{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/iiif/cn6xw49427/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Linda Chakmak Oral History"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/010/original/Aviary_QPLlogo_192x192.png?1578574261","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Description"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary of Full Interview\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLinda Chakmak is an international languages librarian for Queens Public Library based at Central Library. Chakmak, who can speak and/or understand various languages including Russian, Turkish, and Hindi, speaks about providing reference services and otherwise assisting Queens Public Library users, particularly new immigrants and non-English speakers. Chakmak discusses the high circulation of foreign language books at Queens Public Library, Chakmak's role in coordinating various cultural programs hosted by Queens Public Library, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on library services. Specifically, Chakmak describes the shift of programs and classes from in-person to online.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eChakmak speaks about the value of Queens Public Library locations as in-person social centers and as places where new immigrants and non-English speakers can reliably receive help and support. Chakmak also highlights the specialized resources and services available at the Teen Center and the Children's Library Discovery Center at Central Library.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Rights Statement"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eCC BY-NC-SA Contact digitalarchives@queenslibrary.org for research and reproduction requests.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},{"label":{"en":["Source Metadata URI"]},"value":{"en":["http://digitalarchives.queenslibrary.org/search/browse/40714"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2022-03-20 (created)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Type"]},"value":{"en":["Audio"]}},{"label":{"en":["Agent"]},"value":{"en":["Linda Chakmak (Interviewee)","Ryhaan Shakoor (Interviewer)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Source"]},"value":{"en":["Interview conducted as part of the Queens Public Library 125th Anniversary Project."]}},{"label":{"en":["Coverage"]},"value":{"en":["2016-2022 (temporal)","Jamaica and Forest Hills, Queens, NY (spatial)"]}},{"label":{"en":["Language"]},"value":{"en":["English"]}}],"summary":{"en":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary of Full Interview\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLinda Chakmak is an international languages librarian for Queens Public Library based at Central Library. Chakmak, who can speak and/or understand various languages including Russian, Turkish, and Hindi, speaks about providing reference services and otherwise assisting Queens Public Library users, particularly new immigrants and non-English speakers. Chakmak discusses the high circulation of foreign language books at Queens Public Library, Chakmak's role in coordinating various cultural programs hosted by Queens Public Library, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on library services. Specifically, Chakmak describes the shift of programs and classes from in-person to online.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eChakmak speaks about the value of Queens Public Library locations as in-person social centers and as places where new immigrants and non-English speakers can reliably receive help and support. Chakmak also highlights the specialized resources and services available at the Teen Center and the Children's Library Discovery Center at Central Library.\u003c/p\u003e"]},"requiredStatement":{"label":{"en":["Attribution"]},"value":{"en":["\u003cp\u003eCC BY-NC-SA Contact digitalarchives@queenslibrary.org for research and reproduction requests.\u003c/p\u003e"]}},"provider":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/aboutus","type":"Agent","label":{"en":["Queens Public Library"]},"homepage":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/","type":"Text","label":{"en":["Queens Public Library"]},"format":"text/html"}],"logo":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/010/original/Aviary_QPLlogo_192x192.png?1578574261","type":"Image"}]}],"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/207/963/small/chakmak-linda-portrait_aviary.jpg?1694716543","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 1 - QPL-_Interview_2022-03-20-19-30-42.mp3"]},"duration":2642.016,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/207/963/small/chakmak-linda-portrait_aviary.jpg?1694716543","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-queenslibrary.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/207/963/original/QPL-_Interview_2022-03-20-19-30-42.mp3?1694715246","type":"Audio","format":"audio/mpeg","duration":2642.016,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Full Transcript [Transcript]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Hello, my name is Ryhaan Shakoor and I am interviewing Linda Chakmak on March 20th, 2022. By making this recording, we both consent the use of our names, voices, images, and likeness by the Queens Public Library. Understanding that this recording will be the property of the library and will be used in connection with the promotion and marketing of the library it's programs and services. It will not be sold by the library in any way. We understand that we will not receive compensation and agree to hold the library harmless from any claim arising from use of this interview and recording. So welcome, Linda.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=3.0,49.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Hello--","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=49.0,49.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: So, my first question to you is how have you contributed to the work of the library?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=49.0,56.