Although I have worked for NYPL for over 23 years, I never worked in a Manhattan branch before arriving at the 125th Street Branch in January. I’ve been exploring the 125th Street neighborhood from the Information Desk by looking at the local organizations listed in Community Board 11’s list of Community Based Organizations.

In order to stay truly local, I’ve (so far) limited my explorations to our zip code 10035. Fortunately, the 125th Street Branch is fairly well centered in this zip code. There is a program on Channel 25: “Cool in Your Code” that I think is a good title for what I’d like to make available to our users. Apologies to NYC TV if the title is copyrighted (haven’t had time to explore that!), but it is perfect!

Today’s “cool in your code (10035)” is the Mariachi Academy of New York: “the first school in the East Coast dedicated to educating young girls and boys in a celebrated and cherished musical tradition of Mexico.” How cool is that!! I was charmed, just by the idea. “The Mariachi Academy provides unique learning opportunities for youth interested in playing instruments and singing classic rancheras while helping to develop a strong sense of identity and community pride in a bilingual environment. The Academy is open to Mexican and non-Mexican students, ages 7-17.” AND THAT'S NOT ALL! The Mariachi Academy has an advanced group of students that participate in community cultural events. They are fifteen students who perform for 30 minutes accompanied by an artistic director who may provide an interactive workshop about Mariachi music and the program. They may not be booked for private parties, weddings, etc. Call (212) 729-7678 for availability. STAY TUNED FOR MORE COOL IN ZIP CODE 10035!

Cool in Your Code is an innovative Emmy award winning “infotainment” show that breaks down what’s cool, new, and undiscovered throughout New York City’s 200+ zip codes.  Watch it on NYCTV, channel 25, or check out our website coolinyourcode.com for more information!