New York Public Library Card-a-thon at Einstein
Staff members of the D. Samuel Gottesman Library granted patron wishes when they hosted a special “card-a-thon” event, which allowed students, staff and faculty to register for a New York Public Library (NYPL) card.
Members of the Einstein community line up to register for their NYPL library cards
“The event evolved from the ‘library genie’ survey we conducted last year, where we asked the Einstein community what they would add to our library if they had three wishes,” said Nancy Glassman, principal associate at the library and organizer of the event. “Quite a few responses mentioned having access to fiction as well as popular medical books. It occurred to me that these items are available at the NYPL, so I reached out to the Morris Park branch.”
She spoke with Dawn Holloway, the Morris Park Library manager, who enthusiastically agreed to collaborate with Einstein’s library staff in offering its community members the chance to register for an NYPL card. “If you live or work in New York State, you can get an NYPL card,” explained Ms. Glassman.
Staff from both libraries handed out registration forms in Forchheimer lobby during the morning and upstairs in the library later in the day.
Overall, more than 162 individuals registered for NYPL cards, ready to use within 24 hours. Card holders have access to the resources and services of all NYPL locations in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, including borrowing library materials, reserving a computer, downloading digital media and searching hundreds of electronic databases.
“We provide all those resources at your fingertips, so long as you have a card,” said Ms. Holloway. “You also can explore more than 300,000 e-books. They really help you get the most out of your electronic device.”
Dr. Joanna Ruszkiewicz, a research fellow in molecular pharmacology, was thrilled to learn about SimplyE, a new NYPL e-reader app. She enthused, “I can’t wait to use e-book rentals now, and it was so convenient to be able to get a library card at work.”
Noting that she is always looking for ways to meet community needs, Ms. Holloway referenced the broad range of classes and programs offered at her branch. “We’ve got something for everyone, with lessons focusing on computer skills, creative writing and jewelry making, as well as English and family literacy programs, toddler play groups, homework help and cultural events.”
Graduate student Deepti Mathew used the opportunity to renew her NYPL card. ‘It was great to received my card on the spot,” she said. “I enjoy reading to my three-year-old son and I plan to take him to the library. Having the e-book rentals is great and will make it easier to access books I can read to him.”
The Morris Park branch of NYPL is the closest to Einstein, a healthy walk up Morris Park Avenue to number 985 (just past the intersection with Colden Avenue, on the right-hand side). Those who missed the chance to meet Ms. Holloway and register on March 7 can still get a card. Simply pay a visit to the library branch or to its online application. Since the inaugural event was such as success, librarians plan to hold card-a-thons again in the near future.
Posted on: Friday, May 19, 2017