By Patrick Donachie
The Arverne and Glen Oaks branches of the Queens Public Library were two of the five grand prize winners of the third annual New York City Neighborhood Library Awards. Each will receive a gift of $20,000.
“These institutions are much more than just libraries,” said Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton), whose district includes the Arverne branch. “This is a place where people come to get everyday resources.”
Richards was one of the more than 250 guests at the ceremony held Tuesday evening at the Hearst Tower in Manhattan. The “Oscars of the Libraries” were initiated by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Charles H. Revson Foundation to honor public libraries doing exemplary work in their communities.
“From ESOL classes for new immigrants, to after-school safe havens for at-risk youth, these institutions play a critical role in shaping the lives of New Yorkers all across the city,” said Julie Sandorf, president of the Charles H. Revson Foundation. “To keep up with the high demand for programs and services, we must continue to invest in our libraries.”
Ten nominees were chosen after the foundation received nominations from over 19,000 people, an increase of more than 40 percent from the prior year’s awards. Branches in Inwood in Manhattan, Morrisania in the Bronx and Sunset Park in Brooklyn were the other grand prize winners. In addition to the Glen Oaks and Arverne branches, the Far Rockaway branch was in the list of 10 finalists and will receive an award of $10,000.
A panel of judges, including authors Stacy Schiff, Jelani Cobb and Angela Flournoy, selected the grand prize winners.
Nicole Gordon, the Arverne branch manager, said she hoped some of the funding would be used to purchase books on Judaism to service a large Jewish population in Arverne. She said the library offered classes in OSHA-certification, resumé building and a multitude of other services.
“We try to be a warm and inviting place,” she said. “We want customers to feel like they’re at home.”
Richards lauded the work being done in the Far Rockaway and Arverne branches, and noted the essential role they played within the communities he served.
“When you walk in the library, everybody’s all the same,” he said. “No matter what your socioeconomic status is, your religion, your culture, you’re accepted when you walk through those doors.”
Reach reporter Patrick Donachie by e-mail at pdona
