The Office of Community Outreach Services coordinates community outreach
services and develops programs and collections throughout The Branch Libraries
of The New York Public Library.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Office of Community Outreach Services of The New York
Public Library is committed to developing library outreach programs for non-users,
the underserved, and people with special needs in the branch libraries and
their communities in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Our goals are:
- To develop and implement enriched and relevant library services for the
following populations: Adult Learners and Job Seekers, Adult New Readers,
Ethnic Populations, Homebound Persons, Institutionalized Persons, Non-English
Speaking Persons, Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities and Persons without
Homes.
- To develop and implement staff training; provide support and guidance
in community outreach; develop multicultural and multilingual collections;
and plan and implement programs.
- To research and study the special needs of these populations.
- To develop and implement library services beyond the physical space of
The Branch Libraries.
- To develop closer planning and working relationships between The Library
and community leaders, groups and agencies.
Special Events & Programs:
We also sponsor and help to arrange many adult and family programs to celebrate
the cultural diversity of New York City and other programs that complement services
to persons with disabilities, older adults, and persons with special needs.
Some dates to remember are:
African-American Heritage Month: February
Irish Heritage Month: March
Deaf History Month: March/April
Jewish Heritage Week: April-May
Asian-American Pacific Heritage Month: May
Older Americans Month: May
National Nursing Home Week: May
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Independence Day: July 26
National Literacy Month: September
Hispanic Heritage Month: September/October
Italian Heritage Month: October
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: October
Puerto Rican Heritage Month: November
Publications & Booklists
