MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a celebration of artistic talent and the enduring power of free expression, Queens Public Library has crowned 19-year-old illustrator Sammi Wu the winner of its first-ever Banned Books Library Card Design Contest. Wu’s evocative design, selected from a field of over 1,100 submissions, will be featured on a limited-edition library card debuting in Fall 2025 as part of the Library’s Freedom to Read campaign—an initiative championing the right to access diverse stories in the face of growing censorship efforts. The Flushing native and undergraduate at the School of Visual Arts will also receive a $2,000 cash prize.

The contest, launched last October during Banned Books Week, was open to artists aged 13 and older. Entrants were asked to submit original artwork inspired by banned or challenged books or to interpret what the freedom to read means in a borough as diverse as Queens. A panel of judges from QPL and local arts organizations selected the finalists, whose works will also be displayed at various library branches.

Wu’s winning artwork portrays five young people sitting closely together on the 7 train, reading an oversized book that spans their laps. Through the train’s window, iconic Queens landmarks like the Unisphere and the New York State Pavilion observation towers are visible, grounding the piece in a deeply personal and local context.

“I wanted to capture the essence of my childhood growing up in Queens,” Wu said in an interview. “I was fortunate to live in a borough rich in diverse cultures—often referred to as the ‘world’s borough’ for good reason. The children in my design are inspired by my memories of the many friends I made during those years.”

Wu, who was born and raised in Flushing and attended LaGuardia High School as an art major, now studies illustration in Manhattan. She described her work as “a moment of connection by reading together, which highlights the power of books to break down boundaries and foster meaningful relationships.”

The back of the card features the words “Freedom to Read” alongside the Queens Public Library logo—underscoring the message of access and inclusion.

“The public’s robust response to our contest highlights the importance of celebrating the freedom to read, especially as efforts to restrict expression escalate across the country,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Congratulations to Sammi and all the finalists, whose creative and inspiring designs not only help raise awareness about book bans, but also honor Queens and the many historically marginalized voices that have been challenged over the years.”

“No matter the reason, banning books would restrict these connections and sense of community, encouraging closed-mindedness in a city that thrives in its diversity,” Wu said. “Taking away the freedom to read is the antithesis of what defines Queens.”

Books have long played a central role in Wu’s life. She recalled childhood memories of poring over encyclopedias filled with global folktales and bonding with her twin sister over stories. “I remember how important reading was in shaping my imagination and empathy while growing up,” she said. As she got older, books like The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Maus by Art Spiegelman deepened her understanding of social issues and the importance of marginalized voices.

“It is a great honor to be selected out of so many talented submissions, and I am so thoroughly grateful to be able to represent my borough through my art, especially with a design that I share a nostalgic and personal connection with. All I hope is that my deep love for my home can be felt through the image and resonates with my fellow Queens residents,” Wu said.

According to the American Library Association, book bans in the United States are at record highs, with 821 censorship attempts and 2,452 unique titles challenged in 2024 alone—most targeting works by or about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

For Wu, the library has always been a place of belonging. “I was very shy as a kid, so I loved the quiet environments,” she said. “However, my favorite memories come from the spontaneous friendships I formed while sharing books with other kids my age… I like to believe that these brief but profound connections are reflected in my design, especially in the soft smiles that adorn each child’s face.”

The Queens Public Library system, one of the largest in the nation, serves one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the world, with 66 locations across the borough and more than 5 million items in circulation. The upcoming release of Wu’s card aims to reaffirm the library’s mission to ensure access to ideas for all—especially in a time when those ideas are increasingly under threat.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Nearly a year after announcing his candidacy for New York City Council District 30, Dermot Smyth is reflecting on the progress he’s made and the road ahead. Smyth jumped into the race early, eager to bring his experience as a longtime educator and labor advocate to the forefront of local politics. Now, with the election approaching,  the democratic candidate is focused on expanding his support and addressing the concerns of his community, which he’s spent years serving through his work with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).

Born to Irish immigrant parents, Smyth has spent over 25 years as an educator and is currently the Political Coordinator for the UFT. His passion for education reform is central to his campaign, alongside his commitment to addressing the district’s pressing issues, from housing affordability to neighborhood safety.

