RIOC Seeking Your Opinion For Use Of Outdoor Open Space Adjacent to New Roosevelt Island Public Library - Take The Survey To Tell RIOC What You Want

On a very cold January 12 Saturday morning a small group of residents met with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal, other RIOC staff and designers

to discuss ideas for use of the outdoor space next to the new Roosevelt Island Public Library

that will be located at 504 Main Street.

RIOC is seeking your opinion as well. According to RIOC:

On Saturday January 12th, RIOC and the designers of the Blackwell Park renovation project met with community members to discuss the use of the open outdoor area adjacent to the Roosevelt Island branch New York Public Library (NYPL). Larger programmatic ideas for the space were discussed in the meeting. We are encouraging all members of the community who were not able to participate to use the following link to provide their input: www.surveymonkey.com/r/JLQY3NS

A physical copy of the survey will also be distributed to building managers.

The deadline to participate in the survey is Wednesday, February 13th.

The Survey asks:

1. What is your preference for the type of use and accommodation at the library plaza?

2. What is your preference for the activity level the library plaza?

3. What is your preferred seating at the library plaza?

Click here to take the Survey and post your opinion below in comment section.

The new Roosevelt Island Public Library is scheduled to open by end of this year.

New York Public Library Presents Plans For New $7.5 Million, 5,500 Square Foot Roosevelt Island Branch Library To Applauding Residents Last Night

Image From NYPL January 14 Presentation

Last night, representatives from the New York Public Library (NYPL) held a community conversation with Roosevelt Island residents to discuss plans for the new, approximately $7.5 million, 5,500 square foot, Roosevelt Island branch library scheduled to open in late 2017/early 2018.

Image From NYPL January 14 Presentation

The NYPL reported:

The new branch will now triple in square footage and will contain numerous new features including:

• A 670 sq ft community room with assisted listening devices (there was no community room before)
• A newly formed children's room (640 sq. ft; no children's room before)
• A dedicated space for teens
• 5X as many PCs available for patron usage and twice as many laptops.
• New, padded flooring, furniture and dedicated wall spaces

Construction of the new building begins in Fall 2016, with an expected completion date of late 2017-early 2018.

and released results of their Roosevelt Island community survey of library needs:

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS: WE HEARD YOU

What you want in your library:

• Access to books, information, and expert librarians 
• Programs for children and teens
• Exhibitions and lectures
• Access to public computers and technology
• Spaces to research, write, study, and learn new skills

What you think is important to your community:

• Access to technology
• Larger children’s area

You requested:

• Community room
• Quiet spaces
• Wider selections of DVDs, foreign language materials, and electronic resources

 Image From NYPL January 14 Presentation

Here's full video of the NYPL Roosevelt Island community presentation last night at the Cultural Center Theater.

Part 1 - Introduction,

• history of Roosevelt Island branch, 
• overview of plan and space layout for new library 
• and survey results (456 responses). 

There were 88,000 library visits last year by Roosevelt Island population of approximately 13 thousand residents. Also,  44% of people on Island have a library card.



Part 2 - Roosevelt Island Branch Librarian Nicole Nelson describes some of the programs and services to be available at the new branch.



Part 3 - Roosevelt Island resident Sharon Berman expresses frustration that the NYPL presentation at the Cultural Center theater did not include Americans With Disability Act accommodation for people with hearing disabilities. The NYPL representatives said that the new Roosevelt Island library branch will have looping technology for people with hearing disabilities.



Part 4 - Questions from residents.

• Use of outside space adjacent to library controlled by RIOC - may be used for tables and chairs and tot lot play space,
• size of community rooms for adults, teens and children,
• integration of Cornell Tech population,
• storage of historical materials and exhibits,
• English Learning programs and
• comments from NYC City Council Member Ben Kallos.

Part 5 - Comments from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.



More pictures and info from last night's presentation below.

Roosevelt Island Library - FINAL Presentation 1/2016

You're Invited To January 14 New York Public Library Community Conversation About New Roosevelt Island Branch - Share Your Ideas For Programs And Services At New Roosevelt Island NYPL Branch

The New York Public Library (NYPL) invites you to a community conversation about its new Roosevelt Island branch scheduled to open in late 2017/early 2018.

NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch Library Renderings from Smith-Miller+Hawkinson Architects LLP

According to the NYPL, on:

Thursday, January 14th at 6pm, the New York Public Library will be holding a community meeting to present plans for its new Roosevelt Island library. The meeting will take place at the current branch, located at 524 Main Street, New York, NY. (UPDATE 1/14 - MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET)

The meeting comes at the heels of survey results of over 500 Roosevelt Islanders who were asked what they were hoping for in the new branch.

