Queens Public Library Adds On-Demand, Live Phone Interpretation Service In 240+ Languages At Every Location
LanguageLine Allows Speakers of Different Languages to Communicate with the Assistance of an Interpreter
Queens, NY_Queens Public Library today announced that every branch now offers live phone interpreting services in more than 240 languages, ensuring greater access to its collections, programs and services in the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country.
According to the 2020 Census, half of the population of Queens was born outside of the U.S. and more than 28 percent of the borough’s population have limited English proficiency. Those residents often need additional assistance the most, as they try to build a new life in the U.S. while navigating the complex systems of housing, education, healthcare, employment, and more.
At each QPL location, a reference or circulation desk is now equipped with a phone that has two handsets. After identifying their language from a chart, customers can have a three-way communication with a library staff and an interpreter.
In the four months since Queens Public Library first began testing the LanguageLine service, QPL librarians at numerous locations across the borough, from Central and Flushing to Poppenhusen, Queensboro Hill and South Ozone Park, were able to assist customers speaking Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, Arabic, Pashto, Russian and Urdu, among other languages.
“Offering live, on-demand interpretation services by phone in one of the most linguistically diverse areas in the world builds on our longstanding commitment to serving all New Yorkers, whatever languages they speak,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Our goal is to ensure that every person coming through our doors receives the assistance they need to be successful in their lives, and the introduction of LanguageLine, with interpretation in more than 240 languages, removes a significant barrier.”
In 2019, when Queens Public Library launched its “Renewed Promise to the Public,” a long-term initiative to honor and serve the diversity of our customers and communities, we also adopted a new tagline – “We Speak Your Language.” While taken figuratively, it means that we understand our customers, are here for them, and will help them get where they want to go, whatever their interests, needs, or circumstances, taken literally, the tagline means that we aspire to speak the many native languages of Queens residents.
At that time, in order to help bridge the language gap and provide our immigrant customers with high quality service, all QPL locations received tablets dedicated to Google Translate so staff could have conversations in multiple languages with customers. The Library also introduced Travis translation devices at every site, which can translate speech into another language and speak it back.
In 2020, the Library had been planning to introduce access to LanguageLine, a new service offering telephone interpretation via an 800 number, especially useful for lesser-known languages. But the pandemic put a two-year pause on the rollout.
“Residents of Queens speak over 190 languages and with the introduction of LanguageLine at all of our locations, our customers can now receive assistance in their preferred language with just a phone call from a staff member to a live interpreter,” said Fred Gitner, Assistant Director of New Initiatives & Partnership Liaison at the QPL’s New Americans Program, which coordinates the Library’s many multilingual programs and immigrant services. “Now, we can truly say that at Queens Public Library, we speak your language!”
The Library’s IT team is also in the process of installing an upgrade to the QPL mobile app that translates its content into 96 languages through a dropdown menu, allowing people greater access to our resources when they are on the go. This new feature is currently available in Android and will soon be available in iOS as well.
For more information about Queens Public Library’s programs and services for immigrants offered in multiple languages, go here.
ABOUT QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Queens Public Library (QPL) transforms lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities. It is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country.
An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5.4 million books and other materials in 200 languages, technology, and digital resources. Prior to the pandemic, the Library hosted more than 87,500 educational, cultural, and civic programs annually and welcomed 11.4 million visitors through its doors.
Nearly every Queens resident lives within a mile of QPL’s 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology center located in the nation’s largest public housing complex, two teen centers, two bookmobiles, and a book bicycle. For more information, visit www.queenslibrary.org
Contact: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org, 917 702 0016
In 2022, NYC Library Privacy Week is running from Saturday, December 5 to Thursday, December 10. Alongside Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library, and the New York Metropolitan Library Council (METRO), Queens Public Library is hosting events designed to bring digital privacy and data security education to all New Yorkers.
Learn how to protect your digital privacy at our free workshops. We’ll provide tactics and tools, and be here to answer questions as needed. All NYC Library Privacy Week events are open to the public and require registration. Registration links are below. Please note, there is a mix of virtual or in-person only events, and please review event details before registering.
Phishing Scams (In-Person)
Register here
Phishing Scams, such as robocalls, phony emails, and misleading pop-ups, are on the rise and are becoming more sophisticated. Learn about some practices and tactics to protect your data and privacy.
Monday, December 5
1pm-2:30pm
Arverne
312 Beach 54 Street
Intro To Google Maps and Location Privacy (In-Person)
Register here
Learn how to navigate Google Maps and create a customized map with personalized pinpoints and directions to share with others! We’ll also deep dive into location sharing and tracking, using "incognito mode," and other things that may disrupt your privacy. For more information, please send us an email at jobsearchhelp@queenslibrary.org.