Smyth’s deep connection to his community stems from his father’s immigrant journey to U.S. citizenship, which instilled in him a strong belief in inclusive policies and equal opportunities for all. A resident of Middle Village for over 30 years, Smyth’s roots in the district run deep, long before he pursued political ambitions. As a father of two—his 30-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son—Smyth has always placed a high value on family and education. His professional path reflects a commitment to service and growth, beginning as a janitor in local schools during the late 1980s and early 1990s. With a history degree from Queens College, Smyth transitioned into teaching, where his experiences as an educator shaped his dedication to reforming the education system. His time in the classroom gave him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by both students and teachers, further fueling his passion for improving educational opportunities.

Over the past year, Smyth has been tirelessly reaching out to voters across the borough, gaining key endorsements from figures like Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi. Despite not receiving an endorsement from the incumbent, Councilmember Bob Holden, Smyth remains undeterred. “I’m humbled by the support I’ve received, and if the district elects me, we all stand to benefit,” he said, emphasizing his deep connection to the community and his longstanding commitment to local families.

Smyth’s platform is grounded in the bread-and-butter issues that families in District 30 face every day. “The cost of living is a huge issue for so many here, and people often wonder what a local official can do about it—well, a lot,” he said. He advocates for policies that support small businesses, improve transit infrastructure, and address the growing concerns of gentrification, particularly in neighborhoods like Ridgewood. Smyth acknowledges the tension between long-time residents and new arrivals, proposing solutions such as expanded bike lanes, but only if the community supports them.

Addressing the district’s housing challenges, Smyth is skeptical of the “City of Yes” initiative. He sees it as a blanket policy that fails to account for the unique needs of each neighborhood. “We need strong leadership in the room to make sure these developments don’t negatively impact our communities while recognizing the need for new housing,” he said. Smyth is committed to ensuring that the voices of District 30’s residents are heard in these discussions.

A central issue for Smyth is education reform, which he has championed throughout his career. He believes that current spending on education is not being utilized effectively. “We need to redirect the funds we already have to improve our schools,” he argued. His vision for community schools goes beyond classrooms, advocating for schools to become hubs for both education and neighborhood services. By keeping schools open in the evenings for after-school programs like basketball and language classes, Smyth hopes to create a safer, more engaged environment for students and their families.

Smyth also sees schools as an opportunity to strengthen family involvement. “The classroom is another room in your house,” he said, emphasizing the importance of parents being active participants in their children’s education. His proposed initiatives include offering ESL classes for parents and resume-writing workshops to help families integrate into their communities and the workforce.

While Smyth’s campaign has focused on the long-term needs of the district, he is also committed to addressing immediate concerns, such as the state of public parks. In many parts of District 30, Smyth said, families are discouraged from using their local parks due to broken playgrounds, discarded alcohol bottles, and even needles. “We cleaned up the subway system—if we can do that, we can clean up our parks,” he said, proposing the idea of surveillance cameras to help address these safety concerns.

On the issue of homelessness, Smyth spoke compassionately about the need for more dedicated facilities for those suffering from mental health issues. “This is somebody’s mother’s child,” he said. “These people need warm beds and clean sheets. It’s a humanitarian issue.” He stressed that simply offering shelter is not enough—there must be a broader system in place to support these individuals.

A major part of Smyth’s message is his belief that local government positions like the city council should be held by experienced individuals who bring real-world knowledge to the table. “There’s a lot of good intentions when people run for office, but I want to give our district a seat at the leadership table,” he said. With decades of experience in education and labor, Smyth is positioning himself as the candidate who can leverage his connections and expertise to make a real difference.

As he continues to knock on doors every week, Smyth remains committed to listening to the concerns of his constituents. “I want to be a voice that makes sure our community’s needs are heard,” he said.

With the primary election soon approaching, Smyth’s campaign is gaining steam, and he’s eager to continue engaging with voters. “I’m not running to change the city for the sake of it. I’m running because I believe we can make our community stronger, safer, and more connected,” he said. “If I’m elected, it’s not just a win for me—it’s a win for all of us.”