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This Google Custom Search indexes the full text of over 400 websites of city agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide services to residents in our communities. Librarians add sites to the Custom Search related to the topics below. The emphasis is on resources in the boroughs served by the NYPL—The Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island.

  • List of State Assembly members serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Includes links to each member's home page, contact information, and which NYPL branches are in each member's district.
  • The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is the only statewide, non-profit organization in New York State whose primary goal is the elimination of domestic violence. Coalition members include domestic violence programs, shelters, safe homes projects, advocacy and counseling projects, as well as other community agencies and individuals who share the goal of eradicating domestic violence through advocacy, education, public awareness, and program development. Hotlines provide help in English (1-800-942-6906) and Spanish (1-800-942-6908).

  • The New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) provides vocational rehabilitation and other direct services to blind and visually impaired New York State residents, including children, adults, and elderly persons.

  • Mail and street addresses of all New York State Department of Correctional Services Facilities.
  • Search by inmate number or name.
  • Information about the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is available from the home page of the New York State Board of Elections. HAVA is a package of reforms that will ensure meaningful access to the democratic process for all New Yorkers. New York has developed a plan to implement the Act's provisions and access the federal funds needed to ensure compliance. The draft plan and public hearing schedule, as well as additional information regarding the law is available.
  • Contains many links to New York state government information, World Trade Center Emergency information, and Governor David Paterson's homepage.
  • List of State Senate members serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Includes links to each member's home page, contact information, and which NYPL branches are in each member's district.
  • The New York State Statistics website is designed to provide extensive statistical information about New York State and its people for the use of government officials, businesses, academics, the media, and interested citizens. It contains information covering demographics, economics, elections, government finance, public safety, housing, education, health, energy, and much more.
  • Voter registration forms provided online or through the mail. Forms available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.
  • Information available in the following areas: business, employment, education, outdoor recreation, living in NY, state government, healthcare, visiting NY, and government agencies.
  • Admission and financial aid information for New York's private colleges and universities
  • Profiles, programs, open houses and financial aid information.
  • Provides detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.
  • Describes the voting rights of parolees, probationers, and others who have been involved with the criminal justice system. Also includes information on how to register to vote and where to go for help if you encounter difficulties.
  • Meals on Wheels and other senior meal programs throughout NY State. Listed alphabetically by city.
  • Extensive listing of afterschool activities in all five boroughs
  • Information on voter registration (including downloadable forms), polling places, dates of elections, how to become a candidate, and how to volunteer as a poll worker, plus much more.
  • Information about NYC day care centers including how to choose a good day care program, researching day care centers in your area, and registering to be a day care provider.

  • Information about NYC civil service employment opportunities, including notices of examinations, exam keys and schedules, and application forms.

