HarlemLIVE

Imagine walking into a library that has an apartment inside where someone used to live. Well, this is what was discovered at the New York Public Library located on 224th East 125th street. This Library doesn’t only have a cool apartment where the janitor used to reside; it also has exciting programs offered to the young community. Such programs include Teen Advisory Group, where all teens come together and talk as well as work on homework and other activities. This Library also offers many great books. In my interviewing with the main Librarian John Fahs, he told me “Some people just want a good suggestion of a book.” It’s true because books make others think deeply as well as focus on learning something new. A good book doesn’t have to include an encyclopedia. Books make society and the way we live it. People may say that all libraries offer different things but John Fahs has a different perspective. “The branches are very similar. We have staff. It’s all about the people for us. You must protect people’s privacy and you have to love books. You need people skills” Being a librarian comes with many responsibilities and tasks to make sure the people are satisfied.

This library has 100 year old books. An old reference book from the 80s was discovered and ancient year old books are said to be kept in locked cabinets for new visitors to observe. They must not be taken out because they are fragile antiques. John feels as if the importance of books is decreasing because of the popularity of the Internet. This is one thing that makes this library unique. “I have been a librarian 2 and ½ years. There aren’t many books located at this Library because the Internet access is more of a popular resource.” Being a librarian isn’t all about helping someone find a book. It is a job that requires a dedication to the needs of the community. “Before I became a Librarian I began publishing. Some Librarians just catalogue books. The magazine industry is dead, times have changed and they just work all day. I go to school at night and now I’m senior Librarian. I learn everyday and it’s satisfying.”

A Library is a collection of information, sources, resources, books and services, and the structure in which it is housed: it is organized for use and maintained by a public body, an institution, or a private individual. Depending on the person and depending on the area questions arise regarding what kinds of people a Library gets on a daily basis. “In the morning it’s a different set. I tend to go out to different schools to get kids to be a part of the Library system. There are more adults than kids.” There are problems, which cause others not to come to the library often. “The problem is that people have fines but the secret is to pick 1 day out of the week and that is your library day. The solution is to avoid fines and be responsible. But the Library is like the mafia. We have people everywhere.”

As Libraries get older they began to change the way people view it. At this Library John Fahs said that it’s “foot traffic which is counted and it has doubled. This is because of the economy. I live right down the block so this is my neighborhood. The shelter system which is next to my home is crowded so many people tend to come here. It is a diverse neighborhood, and innovated.” This library changes about every 6 months, making something new to attract the community. When asked what needs to change John replied, “More computers, more people so we can stay open longer, more staff so I can develop children’s minds. For example, kids could come for computer games. The thing is that everyone is always going to want books.” When a child begins going to the library He/ She learns more about opportunities that exist beyond their home. For example, getting off the streets, learning more, and becoming more involved in books. “Straight A students have one thing in common” says Fahs. “They are always Library users.”

Here are some interesting facts about the library system. “In New York City 3 out of the 5 boroughs had the major Libraries which were Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island. The Lions that you see on the Library cards actually came at the beginning of the Depression. Their names were Patience and Fortitude. The names were because citizens of New York are said to need Patience and Fortitude. In 1904 Andrew Carnigue donated money to design the Standford White Carnigue Branch. He also wrote a letter, which you can see in all New York Public Libraries.” This Library is the source where the people matter the most and this is exactly what John Fahs explains: “Some people just want a good suggestion of a book. It is satisfying helping people in need. There is no feeling like it. I can help mostly with encyclopedia work. The New York Public Library is the number one Library in the world.”