“Many people, including me, believe that participation in the census is as important as voting,” Albany Public Library Executive Director Scott C. Jarzombek said in a statement. Here’s why it’s significant, what the library is doing to help, and how Albany residents can make sure they’re counted.
Albany Public Library Cares About the Count
Albany Public Library has been a participating member of Albany Counts, the city’s complete count committee, since 2018. This year, they’re upping their game to ensure participation in the 2020 US Census.
“The 2020 census is important for our city, schools, and libraries,” Jarzombek explains. “An accurate count, one that puts Albany above 100,000 residents, can have major implications for our community.”
Many of the library’s branches are considered to be in “hard to count” areas of Albany, making participation all the more vital. All seven branches are providing census labs and hosting a series of conversations with representatives from the census.
Details on Census Labs & Conversations
The census labs will provide a space for folks to complete the census and ask questions. The labs will have computers, WiFi (for those bringing their own devices), and phones (for those who prefer the call-in option). Library staff and volunteers will be on hand to help.
These census labs will be open on select days and hours from March 23rd through April 30th. The schedule for the labs is still being finalized and will be available on their website, AlbanyPublicLibrary.org.
The community conversations are already underway, here’s when and where you can attend:
- Monday, March 9th, 6pm to 7:30pm at the Washington Avenue Branch
- Monday, March 16th, 6pm to 7:30pm at the Pine Hills Branch
- Monday, March 30th, 6pm to 7:30pm at the Howe Branch
Make sure you’re counted!
Here’s a map of libraries and hard-to-count census tracts >>
Check out info on the different mailings each area will receive >>
