Tell Us About Your Library

Submitted by NYSL Staff on Tue, 10/31/2023 - 15:06
Text reads Tell Us About Your Library with a interior library scene with three photographs in a row highlighting elements of the scene

We are inviting the library community to join in this initiative by sharing the history of your library, untold stories from those you serve, or your own history in relation to libraries. This is an opportunity to celebrate unsung library heroes, record origin stories, and share the transformative power libraries have had on you and your community. These histories will then be added to the Personal History Initiative digital archives, preserved for future generations as part of the public record.

We have created three categories for sharing:

  • Local Archives: The history of your library
  • Uncataloged: Histories from your library community
  • Me, Myself & Library: Your own history in libraries
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    Download the flyer and social media images for Tell Us About Your Library

    Share your story!

    Family Literacy

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Wed, 10/25/2023 - 09:30
    closeup of hands holding open a book for reading, text reads Family Literacy

    November is National Family Literacy Month! Does your family have a special tradition for reading together? Tell us how your family fosters a love for reading throughout the generations.

    Share your story!

    Haunted New York

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:04
    row of old windows one with a ghost in a empty window with text says Haunted New York.

    Do you know of a place where the past refuses to remain buried or maybe gives you a fun fright for the fall season? Tell us about a place that spooks or haunts you!

    Share your story!

    Get Carded

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Mon, 08/21/2023 - 12:32
    hand holding a generic library card in front of book shelves

    September is Library Card Signup Month, a time when libraries across the nation spread the word about the benefits of signing up for a library card. Do you use yours to start a new hobby? Learn a new language? Develop a skill? Tell us what you use your library card for!

    Share your story!

    Transportation

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Wed, 07/26/2023 - 15:55
    red sneakers riding on a red skateboard. Text says: Transportation. How do you get around?

    How do you get around where you live? Do you have a favorite train, rideshare, or a good old fashioned bike to get you where you need to go? Is your mode of transportation a bit more unique like a unicycle, a pair of skates, or an electric skateboard? Tell us what moves you!

    Share your story!

    Splish Splash!

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Thu, 06/22/2023 - 09:25
    closeup of child running through sprinkler droplets, title Splish Splash in text overlay

    Do you have a favorite swimming spot, waterpark, or activity for when the temperature rises? Maybe it’s just a kiddie pool in the backyard or an open fire hydrant. Splash us with your favorite ways to keep cool this summer!

    Share your story!

    Ice Scream Social

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Thu, 05/18/2023 - 14:34
    open mouthed smiling woman holding an ice cream cone next to text that says Ice Scream Social

    I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Start summer off right with a visit to your favorite ice cream shop and give them a shout out. Tell us what makes them the best and how they make summer great.

    Share your story!

    Book It!

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Thu, 04/20/2023 - 10:38
    Book laying open with pages curved into a heart. Book It text in the forefront.

    Kindles, iPads, phone apps, there’s no correct way to read your favorite stories; but there’s nothing quite like turning the pages of a physical book. What are you reading now? How are you reading it? Where do you like to be when getting lost in a story? Share a picture of your favorite book and tell us why it’s the best!

    Share your story!

    Signs of Spring

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Mon, 03/27/2023 - 09:39
    Signs of Spring text on a background of tulips in sunlight

    Tulips rising from the flowerbeds, the sound of ducks returning to their ponds, and longer days stretching into warmer evenings. Signs of spring are all around! What tells you it’s spring in New York?

    Share your story!

    Maple Syrup

    Submitted by NYSL Staff on Tue, 02/28/2023 - 09:11
    Smile face made with pancakes for eyes and syrup mouth on a white background. Text reads: Maple Syrup where do you drizzle it?

    The Sugar Maple is New York’s iconic tree, and from it oozes the most delicious sweet stuff to grace your breakfast plate. Do you collect maple syrup from your own trees, or is there a store brand you love most? Homemade or store bought, let us ‘leaf’ you with this question: Where do you drizzle it?

    Share your story!