Senate Resolution No. 2618

BY: Senator MYRIE

COMMEMORATING the 126th Anniversary of the
Brooklyn Public Library on November 30, 2022

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across the great
State of New York is reflective of certain exemplary organizations whose
purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the needs of its
citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 126th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Public Library on
November 30, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is among the borough's most
democratic civic institutions, serving patrons in every neighborhood and
from every walk of life; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1896, BPL is one of the nation's largest
public library systems and currently has more than 850,000 active
cardholders; and

WHEREAS, With a branch library within a half-mile of the majority of
Brooklyn's 2.7 million residents, BPL is a recognized leader in cultural
offerings, literacy, out-of-school-time services, workforce development
programs, and digital literacy; and

WHEREAS, In a borough of wide economic disparity, where the costs of
basic necessities often take priority over spending on cultural
enrichment opportunities, BPL provides a space where patrons of all
economic standings can avail themselves and their children of cultural
and educational programs in a broad range of disciplines; and

WHEREAS, The American Library Association's 2014 Public Library Data
Service Statistical Report ranked BPL third in the nation among public
libraries for public programs offered and program attendance; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, BPL was awarded an IMLS National Medal for Museum
and Library Service, the nation's highest honor for museum and
libraries, in large part due to the work of its Outreach Services
department and its efforts to serve Brooklyn's most vulnerable
populations; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Public Library has been an invaluable resource
for residents of the Borough of Brooklyn for 126 years; people come to
the library to connect, discover and learn through story times, book
group, and various programs for all ages; and

WHEREAS, A vital part of its community, this remarkable institution
has continually strived to provide outstanding service to a diverse
population of neighborhood residents; and

WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Brooklyn Public Library is in
direct correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who have
supported the development of the Library over the years; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Brooklyn
Public Library may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it looks
forward to continuing to serve the educational, cultural and
intellectual needs of the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 126th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Public Library; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Brooklyn Public Library.