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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Johnny Alexander Garcia, Teen Techie Intern at Brooklyn Public Library
4:33:37
·
175 sec
Johnny Alexander Garcia, a teen techie intern at Brooklyn Public Library, provides heartfelt testimony about the importance of libraries in his life and community. He shares personal experiences of how libraries have been a valuable resource for education, socialization, and personal growth for him and his family across generations.
- Garcia highlights the library's role in providing opportunities for homeschoolers, promoting social and mental wellness, and developing personal and professional skills.
- He describes his experiences as a volunteer and intern at the library, including helping with job searches and participating in STEM programs like First LEGO League.
- Garcia concludes by advocating for increased budget support for libraries, emphasizing their essential role as safe spaces and community resources for all New Yorkers.
Johnny Alexander Garcia
4:33:37
Good afternoon everyone.
4:33:38
It's so good to be here with you all.
4:33:39
My name is Johnny Alexander Garcia.
4:33:41
I'm a teen techie intern at Brooklyn Public Library.
4:33:44
I'd like to first take a moment and say thank you to the NYC City Council and Brooklyn Public Library for the opportunity to be here today.
4:33:50
It is an honor to be able to advocate for such an important part of so many lives.
4:33:54
The library has always been a core part of not only me but my family tree.
4:33:58
It's been passed on through generations as a valuable place for recreation and education.
4:34:02
My mother introduced me to the library when I was little just like how my grandparents introduced her when she was little.
4:34:08
It provided valuable opportunities and has been an essential safe space for all of us.
4:34:12
For many communities including homeschoolers such as myself, libraries are invaluable resources to promote and support inclusive social and mental wellness while equally helping us develop our personal, social, academic and professional skills.
4:34:26
Libraries fill gaps in our lives in so many ways and I speak from experience.
4:34:30
My sister would walk with me to the library for art and gaming events.
4:34:33
There, I'd be able to socialize and spend time with fellow community members my age as together we enjoyed all the wonderful activities available in our library.
4:34:41
Additionally, my parents take me to the library frequently.
4:34:43
As aforementioned, it's part of our family tradition.
4:34:46
They take time out of their busy schedules for suspense quality time together exploring and participating in library activities while borrowing and enriching books.
4:34:53
Books that have helped me grow as a person and books by authors who have helped broaden my perspective, sending examples and providing guidance for making it through life's hardships.
4:35:01
I now, like my siblings have before me, volunteer and intern at the library.
4:35:06
It has been an amazing fruitful experience meeting so many diverse people along the way.
4:35:11
Part of my life is continuously navigating substantial community resources and opportunities at local libraries, opportunities that I simply may not have had the chance to experience otherwise.
4:35:21
My first experience working as a volunteer was at Brooklyn Central's Business and Career Center.
4:35:25
There, I was able to help people with their resumes and job searching.
4:35:28
It was such a fulfilling experience being able to give back.
4:35:31
It helped me get acquainted with fellow members of our community while developing my social skills, a skill I needed support with prior to signing up.
4:35:40
After being assigned to a branch, I was able to participate in First LEGO League.
4:35:44
I was part of a team full of bright, inspiring individuals.
4:35:47
We learned important soft skills in coding and robotics.
4:35:51
I'm grateful for the library being such an important pillar in our lives and communities.
4:35:55
This is only my story.
4:35:56
There's countless other New Yorkers who've had wonderful life changing experiences with their local libraries.
4:36:01
I humbly ask for your continuous support of these invaluable resources.
4:36:04
In the times we live in, the library has become even more essential in creating a safe space for people who direly need it.
4:36:11
In conclusion, a budget increase would be a net positive for everyone in New York City.
4:36:15
When making this important decision, we hope you take not only our stories into consideration but also the experiences of all of our fellow New Yorkers who hold the library near and dear to their heart and life.
4:36:23
Once again, I would like to thank the city council and Brooklyn Public Library for letting me be here with you all and speak on a matter which hold incredibly close to my heart.
4:36:30
Thank you all for listening.
4:36:31
I wish you all a blessed day.