  • From the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, a list of community resource links to government and private organizations that provide information to people with disabilities. Includes links to information on housing, transportation, advocacy and independent living and more.
  • Information on DYCD Services to Runaway and Homeless Youth, including the Youthline referral service.
  • From the New York City Commission on Women's Issues, this online guide provides information about child care, health insurance, nutrition, tax credits, and supplemental services.
  • Information regarding applying for apartments within HDC-financed developments (low-, middle-, and mixed-income). Interested applicants must apply directly to developers, however HDC maintains information about their program as well as a list of HDC-financed developments.
  • Designation reports for individual landmarks, historic districts, and interior landmarks, as well as agency forms, guidelines, and brochures and information sheets are all available here.
  • A listing of programs from a variety of City agencies to assist people with disabilities. Links are provided to each agency's web page.
  • From the NYC Dept. of Education, search for schools by name, number, or zip code. You may also search by region using the map or clickable links. Information about high schools, charter schools, alternative and special education programs is also available.
  • Listing of hotline numbers and websites where victims of domestic violence can get help. Includes information on counseling, referral, advocacy, children's, and legal services. Lists area hospitals with domestic violence coordinators. A hotline, 1-800-621-HOPE (4673), provides help in over 150 languages.
  • Map of the New York City subway system
  • A free 24-hour hotline service that provides information about the custody status of caller-specified inmates in New York City Department of Correction jails and initiates automated notifications to registered callers about the release of those inmates.
  • A one-stop shop of city agencies and nonprofit organizations providing services for women and families.
  • Includes links to the Office of the Mayor, city agencies, business resources, attractions, and events.
  • Links to housing information and services for the homeless.
  • Links to organizations that provide job training and placement services or referrals.
  • A number of different DMV publications are available here including the Driver's Manual, Road Test Tips, and Child Passenger Safety. Many publications are also available in Spanish.
  • The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence was created to improve the response of the State and local communities to domestic violence. Information on the site includes help for victims as well as a listing of domestic violence services by county. Information is also available in Spanish.
  • The Osborne Association offers treatment, educational, and vocational services for prisoners, former prisoners, and their families in the greater New York area.
  • Provides a support group for prisoners' families, a hotline, workshops, and other assistance to help families stay healthy and connected when a member is incarcerated.
  • ParentJobNet offers job networking programs, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, and other free programs and resources for parents and caregivers.
  • Part of St. Vincent's Medical Center, Pax Christi Hospice, is a home-based hospice program serving Staten Island, which offers skilled nursing and support services to terminally ill individuals and their families.
  • Listing of current Cabinet members
  • Interactive forum for family and friends of prisoners nationwide. Under "U.S. Regional Forums", each state and many prisons have specific discussion boards.
  • Project Vote Smart (PVS) is a citizen's organization dedicated to serving all Americans with accurate and unbiased information for electoral decision-making. Information about New York State available.
  • Information about EPIC (Elderly Phamaceutical Insurance Coverage), a New York State-sponsored prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their prescriptions. Eligibility requirements, co-payments, drugs covered, and more information available.
  • Hours and days of service for branches of the Queens Borough Public Library
  • Baruch College Computer Center for Visually Impaired People and MTA New York City Transit have teamed up to produce a series of raised line, large print maps depicting major portions of the New York City subway system. These maps contain grade one braille and large print labels and are meant to be read by touch, with large print backup for those who can use it. New York City subway system maps are available free from the MTA/New York City Transit, at (646) 252-2764.
  • A citywide household preparedness campaign that offers a comprehensive suite of tips and information designed to help New Yorkers better prepare for all types of emergencies.
  • A support network and information clearinghouse on prison and jail reentry issues and the consequences of criminal proceedings on individuals and families in New York State. For people who have been incarcerated and their advocates.
  • An independent, not-for-profit organization, RCSN provides information and referral, case management and support, individual and systemic advocacy, parent and professional training, library and information services to NYC parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and special needs and to the professionals who work with them.
  • Links to resources, including those addressing health and healthcare concerns, of interest to older adults.
  • Safe Horizon is the largest provider of domestic violence services in the country. Services include those for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, rape, and sexual assault survivors of state-sponsored torture or human trafficking youth involved in abusive relationships and homeless/street-involved youth. Legal representation is available for low-income and indigent victims of domestic violence for some legal proceedings.
  • Sakhi for South Asian Women, is a non-profit and community-based anti-domestic violence organization. Sakhi works with women of South Asian origin including women from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, as well as the South Asian Diaspora.
  • From the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Sanctuary for Families is dedicated to meeting the needs of victims of domestic violence, while advocating for societal change and raising public awareness to end violence against all women and their children.
  • From the National Center for Education Statistics, the School District Demographics website provides access to geographic and demographic data for school districts nationwide.
  • Citizens Union Foundation publishes Searchlight on the City Council to help New Yorkers stay better informed about how the decisions made at City Hall affect daily life in the city.
  • Information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration in Spanish
  • Offers peer-led support to women with breast or ovarian cancer, their families, and friends. Services include hotlines, survivor-led support groups, wellness programs, educational forums, outreach programs, and advocacy activities.
  • A database of self-help groups throughout the world
  • A guide that includes information about who is eligible to participate, how to apply, and the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.
  • The Department for the Aging's Senior Employment Services (SES) assists New York City residents 55 years of age and older who are seeking work opportunities. SES workshops offer classroom training, job search techniques, and part-and full-time job placements. All SES programs offer employment contact and placement assistance for low to moderate income mature adults.
  • Search for DFTA-funded programs for senior citizens
  • Information about Red Cross services available to those affected by the September 11th attacks. The American Red Cross will continue to offer a variety of direct and indirect support through 2007.
  • The Safer Monroe Area Reentry Team (SMART) website offers a list of re-entry resources and services available in the Rochester/ Monroe County area. Comprehensive reentry services are listed along with specific sections on housing, healthcare, jobs, family services, legal services, clothing, and banking.
  • Founded in 1996, South Asian Youth Action (SAYA!) works to develop the skills, talents, and leadership potential of South Asian youth living in New York City. Through a range of supports and services, SAYA! provides South Asian youth, ages 11 to 19, with safe spaces to learn, grow, play, and contribute to their communities-and each other.
  • This site provides a searchable database of subsidized housing units, also known as Section 8 housing. Search by location (state, county, city), housing type, and number of bedrooms. From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
  • Listings of all day camps in the five boroughs licensed by the NYC Department of Health. Includes section for day camps for children with special needs.
  • Information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration
  • Find a local chapter support group near you.
  • Spanish language version of Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State, which outlines the rights and protections guaranteed to you by the state and federal governments. Includes information on hospital care, admittance and discharge, complaints, medical records, health proxies, Medicare, domestic violence, and provides a patient's bill of rights.
  • Under Local Resources is information about free or low-cost screenings, advocacy and support groups, and education and outreach opportunities.
  • Links to local teen employment resources.
  • From the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, this site offers information about Alzheimer's disease, as well as a resource locator to find doctors and other services in your area.
  • Loads of information on HIV/AIDS including what to do if you have just been diagnosed, treatment options, and quality of life issues. Also available, an "ask the expert" forum.
  • Offers free services to young people aged 12-21, including educational, health, nutritional and counseling programs, and legal services for young people in need of civil legal representation.
  • Website for the 90-minute PBS documentary, which originally aired Wednesday, January 21, 2004, has a wealth of information about Alzheimer's disease from symptoms to risk factors to resources.
  • Services offered include information and referral services, assistance and advocacy, connections to hospice care, support groups and bereavement counseling. Contact information for Regional Care Centers is also provided.