Monday, December 5
6pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard
Protect Your Accounts With Two-Factor Authentication (Virtual)
Register here
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the easiest ways you can protect your accounts online. Learn how to spot whether 2FA is available for a particular service, access your account when you don’t have a mobile device, and further protect your information with a strong password.
Join here.
Password: privacy
Monday, December 5
6pm
Don't Get Hacked (Virtual)
Register here
Learn how to protect yourself from online threats—from hackers and identity thieves to nosy neighbors at the coffee shop—in this privacy workshop. We will discuss how to create a strong password, stay safe on open Wi-Fi networks, using a virtual private network, and securing your mobile device.
Join here.
Password: privacy
Wednesday, December 7
6pm
Social Media Accounts & Password Safety (In-Person)
Register here
Join us and learn ways to prevent your social media accounts being hacked. We’ll also learn a safe place to store passwords.
Thursday, December 8
10am
Far Rockaway
1003 Beach 20th Street
Safe Downloading (In-Person)
Register here
Learn safe ways to download files on the internet, including music, photos, videos, etc. Throughout this workshop we will discuss things to look out for to avoid viruses on your device.
Friday, December 9
10am
Far Rockaway
1003 Beach 20th Street
My Computer Has A Virus (Virtual)
Register here
Learn ways to prevent your computer from being attacked by hackers.
Join here.
Password: privacy
Saturday, December 10
1pm
Intro To Social Media And Facebook, Instagram, And Twitter Privacy (In-Person)
Register here
Learn about social media, what it is, how we use it, and the capabilities of three major platforms: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For Privacy Week, we will emphasize how to customize our privacy settings to protect your personal information and safely access your account. For more information, please send us an email at jobsearchhelp@queenslibrary.org.
Saturday, December 10
2pm
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard
NYC Library Privacy Week 2022 Recommended Resources
NYC Library Privacy Week 2022
New York City’s three library systems — Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Library — and Metropolitan New York Library Council are celebrating Library Privacy Week.
Creating Strong Passwords
Creating a strong password is one of the best ways to defend your accounts and private information from hackers.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Adding a second way of identifying yourself for your online accounts can be simple and easy with multi-factor authentication, and is a great way to protect your accounts.
Password Managers
Your data should be stored in a completely secured manner to be protected from any threat– password managers are one way of helping with this.
Digital Privacy Books and Materials available at QPL
Browse our collections.
More advanced Data Privacy Topics via LinkedIn Learning
Use your library card for free access.
This year, New York City has experienced a greater-than-usual influx of asylum seekers, and QPL is dedicated to providing support to these immigrants as they adjust to life in the United States. .
Here are some ways that you can help our city's newcomers. We will continue to update this page as more opportunities become available.
Clothing and Other Donations
New York Cares Coat Drive
Click the link above for an interactive map with citywide locations for coat donations.
NYC Stands with Asylum Seekers
The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City has a list of drop-off locations in the five boroughs where you can donate new clothing, toiletry, and hygiene items.
Volunteering
Team TLC NYC
This grassroots organization is committed to providing basic needs and support to asylum seekers and immigrants. You can sign up to meet and greet migrants at the bus station and airports. There are shifts open to anyone as well as shifts specifically for Spanish speakers.
Bowery Residents' Committee: Bilingual Spanish-Speaking Volunteers
BRC is seeking bilingual Spanish-speaking volunteers that can provide translation services, a kind smile, and casual conversation for asylum seekers. This includes volunteers at the BRC Blue Sky Residence shelter in East Elmhurst.
International Rescue Committee Community Interpreter Program in NYC
Do you speak another language? Join the IRC in New York and New Jersey as a Community Interpreter Volunteer to help interpret for newly arrived refugees and immigrants. They are particularly looking for volunteers who speak Arabic, French, Urdu, Spanish, Pashto, and Dari.
Cash Donations
The Mayor's Fund to Advance NYC recommends that those wishing to donate cash should direct their donation to the United Way of New York City through the United Way of New York City Emergency Assistance & Community Needs Fund.
What comes to mind when you think of philosophy? People in togas debating at a symposium? Academic professors in tweed suits? Neighborhood elders talking over a game of chess or Mahjong? Led by LaGuardia Community College professors Dr. Andrew McFarland and Dr. Cheri Carr, Queens Public Philosophy makes the case that anyone—no matter their background, age, education, or personal experience—is equipped to deeply consider and discuss life’s mysteries; which is to say, to be a philosopher.
