For latest news qchron.com Backthe to School & Fallvisit Guide 2021
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 26, 2021 Page 16
C M BTS page 16 Y K
Library has something for all by Katherine Donlevy
to let the parents know we’re there for them virtually.” Buron pointed to BrainFuse as a spectacuThough nearly all of its locations have reopened to the public, the Queens Public lar resource for students. The program offers Library will continue offering its program- live online tutoring in math, science, reading, writing, social studies and more. Tutors are ming online only. But there could be a silver lining to virtual available for kids aged 6 to 14 weekdays from services: Cardholders can visit as many pro- 3 to 5:30 p.m. “Every year, we are trying to invest more grams as they’d like. “A person who goes in-person to a library in college readiness,” Buron said, adding that might have the opportunity to go to one pro- librarians are available to guide parents and gram; [now] all our customers can go to high schoolers through the tedious, and often more,” said Nick Buron, the QPL’s chief confusing, process of applying to higher education. “We’re making sure everyone knows librarian and senior vice president. As of Aug. 25, 60 of the QPL’s 66 loca- the step-by-step process.” This year, the library is offering College tions are open for in-person services — the few that are closed are undergoing renova- Corners and College Readiness courses. College Corners is a full tions or are being used as collection of test prep and vaccination centers. At the college readiness books as open locations, cardholdwell as other important ers can enjoy unlimited resources such as calenbrowsing, open seating dars, pamphlets and inforand full access to computm at ion f rom t he cit y ers, though masks are Department of Education, required at each location. College Board and others. The QPL offers proThe QPL has links to pracgramming for cardholders Virtual fun for tice SAT, ACT and other of every age, from babies every age standardized tests, as well to seniors, all of which as information on how to will be conducted comapply for financial aid. pletely virtually for the The College Readiness unforeseen future. Even the library’s afterschool program, STACKS, program is similar, but is broken down into workshops. Experts work with families to will be hosted online this year. The QPL publishes a Back to School guide develop the skills needed to prepare for coleach year, but Buron said the 2021-22 guide lege, and inform them on college and scholaris “really special” because it outlines how ship application schedules. One of the most important resources the families can access all resources, virtual or library offers its cardholders is the technoloin the library. “We really understand that parents and gy itself, Buron said. Patrons are invited to caregivers need more support than in years use computers, laptops and other tools inside past. It’s a big deal for kids to be going back the libraries during regular hours, though to school this year,” Buron said. “People usage is limited to just one hour. Luckily, students can take some technoloassociate us with books, and those are clearly a very important part of what we do, but gy home with them. Samsung tablets are there are so many other resources ... We want available for one-month withdrawals, though Associate Editor
Queens public libraries are open to the public for browsing and computer usage, but all proFILE PHOTO BY KATHERINE DONLEVY gramming will remain online indefinitely. 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
The QPL’s virtual programming offers courses for every age, from babies to seniors, all of which can be accessed from the comfort of one’s home. A great portion of the online offerings are educational and are part of the library’s Back to School program. Physical books can still be checked PHOTOS COURTESY QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY out from nearly every QPL location.
+ Hospitals/Elmhurst, launched the “QPL Baby Card” earlier this month to further deliver literacy and a love of learning as early 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
