BY:SAMANTHA LORISTON
As election season approaches, the importance of voting is once again at the forefront of public discourse. On September 25, 2024, the New York City Council held a meeting to discuss the role of libraries in empowering New Yorkers to become informed voters and engaged citizens. Representatives from the Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library, and the Queens Public Library came together to present their initiatives aimed at educating New Yorkers.
These libraries emphasized the importance of programs that promote civic engagement, starting from early childhood education. They highlighted their efforts in creating learning opportunities that guide individuals in understanding their rights and responsibilities as voters.
“Public libraries are the truly democratic institution,” said Scott McLeod, director of Civic Engagement at Queens Public Library.
During the City Council meeting, the library leaders emphasized the importance of reading and access to knowledge for all, and the vital role public libraries play in this. They focused on teen engagement, with libraries aiming to foster a love for reading and civic participation among young people.
Recent book bans are depriving teens of valuable learning opportunities. To counter this, the Queens Public Library representative said they are taking proactive measures, such as creating blog posts and offering classes specifically for teens.
In her testimony, Dr. Brandy McNeil, NYPL Deputy Director, Branch Programs and Services emphasized that at the heart of democracy is every citizen’s responsibility to engage in the political process at all levels of government. Alarmingly, she said, voter turnout in New York City remains low. Citing the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB), she said only 60.8% of eligible voters participate in presidential elections, with even lower turnout for local elections. Just 29.6% of eligible voters take part in mayoral elections, and these numbers drop further in low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, among youth, older adults, and voters with disabilities.
Additionally, the New York Public Library provides internships that help teenagers develop job readiness and leadership skills. The program focuses on library resources, civics, and peer-to-peer engagement, equipping teens with the tools they need to become informed and active members of their communities.
An active library fosters an engaged community, providing a reliable space for teens to discover and apply the knowledge they gain, said McLeod. With the freedom to access knowledge, teens are empowered to reflect on their potential and the impact they can have within their communities.