Over the past month, Forest Hills Library and Queens Public Philosophy have invited customers to engage in a respectful, open dialogue on the themes of love and knowledge, getting the essence of how these phenomenon work in our daily lives. We asked Dr. McFarland to elaborate on the ideas and motivations that drive the Queens-based program. Read his interview (below) to learn more.
Saturday, November 19 marks the last session in the Queens Public Philosophy series. The theme will be consciousness. What is human consciousness, anyway—and are mind and body separate? Think boldly: join us!
An Interview with Dr. Andrew McFarland of Queens Public Philosophy:
What inspired you to pursue the Public Philosophy project?
First, “public philosophy” is an idea that has been getting more attention within our discipline lately. This push to engage more with the public will make philosophy more visible, and give people a chance to engage in dialogue with one another about some of life’s most intriguing questions. Moreover, the way that traditional philosophical research has been done in the academy has been cordoned off from the larger public community; expanding our public outreach can help our discipline become more diverse and vibrant.
Second, the folks who run Brooklyn Public Philosophy have been really inspirational in bringing more public attention to philosophy, and we thought that there was a natural way to extend the practice into the borough of Queens.
Finally, we wanted to find a way to start training a new generation of young public philosophers as a way to bridge the gap between the academic study of philosophy on the one hand, and having grassroots, public-facing philosophical conversations on the other. With a grant from the American Philosophical Association we were able to hire two student interns to train them to be future public philosophers.
What do you hope people take away from this series?
I want people to realize that philosophy is an interesting and worthwhile subject matter, and that it doesn’t necessarily have to be intimidating. I hope they walk away with the notion that big ideas are still worth talking about.
How did the series, and/or the session topic, inspire the attendees?
Initial reactions from attendees has been really positive. People really seem to like talking about philosophy, and our conversations with attendees has shown that.
What did you find most surprising and/or satisfying during sessions?
In our first session about love, someone suggested that love was all about selflessness—that you can’t really love someone if you prioritize yourself. But by the end of the conversation, many people seemed to think that the ability to love yourself was actually something that’s necessary to love someone else! So we started off with one idea, and through dialogue actually arrived at an idea that seemed to be the opposite of where we began.
Why was it a priority to have this project hosted at Queens Public Library?
We have been thinking about what Public Philosophy in Queens should look like, and one of our first thoughts was to partner with an institution really embedded in the community, one that does a fantastic job highlighting and supporting our amazingly diverse borough. Queens Public Library was the first that came to mind, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to work together on this project.
The general election is today, Tuesday, November 8!
Voters in New York will elect the New York State Governor, members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, members of the State Senate and Assembly, and many other State offices.
Voters will also have a say in New York City ballot measures and New York State ballot measures this fall.
We're proud that several of our branches will serve as polling sites on Election Day.
Queens residents will cast their votes at our Briarwood, Central, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens Hills, Lefferts, North Forest Park, Peninsula, Richmond Hill, Seaside, and St. Albans locations, from 6AM to 9PM.
Do you know where you should vote? Please visit https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (866-868-3692) (TTY-212-487-5496 for the hearing impaired) to confirm the correct location for you to vote in your neighborhood.
If you’re not sure that you are registered to vote, you can check your status here or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692).
Make sure to vote today. Make sure that your voice is heard!
FAQs About Voting
How can I check my voter registration?
- Visit the BOE registered voter search page.
- Call the BOE at 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692) (TTY-212-487-5496 for the hearing impaired).
How can I make a plan to vote?
To find your poll site, visit here or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC.
If you have language or other access needs, know your rights. You have the right to bring an interpreter, or someone to help you vote in general. Accessible ballot applications are here.
For other non-partisan information, call or visit these organizations.
NYC Board of Elections: https://www.vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC
NYC Votes: https://www.voting.nyc
League of Women Voters NYC: https://linktr.ee/lwvnyc
VOTE411: https://www.vote411.org
Disability Rights New York: https://www.drny.org
Coalition for the Homeless: https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/get-help/know-your-rights/voting-rights
Queens Public Library’s voter education and engagement activities are made possible by the GoVoteNYC Fund in The New York Community Trust.
For 45 years, Queens Public Library’s New Americans Program (NAP) has proudly celebrated our borough’s outstanding diversity, while also supporting newcomers as they adjust to life in the United States.