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Well I completed six years working for Queens Public Library as a Senior Librarian II, and International Languages Librarian, because Queens has most diverse population in the world and in Queens, we see people speak so many world languages and me, myself I am fluent in few languages besides English. My native language is Russian language. I also understand and understand Ukrainian, Polish languages. I'm fluent in Turkish language. I understand, Urdu I can speak, I can read Hindi. I can understand Punjabi, Marathi some south Asian languages as well. And it helps me to provide assistance to our library customers whose native language is not English and who just arrived to the country, new immigrants. I help them to translate information, to provide help, to direct them, or find the information that they're looking for at our library. I also teach classes, computer class, computer literacy classes. I provide chat, reference, telephone reference, and in person reference on daily basis to our customers. Because I am International Languages Librarian, I am in charge of books written in many languages. We have books in my collection in Bengali. They're very popular because the area where Central Library located has lots of people from Bangladesh, their language is Bangla language and books in Bangla language are extremely popular. Books in Arabic language, Russian language, Ukraine language, Polish language also became very popular and well circulating language at our library. Also, it's part of my collection and Turkish, Romanian, Hungarian, those languages started to circulate well lately.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=56.0,238.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: That's very impressive. And following up on that question since the library has reopened to the public after the-- closed down due to the pandemic, how has circulation of the foreign language materials been since we reopened since the library has been reopened?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=238.0,263.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Well, I should notice that even during the COVID the first year of pandemic books and foreign languages were circulated well still the first month, first several months, we were we librarians were working remotely from homes, providing online reference service, creating online programs. It was a very new format for us. We had to learn different platforms, new platforms to create and perform online programs like WebEx, one of them Facebook Live, and even though working remotely I used to receive lots of requests for books still. Yes, I think I answered.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=263.0,327.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Yes. Thank you very much. That was a very fascinating answer and following up on that I know at the Central Library you work on the reference desk as well as providing reference services, using the telephone and chat services. How do you compare the two venues providing library services, is one more difficult than the other, or what is your experience in working providing both services?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=327.0,358.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Well, to me providing online phone by phone or in person reference pretty much the same, maybe in person, it's more easy to communicate with the person because you see facial expression, you maybe understand better and you can provide help quicker when you provide an in-person reference. Basically, we receive very similar questions on in person, reference desk, or working by phone or on chat. Usually people ask us to find books, DVDs, they're looking for articles for their research. They're looking for contact addresses or phone numbers of companies or city organizations they would like to visit. So I don't see a big difference between in person or, virtual references.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=358.0,447.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Thank you for that answer. My next question is how has QPL responded to the changing needs you have witnessed in the community?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=447.0,463.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: I'm sorry, can you repeat the question? Changes?--","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=463.0,465.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/11","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Yes--","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=465.0,465.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/12","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: [crosstalk] I'm sorry, during the COVID you mean or--","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=465.0,470.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: In general, how has the library responded to changing needs that you have witnessed in the community in terms of demographics? Has there been any services provided to meeting the needs of that particular demographics in the Central Library?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=470.0,489.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Well changes, you know the most important changes and the main changes that happened recently at Queens Public Library, they associated with COVID pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic. Library started to provide free testing kits that customers can come take them home and take a test it's absolutely free for public. This is great big change, and it's very helpful to people, residents of Queens and New York City. Another change, it's hard to tell because the library was closed for over the year, and we had to suspend in person programs, including education classes, and which people really looking for they call us every day asking when library is going to start in person computer literacy classes, some job and business, academic classes, they really need those classes back in person because not everyone has access to computers and then internet at home recently library also the Queens Public Library started to offer hotspots that customers can use for free and their houses, their homes. This is pretty much set, we are in process of reopening, we're still in pandemic. So not much, but we are working. We are helping, we are trying to do our best to support, help everyone who call us or who visits our branches.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=489.0,612.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: And that's very inspiring and following up on that I know the Queens Library provides a number of cultural programs, especially the Central Library. And I know that you have been involved in many cultural programs, author talks, dances, poetry reading, musical programs, etc. Can you talk a little bit it about your coordinating and conducting of some of the cultural programs, and how difficult was it for you when we were in the lockdown period due to COVID to do these programs virtually?