Category Archives: NYC

May
08
2013

Annual Public Library Plea

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It is sad to say, but each year at this time, the three public library systems of NYC need our help. New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Borough Public Library are all facing cuts to the tune of between 32 million and 47 million dollars. What is the impact? Besides cutting qualified staff, these cuts would mean a diminishing of hours, cuts to wifi, storytimes, computer classes, job search programs and cultural programs.
We are lucky at LREI to have 2 great library spaces with degreed librarians to help our students. Many NYC kids are not so lucky, and use the public library as their main source of books and homework help.
All 3 systems have places on their webpages to write to our elected officials to let them know that cutting public library funds cuts the quality of life for all New Yorkers. You can follow the links if you feel that libraries are important and that their budgets should not be cut.

New York Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library
Queens Borough Public Library

Also, one of the best ways to support the public libraries is to USE them. We are so lucky to have 3 amazing library systems within our 5 boroughs. If your child does not already have a card, go to the library and get one. And make stopping in to your local branch a weekly event. Get to know your local children’s librarian. They are a wealth of knowledge about children’s literature, literacy, as well as a great source of book recommendations.

Support New York’s public libraries today!

Oct
24
2011

Out and About

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Dina and Hilary's 4th grade

LREI students have been giving the D train a workout, with 3 separate trips to the NYPL’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

Both fourth grade classes went up to the library to learn about the history of maps, as well as to get some hands on time with all kinds of maps.  Librarian Kate Cordes spoke to our students about the importance and use of maps before letting them explore all sorts of maps ranging from a NYC bicycle route map, to a World War II pilot’s map which was double sided and made of fabric in case of ocean crashes!  Many students were excited about the maps of Greenwich Village from the 1960s (when the number of book stores came in at 26!) and busily looked for their homes and landmarks.  Others were interested in how the shape of the boroughs seemed to change over time, as well as the fact that the naming of places was quite different at the turn of the century than it is now.

Fourth graders then got to tour the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division proper, and wondered at the globes, the giant atlases as well as the technology in the room.  I encourage you to go back with your child, as the room and the maps are open for public use.

Galen and Alexia’s first grade class took a trip up to the library to take part in a celebration.  LREI is not the only thing turning 90 this year; Winnie the Pooh is as well!  A school in Sosnovy Bor in Russia was eager to connect with a school in NYC to talk about Winnie the Pooh as well as about life for school children here.  Our students got to go behind the scenes in the library (into the non-public spaces) to partake in a video conference with the children from Sosnovy Bor.  We found that we had some common interests (reading, soccer, favorite snacks), and there were some differences in how we live (the children in Sosnovy Bor go to school from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon and spend the afternoon in extra-curricular activities).

Librarian Louise Lareau then took the students into the Centennial Exhibit, where the real Pooh Bear and friends are temporarily housed.  Along the way the students saw lego versions of Patience and Fortitude, and wondered at the architecture of the building.

The Stephen Schwarzman Building of the NYPL is a treasure, and I encourage you and your families to make your way there.  Ever changing exhibits, the Children’s Room plus many ongoing programs make it a family destination.