The new branch will now triple in square footage and will contain numerous new features including:

• A 670 sq ft community room with assisted listening devices (there was no community room before)
• A newly formed children's room (640 sq. ft; no children's room before)
• A dedicated space for teens
• 5X as many PCs available for patron usage and twice as many laptops.
• New, padded flooring, furniture and dedicated wall spaces

Construction of the new building begins in Fall 2016, with an expected completion date of late 2017-early 2018.

Last November 9, Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects and representatives from the NY Public Library presented plans for the new 5,200 square foot NYPL Roosevelt Island branch to a joint meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate and Operations Advisory Committee (audio web cast of meeting here).

Full video of the November 9 presentation and additional plans for the new NYPL Roosevelt Island branch available at this previous post.

Also, video of the December 2014 NYPL Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting is here.

(UPDATE 1/14 - MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET)

2 Days Left To Take Survey Telling The NY Public Library Your Wishes For New Roosevelt Island Branch, Take Survey Online Or At The Library Kiosk Until January 31 - Upcoming Events Too

Image Of Roosevelt Island Branch Survey Kiosk

Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch Manager Nicole Nelson report:

Right now, we are beginning to plan our programs and services for the new home of a larger Roosevelt Island Library at 504 Main Street. We truly value your opinion — and here is a chance to have a say in our plans!

Please go to the following website to take a quick survey and help shape our neighborhood library: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NFLVWMW. You can also take the survey at the library using the new Building For You Kiosk located near the information desk.

This is an exciting time to be part of Roosevelt Island. We have new apartments being built, a revitalized Main Street commercial corridor, the recent opening of Four Freedoms Park, and the arrival of Cornell Tech's new Roosevelt Island campus.

Your input is key in making Roosevelt Island Library a part of our community's bright future, and helping ensure that our branch serves everyone: book lovers, adult learners, teens, families, students, small-business owners, writers, creators, and anyone else who comes through our doors.

The New York Public Library spent a century building a network of 88 neighborhood and four research libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. We've spent $250 million over the past 10 years to improve libraries across our system. Moving the Roosevelt Island Library to a larger space is one of many projects that will help give New Yorkers the libraries they deserve.

Your feedback is essential for all of our plans. To get it right, we've been talking to community leaders, recently hosted a community conversation — and now, we're conducting a survey of our users.

Please take the survey by January 31, 2015 at the branch and help shape our plans for the Roosevelt Island Library.

Thank you for helping to guide our future. You are helping us achieve our mission of inspiring lifelong learning, advancing knowledge, and strengthening our communities.

Click here to take the survey or go to the branch kiosk and let the NY Public Library know what you would like to see at the new Roosevelt Island Library.

Future Home of Roosevelt Island Branch Of NYPL At 504 Main Street 1st Floor

As reported last December 2:

On November 20, the New York Public Library (NYPL) convened a Roosevelt Island Community Conversation at the Good Shepherd Community Center to talk about the planned $5.7 million new Roosevelt Island branch library at 504 Main Street....

During the November 20 NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch Community Conversation:

... NYPL Vice President for Capital Planning and Construction Joanna Pestka described the architectural plans for the new library. Ms. Pestka said that the library is scheduled to open in the spring 2018....

and Branch Manager Nicole Nelson:

... discussed present uses and future plans for the new library...

Click here for the video of entire meeting.

Also, upcoming events at the Roosevelt Island Library include:

Money Matters: Healthcare and Taxes - Tuesday, February 3, 10:30am - Adults

Drop by this informative workshop to explore your Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D Coverage Choices. Allan Katz will be available to answer your tax questions and provide insights into tax preparation, amended returns and tax planning considerations.

Allan Katz is the owner of Comprehensive Wealth Management Group, LLC. Allan is very involved in the local community, both on a professional and personal level. Allan is a member of the New York Chapter of the Financial Planning Association, where he does extensive work with the Pro Bono program, the FPA's Mentoring Program and MoneyWorks Program.

Science Fiction Book Discussion - Tuesday, February 3, 6:30pm - Adults

We will discuss "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury. The Science Fiction Book Discussion meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

We Are New York (WANY) English Conversation Groups

Fridays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 & March 6, 13, 20, 27; 10:30am-12:30pm - Adult Intermediate Level English Learners

"We Are New York" is an Emmy Award-winning half hour TV show created to help people practice English. Each story is about everyday situations, like going to the doctor or talking to your child's teacher. The characters speak slowly and clearly.

Intermediate Level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners will have the opportunity to learn English by watching "We Are New York" videos. Come to the library and meet other people who are practicing English, just like you.

This program works best for people who speak a little English already and want to practice.

Valentine's Day Craft - Thursday, February 12, 3-4pm - Children Ages 3-12

Make a garland of hearts to decorate your home for Valentine's Day. Space and materials are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Movie Night: "The Great Escape" - Tuesday, February 17, 6pm - Adults

Based on a true story. During the Second World War, British and American POWs stage a daring escape from a Nazi POW camp. With Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, and Donald Pleasence. (1963, Not Rated, 172 minutes)

How the Monkey Tricked the Crocodile and Other Trickster Tales - Wednesday, February 18, 3pm - Children Ages 5-12

Come and listen to stories presented by performer Regina Ress.