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=612.0,661.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Thank you for your question. Yes, I have passion to doing programs for the library, cultural educating science and art programs when pandemic started, and we had to work remotely and learn new format online format for, to perform, to present programs for our library. Of course it was very new. It was adventure, it was new experience that I had to learn and quick.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=661.0,702.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: But I realized actually doing online programs give us a big chance to bring more customers to participate in the programs. Because like before the pandemic we used to present programs, educating classes inside the, inside the classes, which could fit up to 20 people maximum. And auditorium downstairs, downstairs, which has capacity of 120 people 150 maximum. But when I started to, to do online programs, sometimes attendance for online programs was over 600 people, and of course, programs, the after, after program was released, it goes to the library archive. So people have access. So these past programs they can watch, they can leave their comments.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=702.0,782.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: It's very, it's different. And there are big classes as well, depending on what, what program, if it is cultural program, then of course still I prefer and presenters they prefer live audience, because it's different energy. They have contact with people in the auditorium. It's different sound, it's different picture. But for the classes I had presenter she was teaching art classes and for classes like our classes online format is one of the formats that gives possibility to bring much more students to that class. This is a big class. Well during the pandemic the jazz concerts were very popular actually because the Central Library located in heart of Queens, in Jamaica where many famous jazz artists were born, grew up. And actually, you all know Louis Armstrong who lived in Corona. He was customer of Queens Public Library.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=782.0,861.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Jazz music is in a big demand at Queens Public Library. And I think in New York, so, and I'm myself, I'm big fan of jazz music. And I had several programs during the pandemic. And of course before with popular jazz artist who brought lots of joy and positivity to our pandemic virtual life. I also had the program during the pandemic. One of the interesting program was an author talk. This is how we support our local authors with their new books, because competition is big and we librarians can really help them to promote their works. So I had several authors with their book talk and I usually collaborate them with music. So I create book talk when author who wrote a book, local author from Queens, brought a new book, I connect authors to the jazz band or country band and it brings more people to this program, more customers who enjoy music who enjoy reading, and this is how authors. People pay attention to new, to the new books of local authors. We supporting that too.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=861.0,964.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/20","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Of course meditation classes, personal courses are also popular especially during the pandemics when people have the people are in, not in the best mood, let's say of course promoting positivity is also important through, through our library program, which I tried. And we had yoga classes, meditation classes. I had two programs about dedicated to history of South Indian classical dance and North Indian classical dance. It was two different programs I created for the library during the pandemic and programs were prerecorded and, posted on library, YouTube channel. So anyone can watch these programs later.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=964.0,1029.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/21","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Thank you, Linda. That's fascinating and so inspiring. I want ask you, do you anticipate that Queens Library will be opening up in-person programming soon and second question, and do you look forward once again to programs, in person programs?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1029.0,1059.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/22","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Thank you for question. I believe that we are close to the end of pandemic. Population of New York State and New York City has a high percentage of vaccination. Almost everyone is vaccinated. Many of us had a booster shot and, according to statistics, the virus is weakening now. So, we're waiting some mandates like mask mandate right now it's on voluntary basis. You're welcome to wear your mask, but you don't have to, this is new rule for Queens Public Library. Many cities' cultural organizations like jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall they're open. They accept customers to their shows. I believe that we should do the same because library Queens Public Library, it's not only place where you can come and read fresh newspaper or borrowing a book. It's a social center. That's why we cannot, we cannot exist without offering those programs in person.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1059.0,1140.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/23","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: We will have to go back to regular in person format, invite our customers to library auditorium for the future concerts, movies. We used to have movie nights, people are calling, calling us every day, asking, when are you going to start movie shows they miss all that they miss. So I think soon I hope that maybe I just hope, I don't know when it's gonna happen. As of today, we don't, we didn't start offering in person programs only right now we offer few classes with limited capacity of people inside the class, but hopefully, hopefully let's wait. Let's pray. In few months we will open the door so far be-- our auditorium and classes. We'll be able to invite people inside and bring them joy.