Join us on Saturday, November 19 as we honor NAP’s momentous anniversary with these cultural and educational events at libraries across the borough of Queens—and be sure to check out highlights from NAP’s extensive services further below.
*Please note: All events are taking place on Saturday, November 19, unless noted otherwise.
New Americans Program Anniversary Celebration Events
Jackson Heights (35-51 81 Street)
11am
Citizenship Mock Interview (in English only)
Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Test with an one-on-one mock citizenship interview, with an experienced interviewer, who will act as an immigration officer and ask questions from the test. The practice interview will cover an English-speaking test using the N-400 immigration form, as well as a reading test, writing test, and civics test.
Steinway (21-45 31 Street)
11am
Citizenship Presentation (in English only)
Join us for a presentation by the Director of the ANSOB Center for Refugees and Immigrants, Iman Fawzy, to learn about naturalization, eligibility requirements, filing, and interview tips for applying for citizenship. There will be a Q&A after the presentation.
2pm
Make Your Own Thanksgiving Bowl with Sol Aramendi (in English & Español)
Join us to create a ceramic bowl shaped like a Thanksgiving turkey using a mold. We will paint it with acrylics using fall colors. Materials are included. At the end of this program, we will share and reflect on what we are thankful for. The whole family is welcome!
Elmhurst (86-07 Broadway)
2pm
Filipino-American Ancestor Dances and Kulintang Music (in English only)
Filipino Americans have a long history in Queens. Join us for a program about reclaiming this culture’s ancestral heritage and honoring the longstanding legends, traditions, and communities. Local dance theater, Kinding Sindaw will present ritual and court dances, silat, and ensemble music to unfold stories that will inspire the audience to tell their own narratives. Kinding Sindaw is an NYC-based nonprofit dance theater company composed of Indigenous tradition-bearers, Filipino American artists, and educators from all backgrounds, founded in 1992.
Langston Hughes (100-01 Northern Boulevard)
2pm
Dominican Music: Perico Ripiao with Berto Reyes and His Band (in English and Español)
Berto Reyes and his band will perform the traditional Dominican music known as "perico ripiao" on the güira, drum, and accordion. This irresistibly fun and rhythmic program will be held in Spanish.
Flushing (41-17 Main Street)
1pm
Citizenship Presentation (in English only)
Join us for a presentation by Immigrant Justice Corps Senior Paralegal, Geovanni Gutierrez Vivar to learn about naturalization, eligibility requirements, filing, and interview tips in applying for citizenship. There will be a Q&A session at the end.
2pm
The Beauty of Kunqu for New Americans (in English & 中文)
The Kunqu Society will present "The Beauty of Kunqu,” featuring two classical Kunqu plays. They will also sing popular Kunqu arias, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard)
12-4pm
Immigrant Resource Fair (in English only)
You’re invited to QPL’s Immigrant Resource Fair, where trusted community-based organizations and government agencies come together to provide important and accurate information for immigrants adjusting to life in the U.S.
2pm
A Celebration of Bangladeshi Heritage in Queens (in English and বাংলা)
Join us for a celebration of Bangladeshi Americans contributing their rich cultural heritage to American culture, effectively enriching our communities for a better future. This show will highlight contributions including how Bangladeshi community members are engaged in almost every profession, from academia to business, technology, policy-making, and beyond. Live performances will feature poetry, music, and dance. This program is presented by the Center for Bangla Creative, Inc.
3pm
Thanksgiving Crafts with Shahnaz Begum (in English and বাংলা)
Make a fun paper turkey ornament with artist Shahnaz Begum that you can use to decorate your house for Thanksgiving. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is in English and Bengali.
Bayside (214-20 Northern Boulevard)
2:30pm
Thanksgiving Art & Craft with Soh Young Lee-Segredo (in English and 한국인)
Autumn is here, Thanksgiving is near, and there is much to be thankful for. Join us for a fun craft to celebrate the season. We'll learn how to recycle brown bags and magazines to create placemats and door hangers. All ages are welcome and you may bring a few pages of colorful magazines to use.
Rego Park (91-41 63 Drive)
2pm
Citizenship Mock Interview (in English only)
Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Test with an one-on-one mock citizenship interview, with an experienced interviewer, who will act as an immigration officer and ask questions from the test. The practice interview will cover an English-speaking test using the N-400 immigration form, as well as a reading test, writing test, and civics test.
