Libraries also key to education

Hitting the books with the QPL

by Sophie Krichevsky

Associate Editor

The Queens Public Library has long served as a vital resource to students throughout the borough, regardless of age. In that same spirit, the network is getting students back in the swing of things from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 with its Back to School Week.

As part of the library’s programming, it will be spotlighting banned books (though not prohibited in New York City or its schools) in an effort to stand against censorship with other institutions that encourage reading, Franny Kent, the QPL’s director of programming, told the Chronicle.

“What we wanted to say for Back to School Week is that we’re excited to get young readers interested in these kinds of books, because we want them to open their minds to new perspectives and cultures and surroundings,” she said. “These books don’t shy away from the truth. They really get right to it. And they do it in a fun way with humor and heart and suspense.”

In preparation for that, the QPL has posted a list of its 100 most popular banned books, which include “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, George Orwell’s “1984” and more.

Those who check out one of those banned books or sign up for a library card during Back to School Week can get a free QPL backpack while supplies last.

Though they will not be available during Back to School Week, come Banned Book Week (Sept. 18 through 24), the QPL will be giving out some of those banned books.

Meanwhile, each of the QPL’s 66 locations will set up an informational table outside for an hour every day throughout Back to School Week. Library staff will distribute information to parents about getting ready for the new school year and take-home arts and crafts projects.

The library will also be giving away a select number of books as part of their summer reading theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.”

Among the numerous events the QPL is sponsoring throughout the week is a STEM workshop at the Woodhaven branch, hosted by the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture’s robotics team, Redhawk Robotics. During the three-day program, students grades four and up will get to try their hand at robotics with some beginner engineering and coding activities. Space is limited; visit queenslibrary.org to register.

Farther east, the Cambria Heights branch will welcome teenagers to the library with a tour of its Teen Center on Aug. 29 at 2 p.m.

“Teens can meet the staff, learn what those resources are — it’s a beautiful space with different kinds of equipment,” Kent said. “We want to get them comfortable coming back to the teen center.”

Younger readers can head to the Richmond Hill branch at 11 a.m. on Aug. 31 for a special back-to-school storytime. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to sing along!

The highlight of the festivities is the Back to School Fair, which will be at the Elmhurst Library on Aug. 31 from 12 to 4 p.m.

During that time, attendees can enjoy a free picnic or dance to some tunes from DJ Omar (food is free only for children under 18). Face painting and professionally made balloon art and animals will only add to the fun. Once again, free backpacks will be available while supplies last, this time courtesy of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation.

Kent said she is looking forward to the bash in particular. “The pandemic kept us from doing a lot of these things, because most of these are in person,” she told the Chronicle. “So the event we’re doing on the 31st is one that we’re excited to highlight, because we want to do a system-wide celebration — not one solely for Elmhurst — that we’re very excited about.”

The fun doesn’t stop there, though. On Sept. 1 at 2 p.m., head to the Ridgewood branch for its “Crafternoon”! During that time, kids will complete a surprise back-to-school-related arts and crafts project.

Looking for a more practical arts and crafts project? Visit the Whitestone branch at 3 p.m. Sept. 1 to make your own desk organizer to hold all of your pencils, pens and more!

But of course, that requires having supplies to put in your desk organizer. Look no further than the South Hollis branch, which, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 1, will hand out free school supplies to area students. The library will also give away free backpacks (while supplies last) to those who sign up for a library card during that time.

That same afternoon, the Lefferts branch will give away Staples giftcards for school supplies, courtesy of the Lions Club of Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park. Stop by between 4:30 and 7 p.m. with a parent or caregiver; supplies are limited.

Later in the week, the QPL will hold some college admissionsrelated events. On Sept. 1 at 4 p.m., it will offer a virtual workshop on how to choose courses that will stand out to competitive colleges. Those interested can register at queenslib.org/3bKVK6u.

Getting into college is one thing, but paying for college is another. The QPL has you covered — on Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m., the Flushing branch will host a workshop on both the financial aid and application process. That program will be available in both English and Mandarin.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Flushing branch will open its doors to all District 25 elementary and middle school parents as it discusses its programming for the upcoming school year and the latest on school policies and procedures. That will start at 1:15 p.m., and will be presented in both English and Mandarin.

The QPL will close out the week with some exciting activities for kids at various branches. Head to the Howard Beach branch from 5 to 6 p.m Thursday, Sept. 1 for a few rounds of bingo. It’s not your typical game of bingo, though: The game will be QPL-themed, and will teach kids about the opportunities available to them at the library as they head into the new school year. Fittingly, prizes will include various school supplies. Witness the Magic of Amore at the Flushing branch at 3:30 on Sept 2 as he shows off his skills, featuring colorful handkerchiefs, magic wands and more.

For a more low-key afternoon activity, head to the Glen Oaks branch Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m. to make your own “zen calendar.” In addition to your typical calendar pages, a zen calendar includes coloring pages, puzzles, space to doodle and more. Decorate it with stickers and bright colors to make it your own!

Older students will have a similar opportunity just before the start of Back to School Week: On Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Briarwood branch starting at 3 p.m., teens can create their own vision boards in preparation for the new school year. Registration is required for that event, and space is limited; sign up for your slot at queenslibrary.org.

Make this school year one for the books by taking part in one of the QPL’s numerous Back to School programs! Q

During Back to School Week, the Queens Public Library provides students and families with resources that will help make the school year a success. PHOTOS COURTESY QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY