HFH family residences are connecting with their community through their local public libraries.
At Allie’s Place, the Soundview branch of The New York Public Library set up a table for families to learn about free services, pick up flyers for upcoming programs, and sign up for library cards.
“The Soundview Library has been a great partner and a vital resource for Allie’s Place and the families at our site,” said Derrick Holman, Program Specialist at Allie’s Place. “In addition to providing books and educational materials, they have supported our efforts to engage the community and build strong neighborhood networks. The children especially love getting their library cards and discovering all the resources beyond books—from anime and art clubs to the Teen Center. We are very grateful for the library staff and their support.”
Meanwhile, at Prospect, the Afterschool & Recreation program took a field trip to the Hunts Point branch of The New York Public Library. Librarian Julia gave the group a tour, showing them how books are organized by genre and how to find specific titles. They also visited the Teen Center, where kids can do homework, attend free programs, and use computers and creative equipment, including video and photography equipment.
After the tour, they participated in a Chinese New Year–themed craft and learned about traditional paper lanterns and used art supplies to create their own.
The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring; some kids stayed in the Teen Center, while others browsed the shelves and read quietly. Afterschool & Recreation staff spent time with the youngest kids before they happily transitioned to playing with the toys the library also had available.
The wide selection of books made a big impression. One student who is just beginning to read on her own found a full section of read-along books to choose from.
“We have one little girl who doesn’t speak English—she was so excited to see a whole Spanish section,” said Sofia Gaston, Education Program Coordinator at Prospect. “She was reading them to me!”
On the walk back to Prospect, the group was already asking when they could return.
“The librarians made them feel like, ‘You can come here. This is your library,’” Sofia said. “They definitely want to go back. It’s important that they have that. That they know that this is their community and their community library—that they can come anytime. There was something for everyone.”
One student was especially eager to share the experience with her mom.
“The first thing she told her was, ‘Mom, will you take me to the library?’” Sofia said. “They definitely made a connection.”
Sofia is now helping the older kids complete applications for library cards so they can continue visiting on their own.
