The NYPL notes that this particular branch of their system, the Chatham Square Library, has been serving the Chinese-American population of its neighborhood since the early 20th century--just about exactly when there started to be a Chinese-American population to serve. It has evidently adapted well to the context it has found itself in.
Our libraries stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the other facets of the communities we live in, as this photo reminds us in beautifully concrete terms. Whether you're talking the urgent needs of a new immigrant group or the comfortable wants of an entrenched subculture, the library has got it.
Or rather, it should. Remember that we are here to represent you, in a truer way than any politician or pop culture figure can or wants to. If there is a need you do not feel is being addressed by your library, tell the librarians! It is our ambition to do everything in our power to serve you.
And if your home library (because they are, after all, a kind of home for all of us) has suffered cutbacks in recent years--or decades--or is under threat now, step up to the line with them, brush shoulders, mingle your greatness, and refuse to take the cut without a fight.
Here's a neat way you can do that. It's a start, at least. If you decide to share your story over there, let me know in a comment!
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