  • The New York Public Library's literacy program, the Centers for Reading and Writing (CRW), offers free tutoring in reading and writing to English-speaking adults, 16 years of age and older, through small group instruction. Centers located in Manhattan including the Harlem, St. Agnes and Seward Park Branches. Please call to verify program times and service hours.

  • Free classes in English for speakers of other languages are offered at branches of The New York Public Library in association with the Riverside Language Program, Inc. Classes in Manhattan are held three times a year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and are for beginner and intermediate levels only.

  • Available 24 hours a day, this hotline is staffed by trained volunteers and is non-religious, completely confidential and has no political, social or cultural agenda. Call (212) 673-3000 for help.
  • Created by the Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD) and the Nursing Home Community Coalition of New York State (NHCC), this guide is designed to help seniors research assisted living facilities and find the one that is right for them. Included are questions to ask as well as checklists to assist in assembling information about various facilities.
  • Information about the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • The Tourette Syndrome Association offers support groups for people affected by Tourette Syndrome, counseling, information & referral, advocacy services, and physician referrrals. They also organize social get-togethers and mixers for young adults with Tourette Syndrome.
  • Links to transportation resources, including New York City transit information.
  • Listing of the chest centers provided by the New York City Department of Health. The chest centers provide a complete range of Tuberculosis (TB) services which are free and confidential.
  • Database of many private and public organizations that provide health, as well as other, services in the New York City area.
  • A division of Staten Island University Hospital, University Hospice serves Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. University Hospice provides comprehensive palliative (comfort) care focusing on physical, social, emotional, and spiritual support.
  • List of US Representatives serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Includes links to each representative's home page, contact information, and which NYPL branches are in each representative's district.
  • Information for consumers from the New York State Public Service Commission on a range of issues related to utilities (electricity, gas, water, phone, and cable tv). Includes information on dispute resolutions. Site is available in English and Spanish.
  • Founded in 1987, New York Cares provides volunteer projects that are hands-on, team-based, and flexibly scheduled, embracing virtually every volunteer interest.
  • Developed and maintained by the Board of Elections in the City of New York, this site explains how to register to vote, gives upcoming election dates, locates polling places, and provides candidate lists and other information about New York City elections.
  • A guide for persons incarcerated, persons formerly incarcerated, and others similarly in need, to assist their re-entry back into society. Published by the Westchester Council on Crime and Delinquency (WCDD). Last updated in 2004.
  • Assists women who have been released from jail or prison, and women who are approaching release. Help finding housing, navigating city services, job-searching, health care, child reunification and more.
  • Information on public benefits programs and tax credits available to working families, including child care, health care, food/nutrition programs, Head Start and pre-Kindergarten, housing subsidies, and help with utility bills.

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