From The Peopling of New York City
Chatham Square and Seward Park Libraries
For many, the idea of a library conjures up images of endless rows of books, forgotten shelves that no one dares disturb, and so much dust that it becomes difficult to turn a page without sneezing. Chinatown’s libraries however could not be further from that image. Their mere setting gives clue to just how full of life they are, serving as cultural and community centers.
Inside the Chatham Square Library.
The Chatham Square Library located on East Broadway near Catherine St. is a landmark of Chinatown. Since it opened in 1903, the library has served a community that definitely does not let its many resources go to waste. From young to old, residents of Chinatown and even visitors have made the library a part of their daily life. Children after school head their to do their homework and use the computers, men sit quietly and read their newspapers, and people of all ages frantically search through the very popular Chinese DVD collections. Due to its location, people find it very easy to stop by and pick up or drop something off while they are shopping around town.
Just down the street, away from the commotion, in the middle of Seward Park is another library. Although at first this library does not seem to compare to the bustling Chatham Square Branch, this library is also very busy. It is larger and so appears to be less crowded, but appearances can be deceiving. Just like Chatham Square most visitors to the library are of an Asian background, however, because of its location there is also a strong Hispanic and Russian Orthodox Jewish presence. The children’s floor of this library is always full and the library makes sure that there is always a wide range of activities for them to participate in. Picture Book Time, Family Fun Nights, Fun with Arts and Crafts, Toddler Time, “Gadgets and Gizmos”, Teen Advisory, and Free Math Tutoring are just a few events the library offers. This is important because by providing such activites, the library is no longer a place just for borrowing a book or checking a facebook account, it becomes a place where people of the same neighborhood can come together to interact and socialize.
Children using the computers at the Seward Park Library.
While many other libraries in the New York Public Library system seem to be getting more and more deserted as we move into an age where everything is computerized and books are a thing of the past, the libraries in Chinatown are more alive than they have ever been. Chatham Square is the busiest branch library of the New York Public Library system, and will no doubt remain so, considering the recent wave of immigration. Computers and more specifically Internet access draw many people that do not have such amenities at home. DVD rentals are also a huge hit at both branches. DVDs have become increasingly popular because they bring many immigrants closer to their home countries and help them establish a transnational identity. While longing for the home and people they left behind, some find solace in catching up on some pop culture through the DVDs. The large collections of books written in Chinese are very important as well. They allow people to reconnect or remain connected with their culture.
The Chatham Square and Seward Park libraries are staples for a community that works hard to learn the English language and become successful. By providing many resources to help them along their journey, these libraries have become beloved by residents of Chinatown and visitors alike.
Interviews at the Libraries
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