Sunnyside Library wins $10,000, Deemed One of NYC's Best Branch Libraries

May 21, 2015 By Michael Florio

The Sunnyside Library won $10,000 after a panel of judges viewed it as one of the best branch libraries citywide.

The library, located at 43-06 Greenpoint Ave, was one of 10 finalists in the 2^nd annual NYC Neighborhood Library Awards.

The top five libraries won $20,000 with the five runner ups—including the Sunnyside Library– receiving $10,000.

The 10 libraries are expected to spend the funds on new computers, books and other improvements at their respective branches.

The Revson Foundation and The Stavros Niarchos Foundation, which both fund the contest, asked New Yorkers last year to nominate their favorite branch out of the 207 branches located citywide. The organization received more than 13,000 votes, with Sunnyside accounting for more than 200 of those.

Photo Courtesy of Queens Library

Fifty libraries were initially selected based on the vote count and the stories that the public provided about the importance of a given branch.

The list of 50 branches was then presented to foundation representatives, who then narrowed the list down to 25 branches. The organization then went on site visits to each of the 25 libraries, to check out the facility and the staff.

A panel of judges then whittled down the list down to the top 10 branches.

The Sunnyside Library stood out because it received many votes and performed well during the site visit, Julie Sandorf, the president of the Revson Foundation, said last month.

“The staff was very welcoming,” Sandorf said last month. “They serve such a diverse community and people in all stages of their lives, from young children to seniors.”

The results were announced last night at an awards ceremony in Midtown, Manhattan.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges made up of acclaimed authors and publishers.

The top five libraries were: Langston Hughes in Corona; Mott Haven in the Bronx; Parkchester in the Bronx; New Lots in Brooklyn; and Stapleton in Staten Island.

The runners up were: Cambria Heights Library in Queens; Clinton Hill Library in Brooklyn; Jefferson Market Library in Greenwich Village; Sunnyside Library; and Woodside Terrance Library in Brooklyn.

“This special recognition highlights the great work that not only the Sunnyside Library is doing in our community but also numerous others throughout the New York City,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer.

Sunnyside Library from Well Exposed on Vimeo.