Senior
Librarian
The New York
Public Library, Mid-Manhattan Library, The Art Collection
New York, New
York
Marisa van Pol
New York, NY
1. How long
have you known the nominee and how did you come to know him or her?
I am a
frequent library user at the Third Floor Art Collection of the Mid-Manhattan
Library. I have known Ms. Arezoo
Moseni since March 2001. At
that time, I went to the library to obtain information about an article
regarding an obscure painter, which I could not find in other libraries.
The
information desk was attended by Arezoo.
She quickly answered my questions and directed me to the right
shelf. Later on, I came back to
her with more questions, she patiently listened to and answered promptly. I was amazed of her knowledge and
memory, she did not consult the computer.
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 is an
artist, curator and art librarian.
She curated several exhibit series: ÒArt Wall on ThirdÓ and ÒArt in the
WindowsÓ for several years to present time. They are located in the Third Floor Art Collection and
in the 5th.Avenue windows display cases. The exhibitions are produced specifically for the
Mid-Manhattan Library with the curatorial work of Arezoo. She also contributes positively
to the Mid-Manhattan Library ÒArtist DialogueÓ a monthly series with
contemporary well-known artists, curators and writers.
I am an
Hispanic-American artist painter, and I was not very familiar with the U.S. art
materials, brands quality of papers and frames. So, I approached Arezoo with a lot of questions. She was very attentive, pleasant,
took her time to answer all my concerns and gave me the addresses of the most
convenient art stores in New York City.
3. How has
the library, and the nominee, improved the quality of your life?
I told Arezoo
that I wanted to participate as an artist in one of the exhibitions she
curates. I sent her my bio and
samples of my work. Three
years later, she contacted me to review my paintings. She again helped me a great deal. We had several sessions where she
counseled me generously: about printing, how to handle papers, choice of
frames, how to organize and display the images. Finally, she approved and offered me to exhibit in the
5th. Avenue window.
I really
appreciate her knowledge, the advice she gave me was very helpful.
4. How does
the nominee make the library a better place? Please be specific.
The exhibits
at the Mid-Manhattan Library are the product of the skills and innovative
thinking of Arezoo. I am a
frequent library user, I have seen throughout the years how Arezoo positively
transformed the Art CollectionÕs
floor. She made
it more accessible, friendlier and the public enjoys the artistic (always
changing) wall of the reading area.
5. How has
the librarian made a difference in the community?
Ms. Arezoo
Moseni made a difference in the community: she is a very accomplished
librarian. She has a dual role: 1)
for several years, at the Information Desk, she has been helping the public in
a very efficient way.
2) Besides as
an artist-curator of the Mid-Manhattan Library Arezoo has been dealing with
complex, multiple art exhibits which stimulate one thinking, enrich our lives
and contribute to the art of the 21st. century and gives community artists
opportunity to exhibit their works there.
I strongly nominate Arezoo Moseni for the award. She deserves this award.