Courtesy New York City Libraries
New York City’s public libraries will enhance services for immigrants and teens with a $4 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, focusing on English language skills, workforce development, and civic engagement.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
New York City’s public libraries are set to enhance their services for immigrants, asylum seekers, and teens following a $4 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. This funding will specifically bolster programs aimed at improving English language skills and workforce development for adults, while expanding civic engagement and college readiness initiatives for teens.
“In the words of Andrew Carnegie himself, ‘there is not such a cradle of democracy on earth as the free public library,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “In honor of our founder and the enduring and crucial importance of libraries to a free, open, and educated society, Carnegie is delighted to support libraries and the essential infrastructure they provide for a strong democracy.”
The grants will be distributed among three library systems: $1.8 million to The New York Public Library, $1.2 million to Queens Public Library, and $1 million to Brooklyn Public Library. These funds will help reduce waitlists for English language classes—some stretching up to two years—and improve access to employment services that teach essential job-related vocabulary and skills.
The Queens Public Library plans to enhance its offerings by adding 40 new ESOL classes across ten locations, aiming to serve 1,000 students. This expansion comes as the library faces a growing waitlist of 2,000 individuals. In addition to language instruction, QPL will provide workforce training and certifications for approximately 560 English-language learners, helping them secure industry-recognized qualifications. A new Spanish-language Young Adult Literacy Services class will also be introduced at the Ravenswood Houses in Long Island City, aimed at preparing young adults for high school equivalency exams
“We are incredibly grateful to the Carnegie Corporation for entrusting Queens Public Library to carry forward its vision for our democracy,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “This generous gift will enable us to deepen the Library’s commitment to our immigrant communities and to our teens as they work to find success in their lives.”
Brooklyn Public Library will implement drop-in Welcome ESOL classes to support 1,200 English language learners, focusing on essential skills and everyday topics such as transportation and healthcare. The library will also expand its 11-week beginner ESOL courses and introduce intermediate classes for nearly 300 students. Furthermore, BPL’s New Americans Navigation team will assist over 1,100 new arrivals in accessing vital services, while the hiring of dedicated job support specialists will provide tailored career services to more than 1,900 individuals.
“For many new immigrants, the neighborhood library is not only their first stop upon arriving in New York City, but a place they return to over and over again for free resources, employment services, community, and, of course, English classes and books. Proficiency in English is critical in modern American life, from riding the subway to finding healthcare, employment, and housing,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “We extend our sincerest thanks to Carnegie Corporation of New York for this historic grant. When we welcome new immigrants and help them succeed, we build a better, stronger, more equitable community for us all.”
The New York Public Library will allocate resources for 3,150 seats in its registration-based ESOL program, including classes at the soon-to-be-reopened Hunts Point Library, an original Carnegie branch. Beyond language training, NYPL will offer a range of complementary learning opportunities, such as digital skills development and job search assistance. The library will also enhance its teen services, expanding the successful Teen Civics Ambassador program to 18 locations and introducing a studio mentor service, allowing teens to engage with professionals in creative projects like fashion design and podcasting.
“The New York Public Library is grateful to continue its legacy partnership with Carnegie Corporation of New York. More than 100 years ago, Andrew Carnegie’s vision helped create New York City’s most used and loved civic institution, a vital engine of opportunity that makes knowledge and education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. Together, we will continue to be a public education resource and a force for unity in a vulnerable democracy,” said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of the New York Public Library.
According to city estimates, nearly 1.8 million residents are not proficient in English, highlighting the urgent need for these programs. Recent studies show that investments in English language training can significantly boost annual earnings for adult learners, creating a strong case for continued funding in this area.
The grant from the Carnegie Corporation reinforces its long-standing commitment to libraries, which have historically served as community pillars for education and civic engagement.
