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Photo by: Kevin Loria
The librarians share responsibilities, like labeling and cataloging donated books, updating their inventory on LibraryThing.com, and communicating with other stations in the park.
Amid one of the most dynamic political events in recent American history lies one of the most harmonious of places – a library.
Occupy Wall Street has become known for its animated protests and run-ins with police, but walk inside Zuccotti Park – the movement’s unofficial headquarters – and you get a different story. Organizers have created a medical center, food station, and donation drop-off point. But it’s “The People’s Library” that has become an example of the group’s mission and outside support.
“The library is a demonstration of the fact we aren’t just a bunch of crazies,” said Stephen Boyer, 27, who volunteers there. “Were trying to build a community and we’re succeeding.”
Boyer majored in creative writing at the University of San Francisco. He was in London when the protests broke out on Sept. 17 and came to New York shortly after hoping to find an apartment. Instead, he wound up a resident – and librarian – of the park.
“At first I was coming down during the day,” he said. “I never expected to be living here.”
Boyer has seen the library evolve rapidly over the past few weeks.
