It’s tax season and we all know what that means: scrambling to get our documents in order and trying to find a moment to focus, only to realize that you need help. If you are struggling to find the time and energy to file your taxes by yourself, you are not alone. As survivors, it can be difficult to make space for these tasks that feel really big. But not to worry, you may be able to find help from your local library. The local library is more than just a place for books – it offers a wide range of free services to help navigate everyday life.
Curious to find out what else your library can do? Here are 10 resources worth checking out:
- Income Tax Help
The New York Public Library collaborates with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the IRS and can help you prepare and file your tax return electronically free of charge. To learn more, check out the requirements to receive help.
- Child Story Time
All the New York City Public Library branches offer numerous storytimes throughout the day most days of the week. Find events for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children throughout the city.
- English Language Classes
The New York, Brooklyn, and Queens branches of the library all offer free English classes. You can register to join an 8-week class or join a casual conversation to build your skills.
- Immigration Services
Support for immigrants is available across all library branches and includes events and workshops on job support, language courses, multilingual business help, and multilingual books and resources.
- Social Work Walk-in Hours
Many branches of the library offer social work walk-in hours to help you navigate the city’s toughest systems. Social workers are available to help you with housing, food, employment, health insurance, and mental health services.
- Technology Classes
The library is also a great place to boost your tech skills. Classes such as computer basics, ask-a-tech, and open lab hours answer your questions and help connect you with the support you need.
- Book Discussions
If you’re looking to meet new people in your neighborhood, look no further than your local library! Book discussions are a great way to connect with new people and share in a discussion.
- Career Coaching and Job Support
Get help with your resume and your job search and learn new job interviewing skills at your local library. Many branches offer resume writing workshops and assistance navigating your job search.
- Citizenship Preparation
If you’re working on your citizenship application, the library is a great place to get extra support. Your local library offers free test prep classes and workshops on the application process.
- Financial Literacy Classes
For many survivors of domestic violence, becoming financially independent is a work-in-progress. Many library branches offer a number of financial literacy classes that provide training on the basics all the way to investing in financial markets.
No matter what you’re looking for, your local library probably has a class for that! There are so many resources available to you throughout the city, and your library is here to support you. If you need help finding the branch that offers what you need, or any extra help, you can reach out to info@women4womenbk.org.
