Carnegie libraries

In July 2007, The New York Public Library was able to expand hours of service to at least six days per week at all of its locations, adding over 260 extra hours of service per week to its 91 library locations – hours that had not been available since budget cuts made after September 11, 2001. Funding from the 2007 New York City budget permitted the popular Bronx Library Center to be open from 9am to 9pm everyday, seven days a week.

These hours are critical to users, especially now. As Dr. Paul LeClerc, President of The New York Public Library, said recently:

New Yorkers are facing a time of crisis, and we see people dealing with the ill effects of the economy in our libraries every day, taking advantage of the free programs, services, and materials we offer at locations throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Throughout the Great Depression, The New York Public Library was able to maintain seven days of service. In fact, annual reports of the Library from 1929-1939 confirm that the Central Building was open 365 days per year and a total of 82 hours per week. Most branches were open 313 days per year and a total of 72 hours per week. The Library’s contract with New York City at that time required that all branch libraries in Carnegie buildings (39 in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island) remain open 12 hours daily, except Sundays.  read more »

Early morning New York City—it’s 27 degrees out there. Brrrrr. And though the thermometer is inching up, prospects for above-freezing temperatures over the next five days don’t look good. Water in the parking lot behind my apartment building has pooled and frozen, creating a scarily shimmering scene—an ice skater’s delight but a treacherous trap for the rest of us.

Recently I heard a physical therapist speak on the topic of preventing falls, and he gave some serious food for thought. For instance, falls account for 87% of all fractures for adults 65 years and older. Hip fractures, 90% of which are caused by falls, cause the most deaths and lead to the most severe health problems. I was dismayed to learn that only 25% of hip fracture patients will make a full recovery. There are many risk factors, including intrinsic ones such as muscle weakness, and gait and balance disorders, and extrinsic ones such as use of four or more medications, and the home environment. The latter may include risks such as poor lighting, inappropriate footwear (shoes, not slippers are best), loose rugs, wet floors, lack of handrails, and a cluttered environment. If we keep these in mind we can lessen the risk of falls for ourselves, or friends or family members who may be at risk.

Besides modifying the home environment, strengthening the body—particularly the lower extremities—can make one less likely to fall. And did you know that walking up stairs is one of the best exercises for the lower body? Hearing this made me think of the great Carnegie libraries in New York City. Thirty-nine of these were built as New York Public Library branches and most still operate out of the original buildings. Besides the distinctive lamps outside to symbolize enlightenment, many of the NYPL Carnegie branches have two or more floors, often with spectacular staircases. Though elevators have been added in most of these, I normally eschew the elevator, and suggest you consider visiting a Carnegie library for some exercise—both mental and physical! The Seward Park Library in Manhattan and the Mott Haven Library in the Bronx are some that I have gotten particularly good exercise in.  read more »