PHOTO: State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (r.) this week encouraged Harry Bailey of the Broad Channel Library to spread the word about voting for the 2015-16 NYC Neighborhood Library Awards. Photo Courtesy NYS Senate
Queens Library officials and area elected representatives this week encouraged fans and friends of borough branches to nominate their community library for the 3rd Annual NYC Neighborhood Library Awards.
The Queens system described the competition as “your chance to share your story and tell us how your neighborhood library has made a difference in your life!”
Each year, the awards recognize “branches across the city that are nominated by the residents they serve for the exceptional programs and services they provide for the community,” according to state Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), who visited constituents in the Broad Channel branch last week.
The five winning branches will each receive a $20,000 prize; remaining finalists will win $10,000 each.
“I am a big fan of libraries! They are one of the most pivotal pieces of any great community and can help change lives through everything they have to offer,” Addabbo said. “In Queens especially, so many people rely on their local library branch for reading material, computer and internet access, educational programs, recreational events and meeting space, to name just a few. These libraries and the staff that works tirelessly to maintain them deserve to be praised for their contributions.”
According to the Queens Library, the “strongest nominations” will explain why a neighborhood library should win this award, using specific examples and personal anecdotes. You may nominate only one library for a NYC Neighborhood Library Award. You may submit only one nomination.
Competition organizers are also encouraging participants to share their “library love” on social media platforms. After nominating a branch, readers can ask that branch for their “I Nominated” sign, take a picture and post it online incorporating #MyNYCLibrary.
Last year, more than 13,000 submissions were received, with Langston Hughes Community Library and Sunnyside and Cambria Heights libraries emerging as award winners.
Nomination forms are available in several languages at nyclibraryawards.org/nominate and must be submitted no later than Dec. 18.
“It’s opportunities like these that help us see how much we should appreciate our incredible libraries and not take them for granted,” Addabbo added.
