeod emphasizes the importance of providing access to elected officials and information about local government operations to library patrons. He highlights the public's interest in understanding how local government …
1:16:08
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85 sec
Appreciation for library services and their role in democracy
Council Member Rivera concludes the session by expressing gratitude for the libraries' work and emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining democracy. She acknowledges various programs and services provided by the …
1:17:37
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66 sec
Testimony by Tom Gogan, Representative of Move the Money-NYC, on Library Funding and Militarism
Tom Gogan, representing himself and the Move the Money-NYC coalition, testified about library funding and the impact of militarism on city budgets. He expressed gratitude for efforts to restore library …
1:21:23
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166 sec
Testimony by Dalvin Bartley, Mid Atlantic Senior Program Manager at Generation Citizen
Dalvin Bartley from Generation Citizen testified about their voter education, engagement, and registration activities in New York City. He emphasized the importance of libraries in fostering engaged voters and discussed …
1:24:24
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129 sec
