From the Order Sons and daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA):
The Commission for Social Justice (CSJ), the anti-defamation arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) is pleased to announce that in October 2026, the New York Public Library (NYPL) will display official OSDIA Italian American Heritage Month materials.
This development follows claims from OSDIA members in late 2025 that the NYPL was refusing to display Italian American Heritage Month materials from OSDIA due to its support for Columbus Day.
Following this claim, CSJ President John A. Fratta wrote a letter to the New York Public Library on November 7, 2025 to condemn this decision and to implore the institution to display materials from OSDIA the following October.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of Councilman David Carr, this issue has been successfully addressed,” said Fratta. “Carr engaged in numerous discussions with the CEO of the NYPL system, Dr. Anthony W. Marx, and remained steadfast in advocating for our community.”
In appreciation of Councilman Carr’s successful efforts to allow OSDIA Italian Heritage Month materials to be displayed at local library branches throughout New York City, Fratta will present a certificate to him in the coming weeks.
“On behalf of this organization, I would like to sincerely thank Councilman Carr for his commitment, persistence, and leadership in correcting this, and ensuring fair representation of Italian American heritage,” said Fratta.
For more information on this matter and to read the letter sent to the NYPL on November 7, 2025, click here.