Book Discussion - Thursday, February 19, 6:30-8pm - Adults

We will discuss "Beautiful Mystery" by Louise Penny

Lunar New Year Craft - Friday, February 20, 3-4pm - Children Ages 3-12

It's time to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Beginning on February 19th, it will be the Year of the Sheep. Let's make three-dimensional sheep with paper, glue, cotton balls, and wiggle eyes!
Space and materials are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Movie Night: "Blade" - Tuesday, February 24, 6pm - Adults

A half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes the protector of the human race, while slaying evil vampires. Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, and N’Bushe Wright (1998, Rated R, 120 minutes)

Science Fiction Book Discussion - Tuesday, March 3 - 6:30pm - Adults

We will discuss "Button, Button: Uncanny Stories" by Richard Matheson. The Science Fiction Book Discussion meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

More upcoming NYPL Roosevelt Island branch events here.

Help Shape Plans For New Roosevelt Island New York Public Library Branch By Taking Online Survey - Also Upcoming Events At Roosevelt Island NYPL Branch

Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch Manager Nicole Nelson is asking for your thoughts and ideas to help shape the plans for the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch at 504 Main Street scheduled to open in 2018.

Image From NYPL

According to Ms. Nelson:

Dear Friend,

Right now, we are beginning to plan our programs and services for the new home of a larger Roosevelt Island Library at 504 Main Street. We truly value your opinion — and here is a chance to have a say in our plans!

Click here to take this quick survey and help shape our neighborhood library.

This is an exciting time to be part of Roosevelt Island. We have new apartments being built, a revitalized Main Street commercial corridor, the recent opening of Four Freedoms Park, and the arrival of Cornell Tech's new Roosevelt Island campus.

Your input is key in making Roosevelt Island Library a part of our community's bright future, and helping ensure that our branch serves everyone: book lovers, adult learners, teens, families, students, small-business owners, writers, creators, and anyone else who comes through our doors.

The New York Public Library spent a century building a network of 88 neighborhood and four research libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. We've spent $250 million over the past 10 years to improve libraries across our system. Moving the Roosevelt Island Library to a larger space is one of many projects that will help give New Yorkers the libraries they deserve.

Your feedback is essential for all of our plans. To get it right, we've been talking to community leaders, recently hosted a community conversation — and now, we're conducting a survey of our users.

Please take this survey in the next five days and help shape our plans for the Roosevelt Island Library.

Thank you for helping to guide our future. You are helping us achieve our mission of inspiring lifelong learning, advancing knowledge, and strengthening our communities.

Sincerely,

Nicole Nelson
Library Manager

Please click here to take the Roosevelt Island Public Library survey.

For more information on plans for the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch at 504 Main Street,

Future Home Of NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch At 504 Main Street

watch video from this NYPL November 20 Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting.

Also, below are upcoming events at the Roosevelt Island NYC Public Library branch including:

Roosevelt Island Library
524 Main Street
Phone (212) 308-6243

Early Closings: The library will close at 3PM on Christmas Eve, 12/24, and New Year's Eve, 12/31
Holiday Closings: The library will be closed on Christmas Day, 12/25, and New Year's Day, 1/1

Upcoming Special Programs:

Movie Night: "A Christmas Story" Tuesday, December 23, 2014, 6PM
(1983) (PG) (98 Minutes) - Audience: Families
It's the Christmas season in 1940's Indiana. Young Ralphie wants a Red Rider B.B. Gun for Christmas, but every adult he talks to including a department store Santa tells him: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" Will Ralphie's Christmas wishes come true?

Chilren's Film: "Frozen: Sing-Along Edition" Tuesday, December 30, 3-4:45PM
(2014) (PG) (102 Minutes) Audience: Families
Experience “Frozen,” the epic animated hit like never before in an all-new, full-length sing-along edition. Join Anna as she sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with mountain man, Kristoff, and a snowman named Olaf, to find her sister, Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.
Featuring the voices of: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana

Children's Film: "Planes: Fire and Rescue" Friday, January 2, 2-3:30PM
(2014) (PG) (84 Minutes) Audience: Famililes
When air racer Dusty learns that he may never race again, he shifts gears and joins the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.
Featuring the voices of: Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Julie Bowen, Wes Studi, Regina King, Teri Hatcher, and Stacy Keach

"Winter With Bilingual Birdies: Spanish" Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, 11AM
This January, Bilingual Birdies will visit the Roosevelt Island Library to warm up the families with live music, dance parties, and theatre-based games. We'll take you on an adventure to learn new vocabulary about the snow and rain, warm winter clothes, and playing winter sports. Children will also learn about various professions and modes of transportation. Teachers play the guitar and instruments are provided for a collective family jam!