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Isabella Rosario Found Her Future at NYPL

“There are so many books at the Library. Every page has something different.”

Isabella, a Staten Island kindergartener, read the most books during last year’s Summer Reading program and reads two levels above grade level thanks to the St. George Library Center. READ MORE>

Off the Breadline and Onto a Bank Line with Help from NYPL

“The Library gives people the tools they need to move off the breadline and onto a bank line.”

Anthony Suarez was able to move out of a shelter and find a stable job with the city thanks to the free resume help and job-search resources at the Bronx Library Center. READ MORE>

The NYPL English Class That Changed Her Life

“The Library’s ESOL classes changed my life. Now this country feels like home.”

Rose Covington, a Hamilton Grange Library user from Brazil, learned English at NYPL’s ESOL classes and is now preparing to apply to college and fulfill her dream of studying English literature. READ MORE>

His Stories Will Live On Thanks to the Library

“I remember how proud I felt to receive my first library card and to take out books for free.”

Henry Chang, who grew up in Chinatown, developed his love of reading and wrote his first novel, Chinatown Beat, at Chatham Square Library. READ MORE>

The New York Public Library Saved His Life

“The Library has saved my life. Without it, I would still be out there on the street.”

Pedro Munoz, a junior-high dropout and recovering addict, is learning to read and write thanks to free adult-literacy classes at Tompkins Square Library. READ MORE>

  

Mentoring Teens at the Library, Just As NYPL Staff Mentored Him

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the Library. Most of my education happened here.”

Lenny Collado went to Hamilton Fish Park Library nearly every day after school while growing up. A recent graduate from John Jay College, he is among the first in his family to go to college. READ MORE>

Learning English for the Sake of Her Children

“I wanted to understand my children in English and help them with their homework.”

Lucy Liu, a Chinese immigrant, is learning to read and write in English thanks to free adult-literacy classes at Seward Park Library. READ MORE>

William Logan Found His Future at NYPL

“I try to come to the Library every day. Reading keeps your mind sharp.”

William, a retired truck driver, comes to Harlem Library nearly every afternoon for inspiration, relaxation, and companionship. READ MORE>

Festus Udeu Gwu Found His Future at NYPL

“The Library has been such a help. I never thought I’d learn to use a computer. God bless the Library!”

Festus came to New York City three years ago. He takes free computer classes at Morrisania Library so he can look for a job and keep in touch with his family in Nigeria. READ MORE>

  

Oscar Hijuelos Found His Future at NYPL

“Providing books for all seems to me one of the best things that any society can give to its public.”

Oscar, the son of Cuban immigrants and the first Latino to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, grew up devouring books at George Bruce Library.