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1140.0,1205.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/24","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: That that's a great answer. And following up on that have you noticed that the attendance library attendance is gradually picking up and coming back to normal at the Central Library or is a circulation down or attendance down, or how do you see attendance currently at the Central Library?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1205.0,1235.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/25","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Well in terms of a book circulation or material circulation, I think we have the same high numbers. In terms of customers who visit branches, I think it's less than before. Why? Because still again, we are not over with pandemic. And from time to time we are closing our branches due to certain due to, you know, COVID-19, the people who catch COVID, they have to close for quarantining several branches. And it usually when it happens, it's always sudden, because you never know who can get sick. So that's why of course we have less people who visits library branches, but again Queens Public Library recently celebrated 125th Anniversary, just imagine 125 years. Of course, it's a historical years. Library, went through lots of historical events, good and bad and library survived. It still exists. And it's very popular. It's part of New York City life. People cannot imagine living in Queens and not having Queens Public Library. So Queens Public Library survived in the past. Queens Public Library will live long in the future and do more and more good things for the residents of the Queens.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1235.0,1359.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/26","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: That, a great answer. Thank you for that answer. My next question is can you share a story of Queens Public Library having a positive impact-- you having a positive impact on someone's life?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1359.0,1382.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/27","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Well I remember I had a customers, I had a customer old lady in wheelchair and I had her home attendant, who brought her to the library to borrow some books in Russian language. The customers from Forest Hills, there are many Russian speaking people living in Forest Hills, they visit Central Library Branch because here in Central, we have huge collection of books written in Russian language and Ukrainian language. So they visit often Central for that. So that lady was in the wheelchair and her home attendant came to me and she asked me, she said, \"I am new immigrant. I just arrived to the country and I don't really speak English. Do you have any classes in library?\" And I help her to register for the English classes at the library. It was before the pandemic. The lady start started to tell me that actually she was from Armenia. In her country she was a doctor, but here, because she is new to the country, she has to learn English and she was sort of lost. So she said, I just got this job as a home attendant but of course I'm a doctor. I, don't know how to, how can I, where to go, what colleges may accept me because I'm not that young and what career paths. So I explained her what she can do, what colleges to research and visit and consult. And she did, she came back later thanking me. So that's yeah.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1382.0,1507.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/28","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Oh, that is so inspiring. Thank you so much. And actually that leads me to my next follow up question, which has to do with Forest Hills. Like you said, Forest Hills has a large Russian population and they also have a foreign language, large foreign language collection. Do you, as one of the Foreign Librarians at Central coordinate with the librarians in the Forest Hills Branch, for example, do you receive a lot of requests from them for foreign language books and do you, do they send the Central Library foreign language books?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1507.0,1553.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/29","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Thank you. Yes, we collaborate very well. Not only with Forest Hills Library, but Far Rockaway Library, Glen Oaks Library, has collection of South Asian books. We also collaborate with them sometimes the library managers, they request specific books for their customers and we just send them from Central to, the branches. Yes, of course we collaborate with so many departments. I, must add, I would like to add that we have special librarian. She's working at Central Library and she's librarian, she's working with correction facilities in Bronx and they have customers. I have customers there who request books, lately they requested books in Romanian and Punjabi languages. So what I do in this case because not every book can send to correction facilities, there are some limitations. So we usually, I select books like they may like, and they may facility may accept and we send them to people like to read.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1553.0,1633.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/30","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: That's, very true, thank you for that. And following up on that question as well, I know Queens Library has the New Americans Program where they provide programs in many different languages, but they are also involved with purchasing foreign language materials for the Branches, as well as the Central. Do you work in coordination with the New Americans Program as well, as a foreign language librarian?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1633.0,1663.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/31","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Absolutely yes. Yes, we collaborate with them very well and pretty often, not only in terms of purchasing books. I purchase book books for Central Library Branch, but New American Program, they purchase books for the Branches. They deliver much more, but we exchange information. We exchange new authors and local authors who brings books usually to them. And they recommend those books to purchase to me for, to buy, to purchase those books by local authors for the Central. And I do also I help New American programs, New Americans programs with translations. So library posters. So we collaborate often and very well.