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Library presidents report on waiting lists and IDNYC program popularity
1:12:45
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81 sec
Library presidents discuss the waiting lists for various services and the popularity of the IDNYC program. They emphasize the continued demand for these services despite current challenges.
- Brooklyn Public Library reports ongoing demand for services, particularly in neighborhoods with many new New Yorkers
- Linda E. Johnson mentions daily lines forming outside libraries before opening, especially for IDNYC services
- Libraries view the persistent demand as a positive sign, indicating trust in their services
Gale A. Brewer
1:12:45
In Brooklyn, is there I assume a waiting list also.
Linda E. Johnson
1:12:48
Yes.
1:12:51
There's a waiting list and we're watching it obviously very closely for the reasons that Tony mentioned.
1:12:55
And I'm heartened to say that so far we have not seen a decline in the number of people who are waiting.
1:13:03
Normally, wouldn't be excited to have a backlog, but in this case because the services are so necessary and because so many of the classes are being provided in neighborhoods where there's large influx of new New Yorkers, we're pleased that they're still coming to us for services like English as a second language.
1:13:22
Also I would mention that in all the conversations this morning it's occurred to me that no one has mentioned that every day the lines in front of our libraries start to form in advance of our opening time.
1:13:37
In the case at Central Library there's a door which is near the IDNYC office, and those people who are coming specifically to register for the municipal card, identification card, they know in advance where to go, which door is closest to the office, and so the line starts to form there.
1:14:00
And I'm, you know, every day just, you know, hoping that that doesn't stop.