LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Brooklyn Public Library upon the
occasion of its designation as winner of the 2016 National Medal for
Museum and Library Service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across the great State
of New York is reflective of certain exemplary institutions whose
purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the needs of its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Brooklyn Public Library is in
direct correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who have
supported the development of the library over the years; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Brooklyn Public Library upon the occasion of its designation as winner
of the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service; this presti-
gious award will be conferred at a ceremony in Washington D.C. in June
of 2016; and
WHEREAS, The National Medal for Museum and Library Services is the
highest award of its kind, and honors outstanding institutions which
make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities;
selected institutions demonstrate extraordinary and innovative
approaches to public service, exceeding expectations for community
outreach; and
WHEREAS, For over a century, Brooklyn Public Library has been an urban
destination connecting people to the world of books, fostering delight
and curiosity, while developing in young people an appreciation for
knowledge and information; and
WHEREAS, Brooklyn Public Library was selected by the Institute of
Museum and Library Services based on its efforts to meet the wide-rang-
ing needs of a diverse Borough, including its many resources for immi-
grants and non-native speakers of English; and
WHEREAS, As an independent system with 60 branches, separate from the
New York City and Queens libraries, Brooklyn Public Library serves the
Borough's 2.5 million residents, offering thousands of public programs,
millions of books and use of more than 1,100 free Internet-accessible
computers; it is the fifth largest library system in the Nation; and
WHEREAS, Every day this esteemed institution connects thousands of
people to the resources and tools that they need to achieve their goals;
for those who want to learn a new language, it offers English classes
and world language instruction; it helps children learn to read through
its early literacy programs and to achieve better grades through one-on-
one homework help; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Brooklyn Public Library provides a gateway
to technology to thousands of Brooklynites through its free wireless
internet and 1,100 internet-accessible public computers; it helps people
learn new technology skills at the Shelby White and Leon Levy Informa-
tion Commons and connects jobseekers with employers who are hiring
through its Workforce1 Career Centers; it also hosts Pulitzer Prize-win-
ning authors, world-renowned musicians and acclaimed visual and perform-
ing artists as part of its cultural and recreational programs; and
WHEREAS, Equally commendable are the Brooklyn Public Library's super-
bly-skilled staff, whose involvement is and has always been character-
ized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncom-
promising standard of excellence in all of their efforts on behalf of
the library and the population it serves; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Brooklyn
Public Library may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it looks
forward to continuing to serve the educational, cultural and intellectu-
al needs of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Brooklyn Public Library upon the occasion of its designation
as winner of the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brooklyn Public Library.