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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Brooklyn Public Library's diverse services and programs
0:11:03
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126 sec
Johnson highlights the wide range of services and programs offered by Brooklyn Public Library, emphasizing their role in meeting community needs and responding to national challenges.
- Mentions programs for homebound patrons, digital literacy, job seekers, and entrepreneurs
- Highlights the Level Up program, which has helped over 500 patrons advance in competitive industries
- Describes ESOL classes and support for new immigrants, noting high demand and wait lists
Linda Johnson
0:11:03
Libraries and the values we represent are under attack nationally from the recent firing of the librarian of congress to threats against the Institute for Museum and Library Services and the freedom to read.
0:11:18
Here in New York, Brooklyn Public Library and our over 1,100 dedicated employees are rising to meet the moment serving more patrons, offering vital programming, protecting intellectual freedom, and helping more New Yorkers thrive.
0:11:38
Librarians are serving homebound patrons with books by mail and our outreach program connects family members in our branches with their incarcerated loved ones via free video conference.
0:11:51
Brooklyn Public Library's digital literacy programs have recently extended into housing developments and community centers in partnership with the city through the newly launched Neighborhood Tech Help program.
0:12:06
And our new digital discovery days are giving Brooklynites of all ages hands on experience with cutting edge technology.
0:12:16
We're supporting job seekers and entrepreneurs through Level Up which has now helped over 500 patrons gain the tools and mentorship needed to advance in competitive industries.
0:12:28
100 women have graduated from the program and two of them are submitting testimony today.
0:12:35
And our workforce and volunteer programs are growing with a 30% increase in community volunteers helping to lead English as a second language groups, citizenship coaching, and homework help.
0:12:50
We're also helping our newest neighbors offering over 75 ESOL classes every week from dropping conversation groups to business english courses and job certification classes.
0:13:04
These programs are at capacity always with wait lists.