Richmond Hill (118-14 Hillside Avenue)
2pm
Henna Hand Painting with Anowara Ahmed (in English & বাংলা)
Get a unique design at this henna hand painting event with Anowara Ahmed! Originally from Bangladesh, she has years of experience making beautiful henna design. Made from a powder derived from the leaf of the henna plant, henna is mixed with lemon juice and lavender or tea tree oil. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that Queens Public Library is not responsible for any adverse reaction or illness as a result of the use of henna.
Cambria Heights (218-13 Linden Boulevard)
3pm
Prince Guetjens Performs Haitian Music (in English and Kreyòl ayisyen)
Haitian musician Prince Guetjens performs Haitian vodou music ("Yon Mapou," "Tout Kote Nou Pase"), Troubadour music ("Rejete," "Pè Bawon"), songs about segregation ("Strange Fruit"), and more. Guetjens' work is inspired by the vodou music from Haitian clubs with "Jazz des Jeunes” from the mid-1940s, after the Rejete campaign of persecution against Haitian culture and tradition organized by the Catholic Church and the local bourgeoisie. The performer's electrifying music is grounded in this history, and creates a link between Haitian and Western cultures. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Cambria Heights Library through funding made possible by former Council Member Daneek I. Miller.
Arverne (312 Beach 54 Street)
Friday, December 2, 2pm
*(Please note: this program is not taking place on November 19)
A Salute to Yiddish Theater Star Molly Picon with Diane Cypkin (in English only)
Molly Picon (1898-1992) was the First Lady of the Yiddish Stage during its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. In this hour-long presentation—part cabaret, part classroom—Diane Cypkin will trace the highlights of Picon’s lengthy career from the Yiddish stage to English-language films through songs popularized by her work. Dr. Cypkin is a Professor Emeritus in the Media, Communications, and Visual Arts Department of Dyson College of Arts & Sciences at Pace University. An expert on the Yiddish stage, Dr. Cypkin has curated celebrated exhibits at Lincoln Center and the Museum of the City of New York, where she was also a Yiddish Theatre Consultant. Pianist Lena Panfilova, a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, will join her live performance.
New Americans Program Highlighted Services and Resources
Browse NAP’s numerous offerings on our website, and learn more about some of our trusted services below, including citizenship preparation, coping skills and technology support, and cultural programming.
Citizenship Preparation
New Yorkers who want to become U.S. citizens are invited to QPL for free citizenship programs and workshops. We offer Formal Citizenship Classes at several library locations. Classes are taught by experienced instructors and all materials are provided free of charge. Participants are required to attend the entire 10-week series and will have access to citizenship application assistance by appointment.
Free Citizenship Assistance Clinics are also available throughout the year in partnership with several legal service providers. Eligible Legal Permanent Residents can receive free assistance with completing application process or filling out forms. For more information on Citizenship Preparation workshops, please call 718-990-0894 or email napref@queenslibrary.org.
Coping Skills Programs And Computer Instruction
Find free lectures and workshops to help immigrants adjust to life in their new country. Professionals such as lawyers, teachers, and counselors present programs about immigration law, citizenship, tenants’ rights, career planning, starting a business, parenting and health. Programs are presented in English and the major international languages of Queens, including Bengali, Spanish, and Chinese.
Computer instruction in Chinese, Bengali, and Spanish is regularly offered at several community libraries. Visit here to learn more.
Cultural Arts Programs
QPL proudly celebrates the arts and literature of the many ethnic groups in Queens’ communities. Join us for programs, including music, dance, and drama performances, bilingual poetry readings, storytelling and crafts. Major festivals that we celebrate include Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Lunar New Year. Visit here to learn more.
A picture from our 2017-2019 Queens Hip Hop Pioneers Photo Exhibit, curated by MFidel Photography.
November is Hip Hop History Month! Join us and QPL Hip Hop Coordinator (and music legend) Ralph McDaniels all month long as we start getting ready for hip hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023, and celebrate hip hop as a global force for culture, civil rights, and, of course, music!
Hip Hop History Month Programs
Live Talk from Queens with Ralph McDaniels
Join QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels as he talks with his special guests about hip hop, literature, community, culture, and a wide variety of topics! Tune in live on our Instagram.
Tuesdays, November 8, 15, 22, and 29, 3pm
Queens Hip Hop 101: A Master Class
Join Ralph McDaniels and hip hop's top entertainers for this FREE in-person master class! Learn from experienced professionals how to brand yourself, make beats, become a DJ, publish podcasts, and more. Classes meet 2 days a week. Register here to participate.
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 4pm
Thursdays, November 3, 10, 17, 4pm
Langston Hughes Library, 100-01 Northern Boulevard
Hip Hop History Month with Far Rockaway Hip Hop Legend MC Serch
QPL welcomes legendary Far Rockaway hip hop artist MC Serch to our celebration of Hip Hop History Month. Join us and learn about the business of hip hop!