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1663.0,1719.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/32","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Wow. That's, very interesting Linda, thank you for that answer. You work at the Central Library in a unit called the Unique Services Unit, can you talk a little bit about the kinds of collections and services and the kinds of specializations that librarians in that unit have? As well, if you can talk a little bit about some of the other units at the Central Library?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1719.0,1755.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/33","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Yes Queens Public Library has Unique Services Team, team of librarians who deliver to the customers unique services. What are Unique Services of Queens Public Library? Of course, first of all Queens Public Library, Archival Division archives. We have a unique collection of Queens, Queens archives, including maps of Queens, old newspapers on microfilms, books and more. So there are two Archivists working under supervision of Mrs. Todman she's Director of Queens Library Archives and Director of Unique Services Team. Another division, another department under Unique Services are foreign languages, department of foreign languages. In our team, we have three Foreign Languages Librarian. We have librarian who is in charge of books and so in-- I'm sorry, in Asian languages like Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese. We have librarian who is in charge of Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese languages. And, it's me, I'm the third Foreign Languages Librarian. I'm in charge of languages in South Asian like Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi and some European languages like German, Polish, Ukranian, Russian, and Turkish language. Few more. Yes. This is our team.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1755.0,1867.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/34","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: That thank you for that answer, Linda. And my next question is what are your hopes for the future of Queens Public Library?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1867.0,1877.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/35","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: What are the hopes? I don't hope, I know that library has a bright future. It has bright present. It has bright present already, and it has bright future because again, we are not the place where you can borrow new, fresh newspapers and read books. No, we're social center. People need us, because again, we have so many immigrants from all over the world arriving for the country every day. And the population of Queens that demography is also moving and changing on every two years. This is what I noticed. Also working at Queens Library, I completed six years and starting tomorrow, actually my seventh year of work. So, it changes very quickly. Today we have people from Bangladesh maybe two years after we will have more people from Poland. We don't know, I cannot say, and of course those immigrants, the first place they visit library because they know they will receive free WiFi.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1877.0,1960.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/36","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: They will, they have, they will have access to free WiFi, computers, printers, fax machines. They can speak to librarian. And the, the logo of Queens Public Library-- We speak your language. We have so many librarians and customer service representative who speaks, their native languages. We have people who speak Spanish, Chinese, Bengali, Hindi. We have international team of librarians and customer service representative employees working the for Queens Public Library, and they're always ready to help. Sometimes we have customers who speak Spanish and I don't speak Spanish-- And I can always always call a person who works in the sorting room, and maybe she speaks Spanish and, or she will help with translations. So people know at the library they come, they visit, they come they know they will be helped. They will be helped, they will be directed, they will be supported with their life, with their future career.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=1960.0,2036.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/37","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: You know, we help them with tax preparation. We help them to learn English. We help them with job search. We help them with I don't want to say that, but mental issues as well. We have professionals who are counselors who offer online classes, meditation classes for example, or personal courses who also can talk to them and support psychologically. If we provide legal help, we have lawyer who visit Central Branch once a week. And it's free legal services provided by the library as well. You see how many services library offers to the people. So of course we already in high demand, people don't see their life, but they will be lost if-- I don't wanna say if because it's just impossible, do not have Queens Public Library doors open for people of Queens and people of New York State and more and whole world [unclear].","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2036.0,2111.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/38","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Wow. That is an amazing answer and Happy Seventh Anniversary to you.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2111.0,2119.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/39","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Thank you. Yes, thank you. Thank you. And Happy Anniversary to all of you.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2119.0,2125.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/40","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Thank you. And following up on that question on your answer-- so with the with the availability of electronic resources and eBooks, do you think a time will come that there would no longer be print sources and that libraries would no longer be relevant? Or do you think that prints will supplement the electronic resources? What is your opinion on that?