ARVERNE — Noted for its role as a hub for job seekers, the Arverne Library was selected as one of the city's best libraries — taking home a $20,000 prize at the annual NYC Neighborhood Library awards this week.
It was chosen along with five other spaces, including Glen Oaks, also part of the Queens Library system, Inwood in upper Manhattan, Sunset Park in Brooklyn and the Jerome Avenue and Morrisania branches in the Bronx.
The library on Beach 54th Street was noted for its role in the community beyond the books — providing help with job training, resume building and more.
Richard Johnson, who was homeless following Hurricane Sandy, discussed in a video how he found his current job at the library after showing up for security officer training.
Shakira Smalls, the Queens Library Job and Business Academy manager, saw that he was skilled with computers and hired him. That lead to a full-time job at the Madelaine's Chocolate Factory.
"I actually give the library all of the credit of my success right now," he said.
The Far Rockaway branch, on Central Avenue, was also selected as a finalist, bringing in a $10,000 prize.
The NYC Library Awards are funded through the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Charles H. Revson Foundation.
