Library director honored for 28 years of service

When Andrew Jackson was looking for a job 28 years ago, he never imagined that an assistant supervisor job at the Langston Hughes Community Library would turn into a lifetime of service, dedication and accomplishment both to the African American and local Queens community.
Jackson, who is now the Executive Director of the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center, has helped transform the library from a small storefront on Northern Boulevard to a state-of-the-art cultural center complete with more than 45,000 volumes that is recognized throughout the country.
“The Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center is a jewel within the Queens Library system,” Queens Library Director Thomas W. Galante said. “It has the largest circulating collection on Black history and culture in New York City. Andrew Jackson’s leadership has been pivotal in developing it into the community and citywide resource it is today.”
Throughout the years, Jackson, who received a bachelor’s degree from York College and master’s in library science from Queens College, has taken his involvement in librarianship all over the country serving as the President of the Black Caucus of American Library Association. In addition, he has visited other states including Florida and North Carolina to provide assistance to other libraries looking to expand their work.
However, his top priority has always been working to provide the best services for the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center in Corona, which has become a popular spot for visitors throughout the country to frequent.
“I just don’t think as a librarian, I think as an activist librarian,” Jackson said. “Each year is a challenge to come up with new ideas and new programs.”
Two of the most recent challenges and opportunities that Jackson spoke about included increasing programs in order to serve the needs of the immigrant community as well as find ways to engage younger audiences.
“One of the things we are concentrating on is finding new ways of serving the teenage community,” Jackson said. “We are trying to find programs and activities that would challenge them and encourage them to read more.”
During his tenure, Jackson has received many awards and honors - from both local and national figures - but his most recent distinction occurred when City Comptroller Bill Thompson honored Jackson along with five other recipients at annual African-American Heritage History Month celebration.
“In his role as an ‘activist librarian,’ Jackson regularly participates in career days and read-ins, speaking out on Africana history and culture, and encouraging reading and the use of libraries for growth and empowerment,” Thompson said. “Jackson strives to be a model librarian for young men and women considering a similar career.”
Jackson said that he was extremely grateful to receive the honor, but he was also humbled to receive the same award as Antonio Martin, Executive Director of Queens Hospital Center; award winning Walter Moseley, and former first lady of New York, Joyce Burrows Dinkins.
“Being honored with those people put me in quite good company,” Jackson said.
In addition to working at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center, Jackson teaches a class at York College and works as a consultant for a library in Roosevelt, Long Island. However, even at the age of 61, he does not see himself leaving the Corona facility any time soon.
“To me it’s the best place to work, I can’t see myself doing another job,” Jackson said.