MC Serch grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens and graduated from Music & Art High School. During his 40-year musical career, he has received multiple gold and platinum records, served as the executive producer of Nas' debut studio album “Illmatic,” and was a founding member of the iconic hip hop group 3rd Bass.
Wednesday, November 9, 4pm
Far Rockaway Library, 1003 Beach 20th Street
Hip Hop History Month with the Legends DJ Divine and DJ Vern
Come to the Library for some great music and conversation about the history of Queens hip hop with DJ Divine and DJ Vern, part of Queens Public Library's celebration of Hip Hop History Month!
Thursday, November 17, 5pm
Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica
Ralph McDaniels’ All Vinyl 45s Hip Hop and Soul Brunch
Join Uncle Ralph for his Instagram Live all-vinyl DJ sets of hip hop, soul, and old-school favorites, every Saturday! Tune in live on our Instagram.
Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19, and 26, 1pm
DJ 101 with DJ Wiz of Kid 'n Play
Hip Hop History Videos
Hip Hop History Month and Hip Hop Archiving (Instagram, 11/16/21)
Ralph McDaniels talks with Queens archivist Syreeta Gates.
The History of Hip Hop in Queens with Bugsy of WBLS (Instagram, 11/23/21)
Uncle Ralph and Queens resident and radio personality Fred "Bugsy" Buggs of WBLS talk about the history of hip hop in Queens.
Black History Month: Health & Wellness Dance Party with Tati-B (Facebook Live, 2/4/22)
Choreographer Tati-B, Ralph McDaniels, and friends have a Hip Hop Dance Party and share fun facts about the history of Hip Hop Dance!
International Women’s Day with Hush Hip Hop Tours (Instagram, 3/8/22)
Ralph McDaniels talks with Hush Hip Hop Tours CEO Debra Harris.
Learn About Hip Hop Blvd (Instagram, 5/3/22)
Uncle Ralph talks with hip hop activist and Hip Hop Blvd Co-Founder Al Pizarro.
The G.O.A.T. Monument with Sherwin the Artist (Instagram, 6/14/22)
Ralph McDaniels talks with Sherwin Banfield about his tribute to LL Cool J, live from Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Learn About the Universal Hip Hop Museum (Instagram, 7/19/22)
Uncle Ralph talks with Universal Hip Hop Museum Executive Director Rocky Bucano.
Hip Hop Author Talk with Kenny Parker (Instagram, 10/11/22)
Ralph McDaniels talks with author, DJ, producer, and brother of KRS-One Kenny Parker.
Hip Hop History Books
Here's a special list of books about hip hop curated by Ralph McDaniels.
Mama Phife Represents: A Verse Memoir by Cheryl Boyce-Taylor
Watch Cheryl Boyce-Taylor's interviews with Ralph McDaniels: Interview One (also with Roxanne Shanté), Interview Two (the 30th anniversary of A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory)
Miss Pat: My Reggae Music Journey by Pat Chin
Watch Pat Chin's interviews with QPL President & CEO Dennis M. Walcott and Ralph McDaniels
Rap Tees: A Collection of Hip Hop T-Shirts 1980-1999 by DJ Ross One
Watch DJ Ross One's interview with Ralph McDaniels
DMC #1 (Darryl Makes Comics) and Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide: A Memoir by Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
Watch DMC's interview with Ralph McDaniels
The Motherlode: 100+ Women That Made Hip Hop by Clover Hope
Watch Clover Hope's interview with Ralph McDaniels
The Marathon Don't Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle by Rob Kenner
Watch Rob Kenner's interview with Ralph McDaniels
Hip Hop at the End of the World: The Photography of Ernie Paniccioli
Where I'm From: Growing Up Hip Hop by Ron Amen-Ra Lawrence
I Know My Rights: Bill of Rights by Mysonne Linen
Watch Mysonne Linen's interview with Ralph McDaniels
From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan by Raekwon
Sweat The Technique by Rakim
A Cypher in Queens
Take a look back at our 2019 hip hop art exhibit with Sherwin Banfield at Central Library in Jamaica.
Hip Hop in Queens Historical Collection on Aviary
Watch these special videos of past hip hop programs at Queens Public Library, including interviews with KRS-One, DMC, Daymond John, and many more!
On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in the Tri-State area.