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2125.0,2161.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/41","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: I think no, because publishing houses lately started to publish books on new generation paper, the paper quality last longer than the old papers. Actually-- and people, they prefer print books still when they reserve books we have online digital copies of many new and old books, but they always prefer new printed copy, even children, even kids, they still, they come to the library to borrow, to reserve a book, to read a real book to-- they can touch, they can smell, they can, turn the pages, they can feel it-- it's different. I don't think, I don't think so. I don't think that digital materials will replace a printed materials any soon. I think if it'll happen then people will stop reading books.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2161.0,2230.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/42","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Yeah. So that's a very interesting answer following up on that Queens Library provides services to teens as well as to very young children. The Central Library where you work, has a teen space as well as the children's room, which is called a Discovery Center. Can you talk a little bit about the Teen Space and the Discovery Center? I know the Discovery Center is somewhat new, I think since 2012, if you can talk a little bit about that.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2230.0,2269.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/43","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Well, yes Queens Public Library has children's department, which is called Children's Discovery Center. Why it called Discovery Center? Because when you enter that space, children's space, you will see lots of astronauts that represent planets, where kids can play and learn human's body, insects, lots of different physical objects, math experiments. That's why it called Discovery Center. So people, I'm sorry, children can discover life and objects inside the children's space. And this is amazing, very unique. This is on the first floor-- On second floor of children's Discovery Center, you will find studying tables with chairs when kids can come after school and they are helped, they're being helped with their homework. We have students of St. John's University who visit often and they provide help with homework to kids who visit Discovery Center, which is amazing.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2269.0,2374.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/44","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: It's very helpful to, the kids of new immigrants, parents who don't speak English. And it's very difficult for the parents who just arrive to United States and they don't speak any English. It's very difficult for them to provide help with their kids' homework at American school. So it's, this is just an unbelievable, amazing opportunity and help and support to those kids, helping them with homework. Kids enjoy, kids enjoy-- They're always excited that Discovery Center. We also have wonderful Children Librarians Team who create educating classes with them. They are drawing-- They always celebrate festivals, new year, and national holidays, creating small concerts, singing, learning songs, and music, and more and more and more such a talented team, such a talented team. Teen space has, it's also it's [unclear] a large area, which has two reading halls, two large reading halls with computer stations where teenagers can come and use computer, and internet, and printers. They can study, they can print out their college homeworks hopefully. We have three conference rooms inside of teen space where teenagers can have classes with their tutors. This is extremely important.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2374.0,2482.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/45","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: We also have wonderful team of Teens Librarians. They also support them with their school classes. They create interesting educating programs. They keep them busy. And it's a, one of the most important space at the Queens Library where teens, especially, they can always feel safe. They can always they behave well because our librarians are pretty strict with them. You know, they they're teaching their discipline, they're helping them with books selections, they educate them. And instead of, hanging out like outside after school they come to the library. They're welcome. And they appreciate us as well.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2482.0,2549.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/46","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Yeah, that is amazing, and it's so important especially for young children to start reading at a young age too. Thank you for that answer and my last question is, is there anything else that you would like to share?","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2549.0,2567.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/47","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Yes I may, I would like to say that I appreciate working at Queens Public Library [unclear] amazing team of talented librarians, not only librarians, we have a talented team of Human Resources Department. They select such talented and kind people to work at Queens Public Library from the Custodian Team, Security Team, Customer Service. And of course, Librarian Managers and Directors, Presidents. They're all not only educated, they are kind people and it's a pleasure to be part of this wonderful team. Thank you.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2567.0,2626.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/48","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Ryhaan Shakoor: Thank you very much, Linda, for that interview. And I would like to wish Queens Public Library a very Happy 125th Anniversary. Thank you.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2626.0,2640.0"},{"id":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963/transcript/49652/annotation/49","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Linda Chakmak: Thank you.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1432/collection_resources/107116/file/207963#t=2640.0,2642.016"}]}]}]}