Library events are just a click away

by Katherine Donlevy

Associate Editor

Though nearly all of its locations have reopened to the public, the Queens Public Library will continue offering its programming online only.

But there could be a silver lining to virtual services: Cardholders can visit as many programs as they’d like.

“A person who goes in-person to a library might have the opportunity to go to one program; [now] all our customers can go to more,” said Nick Buron, the QPL’s chief librarian and senior vice president.

As of Aug. 25, 60 of the QPL’s 66 locations are open for in-person services — the few that are closed are undergoing renovations or are being used as vaccination centers. At the open locations, cardholders can enjoy unlimited browsing, open seating and full access to computers, though masks are required at each location.

The QPL offers programming for cardholders of every age, from babies to seniors, all of which will be conducted completely virtually for the unforeseen future. Even the library’s afterschool program, STACKS, will be hosted online this year.

The QPL publishes a Back to School guide each year, but Buron said the 2021-22 guide is “really special” because it outlines how families can access all resources, virtual or in the library.

“We really understand that parents and caregivers need more support than in years past. It’s a big deal for kids to be going back to school this year,” Buron said. “People associate us with books, and those are clearly a very important part of what we do, but there are so many other resources ... We want to let the parents know we’re there for them virtually.”

Buron pointed to BrainFuse as a spectacular resource for students. The program offers live online tutoring in math, science, reading, writing, social studies and more. Tutors are available for kids aged 6 to 14 weekdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

“Every year, we are trying to invest more in college readiness,” Buron said, adding that librarians are available to guide parents and high schoolers through the tedious, and often confusing, process of applying to higher education. “We’re making sure everyone knows the step-by-step process.”

This year, the library is offering College Corners and College Readiness courses. College Corners is a full collection of test prep and college readiness books as well as other important resources such as calendars, pamphlets and information from the city Department of Education, College Board and others. The QPL has links to practice SAT, ACT and other standardized tests, as well as information on how to apply for financial aid. The College Readiness program is similar, but is broken down into workshops. Experts work with families to develop the skills needed to prepare for college, and inform them on college and scholarship application schedules.

One of the most important resources the library offers its cardholders is the technology itself, Buron said. Patrons are invited to use computers, laptops and other tools inside the libraries during regular hours, though usage is limited to just one hour.

Luckily, students can take some technology home with them. Samsung tablets are available for one-month withdrawals, though cardholders can renew the tablet for up to three consecutive months. These tablets can be taken home and to school, as well as used inside the library with connection to each branch’s free 24/7 Wi-Fi.

“What we learned during the pandemic is that people need to use laptops, tablets,” said Buron. “We want to make sure people know we are a tech-hub too.”

The QPL is focusing on getting library cards into students’ hands so they can have full access to the resources. The agency has launched several initiatives to entice new cardholders, one of which is a backpack giveaway: Kids who sign up for a library card or check out a book could win one of 5,000 the QPL is distributing.

“It’s been a hard year,” Buron said. “A good, strong backpack is going to save some of our families some money to provide for the kids.”

The QPL, in conjunction with NYC Health

+ Hospitals/Elmhurst, launched the “QPL Baby Card” earlier this month to further Virtual fun for deliver literacy and a love of learning as early every age on in a child’s life as possible. The library offers educational programming for kids aged 0 to 5, such as Mother Goose storytimes and “Kick-Off to Kindergarten.” The QPL branches that are open for inperson services will also be open for virtual classroom visits. Field trips of the past will not yet be possible, but the QPL librarians want the neighborhood students to know what they have at their disposal. “It’s very important to bring it down to the local level, to know the staff on a personal level and the teachers as well,” Buron said. At these library visits, classes can learn how to navigate the computer catalog and various databases. The QPL’s educational programming is not limited to children and teenagers. For older adults, the library offers the National External Diploma Program for those over the age of 21 aiming to earn a high school diploma. There are also online lessons that help learners practice new languages, whether it’s English as a second language, or English speakers looking to pick up another language. For seniors, the QPL offers Creative Aging courses. The virtual lessons renew older adults’ relationship with the library through drawing, watercolor, collage, quilting, sewing, acrylic painting, memoir writing and more. Similarly, Recreational Clubs offer seniors the chance to create new relationships with their peers through mahjong and knitting and crocheting. The QPL’s virtual Fitness Classes and Health Lectures transcend any age limitations. The online lessons encourage everyone to get moving with tai chi and Zumba, and to consider their health in their everyday lives. Buron said the QPL is working on putting together a comprehensive calendar of the agency’s virtual programming for the year. For now, families and students can access the QPL’s programs at queenslibrary.org and the Back to School guide at bit.ly/3zbCJ3n. Q

Queens public libraries are open to the public for browsing and computer usage, but all programming will remain online indefinitely. FILE PHOTO BY KATHERINE DONLEVY