The impact of the superstorm was immediate and devastating across New York City, especially on the Rockaway Peninsula, where people lost electricity, water, and heat for several days and thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed, including homes, essential businesses, and five QPL locations.
Within two days of the storm, our Far Rockaway Library opened without electricity to distribute emergency supplies, and soon became one of the centers of the recovery effort, collecting and distributing essentials such as food, water, clothing, and holiday gifts.
We also set up trailers to serve as temporary libraries, and our book bus helped people recharge their cell phones and electronics, borrow books, and get critical information about emergency housing, FEMA grants, and other sources of aid.
Help us commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy by taking a look back at how our staff worked to serve and uplift our community during this unprecedented crisis.
Photo Album
Browse our Facebook anniversary photo album of pictures taken during our Sandy relief efforts and recovery.
Learn About Sandy
Check out books and other resources in our collection about Hurricane Sandy and the lessons learned in its aftermath.
Queens Memory Project: Oral History
When first responder Odelmo Paltooram visited Central Library to donate his digital photos of a post-Hurricane Sandy Rockaways, he sat down with QMP Director Natalie Milbrodt to describe the photos (and his experiences) one by one.
One of the most daunting aspects of applying to college is the sheer number of essays you have to write.
What do I mean? Say you’re applying to 8-10 schools. Each has anywhere from 1-5 or more supplemental essays. Quick math tells us that’s between 8-50 college essay prompts to respond to! And that’s after you write the Personal Statement for your Common App.
Good news: you totally don’t have to write 50 essays. In fact, you may end up writing fewer than 10. Why? The secret involves doing a little bit of research and creative brainstorming before deciding on your topic.
How to Answer All Your College Essay Prompts In Less Time
- Gather all your essay prompts and put them on a single spreadsheet.
- Play the Overlapping Prompt Game: read through all your prompts and decide which might potentially overlap. Are there any that are basically asking the same thing?
- Brainstorm the content and structure for a few of these “Super Essays” (i.e. essays that can be used for several of the prompts).
- Write your 4-6 “Super Essays.”
The Overlapping Prompt Game
Combining college essay prompts can lead to better essays in less time.
- Writing an essay that works for several prompts can lead to essays with more depth and reach of topics.
- Want to save yourself even more time? Look for even MORE prompts your topic could work for.
- The Super Essay not only answers the prompt, but also tells the reader something more.
How to Write a Super Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step #1: Collect All Your College Essay Prompts.
- Develop your college list.
- Gather your college essay prompts for all of your colleges. Hop onto the Common App to do that. Paste them into a simple spreadsheet with all the supplemental essays you need to write.
Step #2: Choose 2-4 Rockstar Achievements Or Passion Projects That Might Work As A Potential "Super Essay Topic."
What’s that, you ask? It’s a topic that could potentially work for multiple prompts.
How Do You Find A Super Topic?
Look to your brag sheet, resume, or write a list of your favorite activities. Chances are, you’ll find a great topic there. If this isn’t working for you, choose something that:
- You’ve spent a LOT of time doing AND
- Is either awesomely impressive (like a research internship) OR interesting/weird (like leading historical hikes) AND
- Is NOT something you’ve already written about in your main statement.
If You Still Can’t Think Of Anything, Try Asking Yourself These Important Questions:
- Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
- What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
- Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. It could be learning English or a new language, keeping up grades for a scholarship, doing extracurricular activities, or whatever is true to your experience.
- Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
- Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
- What have you done to make your school or your community or neighborhood a better place?
- Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.
Once you have 1-4 potential Super Topics in mind…
Step #3: Note Which Topics Might Work For Which Prompts. Here Are A Few Examples Of Prompts:
- In the space available discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (150 words)
- Briefly describe a nonacademic pursuit (such as service to community or family, a club or sport, or work, etc.,) that best illustrates who you are, and why it is important to you. (250 words)
- Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences (150 words)
- Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, class, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (250 words)
Heads-up:This technique of writing essays for multiple prompts works for scholarship essays too.
Step #4: Brainstorm Your Super Essay—and check your work!
25 Questions To Help You Brainstorm Content For Your Super Essay
What I Did (Day-to-Day):
- Did I list all my tasks, or just a few? What’d I forget? Go back and check.
- Did I list things I did that may have been outside the scope of my responsibilities?
- Did I leave off any awards? Any uncommon achievements?
Problems I Solved:
- Did I consider the internal problems I solved—any personal challenges?
- Did I name the external problems I solved—for my friends or family? School? Community?
- Was I tackling a much larger (perhaps global) problem?
Lessons I Learned & Values/Skills I Developed:
- What were some of the soft skills I learned (patience, communication, etc.)?
