Nomination for Arezoo Moseni

Senior Librarian

The New York Public Library, Mid-Manhattan Library, The Art Collection

New York, New York

Darcy Spitz

New York, NY

1. How long have you known the nominee and how did you come to know him or her?

Four or five years. I'm a visual artist, and we met at an art opening where we both had paintings on display. I have always treasured the resources of the art collection at the Mid-Manhattan Library, and have visited on a regular basis for years. So it was a thrill to meet an art librarian who was immersed in both making art and making art accesible to the public.

2.  Please list a few ways in which the nominee has helped you and others and made your experience of the library a positive one.

Arezoo created several innovative and original programs at Mid-Manhattan Library, including Art in the Windows, which allows local artists to have a show in a small, but public place. Since I paint very small paintings, she selected my art for a showing. This was a great opportunity to get my art out in the public eye. She also originated other programs for artists -- "Art Wall on Third", "Artist Dialogues" and "Art Career Development Lectures," all of which are unique programs as far as I can tell.

3. How has the library, and the nominee, improved the quality of your life?

Arezoo is passionate about art, and shares her passion and knowledge about art history with the public through her library work. I admire someone who can talk about a subject without interjecting their opinion into the conversation. She presents information from an intelligent and thoughtful viewpoint and is optimistic in encouraging others to explore the art world. She offers many resources to artists not found elsewhere.

4. How does the nominee make the library a better place? Please be specific.

Arezoo created several original outreach programs, described above, that position the library as a resource for artists to come together, learn, exchange ideas and exhibit work. I don't know any other library that provides those resources.

5. How has the librarian made a difference in the community?

New York City is a mecca for artists, and Arezoo's programs have made the NYPL a place for artists to grow professionally, exhibit work that the public might never see otherwise and she provides information to the public about art in a highly accessible way. She is also an superb photographer, and is working on an ambitious program to photograph every inch of Manhattan. NYC is the land of the American dream, where immigrants can create their own lives. As an immigrant from Iran, Arezoo embodies that dream and shares her optimism and enthusiasm for art with library patrons.