The year 2020 was originally anticipated to be a landmark occasion, celebrating the 125th anniversary of The New York Public Library’s founding with vibrant festivities and community engagement. However, the unforeseen onset of the pandemic necessitated a rethink of our celebration, compelling the Library to reaffirm its enduring mission to serve all New Yorkers, regardless of the obstacles posed by the global crisis. As we transitioned to an exclusively online model, and subsequently to a hybrid service approach, we showcased our indispensable role in supporting the diverse needs of New Yorkers, thus reinforcing our status as a vital resource during these challenging times.
By the Numbers
To ensure the safety of our patrons amidst the escalating COVID-19 infection rates in New York City, the Library’s 92 branches temporarily ceased operations from March 14 until July 13. During this pivotal period, we experienced remarkable statistics:
- 227% one-day increase in sign-ups for the Library’s free e-reader app, SimplyE, following its feature in Time Out New York on March 18. By the end of March, daily registrations for SimplyE skyrocketed by 400%.
- 240% rise in online program attendance from April to May, maintaining a steady interest into June.
- 53K attendees engaged in virtual programs held during April, May, and June.
- 2 million e-checkouts were recorded, underscoring the shift towards digital resources.
On July 13, the Library initiated a careful and gradual reopening, which allowed us to reconnect with an even larger audience. The initial results were profound:
- 40K holds for materials were placed within the first two weeks of our new Grab-and-Go service.
- 7K New Yorkers who had not borrowed any materials since March 14 returned to actively borrowing from our Grab-and-Go services by the end of July.
The Library expanded its online services considerably during the pandemic, dramatically enhancing accessibility for our community members—including researchers and job seekers alike. By the close of 2020, we were proud to report:
Throughout 2020 and beyond, the Library welcomed a significant number of new readers, indicating a notable pivot towards the digital engagement of our resources:
- 127% of our target for attracting new readers in 2020 was achieved, which comprised:
- 94.2K new e-book readers
- 27.1K new print readers
- 6K individuals who embraced both e-book and print formats
- 70K e-books were borrowed through our virtual book club—made possible through a partnership with WNYC—between April 2020 and January 2021.
- 323K patrons borrowed electronic and physical materials during the year following our initial temporary closure on March 13, 2020.
Looking Ahead
This past year has presented unprecedented challenges, and staff across the Library have risen to the moment with innovation, improvisation, and lots of hard work. As we look to the uncertain year ahead, we will continue to serve the evolving needs of our communities with a focus on public health and equity of service.
### Interview with Sarah Johnson, NY Public Library Employee and Union Representative
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. In your recent commentary, you described the conditions faced by NYPL workers during the pandemic as a “nightmare.” Could you elaborate on what specific challenges you and your colleagues encountered?
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you for having me. The pandemic significantly impacted our working conditions. We faced fears about our health and safety, as well as concerns for the patrons we serve. The rapid shift to online services was challenging, as many of us had to adapt to new technology and methods of providing support. Additionally, we were dealing with a reduced staff while trying to meet increased demand for digital resources.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned a surge in online engagement during the pandemic, with impressive statistics like a 227% increase in e-reader app sign-ups. How did that affect your work?
**Sarah Johnson:** The increase in digital engagement was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it highlighted the necessity of our services and the importance of adapting to the needs of our community. On the other hand, the strain on our staff grew. There was a significant uptick in the volume of inquiries regarding online resources, which meant we had to work harder, often without adequate support or resources.
**Interviewer:** You noted the library transitioned to an exclusively online model initially, then to a hybrid approach. Was this change well-received by staff, and what feedback did you hear from the community?
**Sarah Johnson:** While many staff members understood the necessity of these changes, there was also frustration about the lack of communication and preparedness from the management. Some felt that their concerns were not being taken seriously. The community, however, was quite appreciative of our efforts to maintain services. They were eager for the programs we offered and showed remarkable adaptability, which motivated us as workers.
**Interviewer:** Now that we are over two years past the initial shutdown, what are the lessons learned from this unprecedented period for the NYPL?
**Sarah Johnson:** One of the biggest lessons is the importance of flexibility and communication. While our digital offerings have expanded and we’ve demonstrated our value, it’s essential to invest in our staff’s well-being and training. Going forward, we need to ensure that everyone feels supported and equipped to handle future challenges, whatever they may be.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Sarah. It’s vital to remember the hard work and dedication of library employees, especially during such trying times.
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you for the opportunity to share our experiences. It’s crucial for the community to understand what we’ve been through and how we continue to evolve in support of all New Yorkers.