The American Library Association is recognizing a longtime Queens librarian for going above and beyond just books. Fred Gitner recently won a national award called the “I Love my Librarian Award” for his work helping migrants.

In the quiet corners of Central Library in Jamaica, Queens, Gitner can often be found in the international section he helped build. Gitner also speaks French, in addition to English.

What You Need To Know

  • Fred Gitner is one of 10 librarians across the U.S. to be recognized by the American Library Association with an "I Love My Librarian Award" for going above and beyond to serve the community
  • Gitner, who’s been at Queens Public Library for nearly 30 years, helped create a phone translation service so users can communicate with librarians
  • Gitner also runs citizenship classes, English classes and workshops on immigration law, mental health and tenants’ rights
  • Recently, he’s been helping the newly arrived migrants from countries across Central and South America and West Africa

Nearly half of Queens residents are born outside of the U.S.

“The Spanish collection continues forever here,” Gitner said.

Gitner has been at Queens Public Library for nearly 30 years. He said he identifies needs and creates programs to help meet them through the library’s New Americans Program.

Now, he’s one of 10 librarians being recognized by the American Library Association this year.

“It was a total, total surprise. I had no idea that anyone had nominated me,” Gitner said. “When I got the phone call from the association, I was flabbergasted. It’s really a wonderful recognition at this point in my career.”

Gitner said he believes the award is also a testament to the work of his entire team.

“We are extremely proud of Fred, who has worked tirelessly for decades to provide services to our immigrant communities,” said Nick Buron, chief librarian with Queens Public Library. “Fred knows that immigration is the backbone and future of the city, and by investing in our immigrants and the Queens Public Library investing in our immigrants, we are investing in the future of New York City.”

Gitner helped create a translation service so users can communicate with librarians through the phone. He also assists migrants through programs he runs, like citizenship classes, English classes and workshops on immigration law, mental health and tenants’ rights.

English class attendance increased 35% in 2023 from 2022, with more than 62,000 people attending the classes across the Queens Public Library’s 66 locations.

“The best part of my job, I’d say, is whatever I do that can better the life of our customers, and the customers in our case are the immigrants in Queens,” Gitner said.

More recently, he’s been helping the newly arrived migrants from countries across Central and South America and West Africa.

“The people coming will become our newest neighbors in New York. They are coming to really to work hard and to make a better life for their family,” Gitner said.

The American Library Association said Gitner has been driving positive social change for new Americans. Gitner said he’s making sure future generations follow in his footsteps, mentoring the next generations of librarians and leaving a legacy of service for years to come.

Gitner received a $5,000 cash prize. He said he’s going to donate some of it to his favorite charities and use the rest to travel.