- Did I learn any specific software (Photoshop, Final Cut Pro)? Languages (Spanish, C++)? Survival skills (how to start a fire or clean a fish)?
- What am I better at now than I was before?
- What would I have done differently?
This blog post was originally posted on CollegeEssayGuy.com.
Posts in This Series
QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott at the Queens Name Explorer Launch Event at McGoldrick Library
QPL’s “Queens Name Explorer” Project Seeks to Assemble Archive of the Borough's Streets, Buildings, Parks, and Monuments Named After Individuals
FLUSHING, NY _ Queens Public Library today announced the launch of its Queens Name Explorer project, seeking to create an interactive map documenting the biographical details of individuals whose names grace Queens’ streets, schools, buildings, parks, monuments, and other public places.
The program was announced by Dennis M. Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Public Library, who also unveiled the project’s website. He was joined by Natalie Milbrodt, Director of QPL’s Queens Memory Project, which will lead the initiative, and Jason D. Antos, Executive Director of the Queens Historical Society.
As part of the project, the Library will ask the public to join the effort to find local spaces that are named after individuals. People will also be able to share photos of these figures or personal remembrances of them via the Queens Name Explorer website.
The initiative will encompass places named after well-known individuals, such as Gwen Ifill Park in Jamaica, near the longtime PBS anchor’s birthplace, as well as places honoring local activists, such as Lorena Borjas Way in Jackson Heights, named after a Mexican-American transgender and immigrant rights activist.
The event was held at the McGoldrick branch of Queens Public Library in Flushing. The branch serves as yet another example of a place named after an individual. Its namesake, Rev. Edward McGoldrick, was an Irish immigrant and priest, who served as the first pastor of St. Andrew Avellino Church in “Upper Flushing.” Father McGoldrick sought to promote education in the area and advocated for the opening of a library there. He was also on the Queens Public Library’s Board of Trustees from 1921 until his death in 1930.
“Since its inception, Queens Public Library has amassed and maintained an enormous collection of maps, newspapers, photos and other reference materials about the history of Queens County, including its history before becoming part of New York City in 1898,” said Walcott. “This fantastic, truly unique project will deepen and enhance our existing collection and cement our role as the leading repository dedicated entirely to Queens's rich history in New York City.”
The project will rely on crowdsourcing, with the public's input adding to the wealth and diversity of information. The goals of the project include:
- Increasing knowledge about individuals honored by named spaces in Queens.
- Enriching local history reference collections for current and future researchers through photographs and memories contributed by the public.
- Enhancing awareness of communities not represented or underrepresented in Queens' named spaces.
- Creating a dynamic living archive of Queens named places to be available for public contributions and access.
- Engaging residents - past, present, and future - in local history.
“Our team has combined archival research and data mining techniques to assemble a treasure trove of historical information about these individuals, sourced from our own archives, NYC Open Data and other sources, but it’s far from complete,” said Milbrodt. “We’re asking anyone with information about the history behind named places in Queens – whether it’s a published photo or article, or a personal remembrance, photo or video – to visit the Queens Name Explorer website to share their additions and edits to the place name entries on the map. Many individuals represented with honorary namings are well known to a small local contingent, but not well-known outside their immediate communities. We aim to raise awareness of these beloved local figures who have made lasting contributions to our city.”
The Queens Name Explorer team will display the information gathered on the project’s website, queenslib.org/explore, powered by UrbanArchive.org, with an interactive map featuring each named place in Queens with icons denoting the various location categories.
“This effort will do a magnificent job to strengthen the amount of available historical information relating to Queens,” said Antos. “We’re thrilled to be working with Queens Public Library and the Queens Name Explorer team to bring this project to fruition so our residents can learn about all the people behind the names we see on street signs and buildings every day.”
The Queens Name Explorer project will also include analyzing the demographics of Queens neighborhoods to identify gaps in representation between named places and the people of these communities.
Queens Name Explorer is funded by a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
To contribute information, image, or video, click here.
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About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library (QPL) transforms lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities. It is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country.
An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5.4 million books and other materials in 200 languages, technology, and digital resources. Prior to the pandemic, the Library hosted more than 87,500 educational, cultural, and civic programs annually and welcomed 11.4 million visitors through its doors.
Nearly every Queens resident lives within a mile of QPL’s 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology center located in the nation’s largest public housing complex, two teen centers, two bookmobiles, and a book bicycle. For more information, visit www.queenslibrary.org.
Contact: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org, 917 702 0016