I had heard a bit about Sharon Anyimi; but I didn't know much. I knew she visited Baychester Library in Co-Op City — a lot — and was always reading books with the help of the Closed-Captioned Television system (CCTV), also known as the video magnifier, located in the Library. I knew she was a "people person" with a friendly word for all. I decided to wend my way to the northeast Bronx and meet this intriguing library user for myself.

Sharon Anyimi using the CCTV at Baychester LibrarySharon agreed to meet me and was there at the appointed time. She has lived in Co-Op City for 14 years, but didn't have time to use the Library much until she graduated from college a few years ago and had more free time. But, no slouch she! After receiving her B.A. degree in Media & Communications from SUNY/Old Westbury, she finished a certificate in Paralegal Studies from Long Island University.

What kind of books do you like, and what are you reading now?

I mostly like urban fiction and celebrity biographies. Right now I'm reading Faith Evans's autobiography, Keep the Faith: A Memoir, and Platinum by Aliya S. King.

Could you speak a bit about your vision loss?

I'm the only one in my family born with a visual impairment. Sometimes I'm O.K. with it; sometimes I'm not. People tend to treat you differently when they know you're visually impaired. It can be annoying and frustrating.

What would make the Library better for you?

A new CCTV. The one here at Baychester Library is older and sometimes the print on the screen shakes while I'm reading. I love the staff here; they are so friendly. But sometimes I make a trip to the Bronx Library Center to read because they have a much newer CCTV — and longer hours.CCTV at Bronx Library Center

Do you use the Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library?

I'm enrolled there but usually prefer to come here and read. I live right across the street from Baychester Library.

What else would you like to tell me about yourself? 

I love music! I'm a singer-songwriter and have auditioned for both American Idol and America's Got Talent.

She clearly loves music, but that's not all. Sharon continues: "I love reading! I think reading is great; it expands your mind. In high school I didn't like it much. I was this girl who was always into music. After college I had the time and freedom to read what I liked." Leslie Brown, Baychester Library Manager (l.), Sharon Anyimi