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Council member inquires about library language programs for immigrants
1:10:14
ยท
85 sec
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the libraries' language programs, particularly in light of the influx of new arrivals. Library presidents highlight the importance and scale of these programs.
- Tony Marx states that NYPL is the largest provider of free English language instruction after public schools and CUNY
- Libraries have a long history of serving immigrant communities
- Concerns are raised about potential ICE visits affecting program attendance
Gale A. Brewer
1:10:14
Yes.
1:10:14
Mhmm.
1:10:14
You're nicer to them, to DDC, than I am.
1:10:18
My other question is just in terms of your language programs.
1:10:21
I just was wondering, they're so necessary.
1:10:24
They're so particularly now.
1:10:26
I have, been working a lot with new arrivals in your library.
1:10:30
So my question is how much do they cost?
1:10:32
How long is the waiting list?
1:10:33
And what else do you need for those programs?
Tony Marx
1:10:39
So, I'll you the exact numbers.
1:10:43
Okay.
1:10:43
But the, we are the largest free English language instruction offerings in New York other than the public schools and CUNY.
1:10:55
We are proud of that.
1:10:56
We are proud of the fact that immigrants have trusted us for as long as we've been around because this is a city, a country of immigrants, and we are currently it isn't the the money is essential and the programs are essential, but the threat that we might be visited by ICE during those programs has a chilling effect and will have a chilling effect that can undermine a hundred and thirty odd years of work to build this trust.
1:11:33
That's what we're focused on at the moment.
Gale A. Brewer
1:11:36
Oh, you're right.
1:11:38
Okay.
1:11:38
Anybody else wanna