OFF THE SHELF A LOOK INSID E BROO KLYN PU BLIC LIBRARY - Brooklyn Public Library
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OFF THE
FA L L 2020
SHELF
A LO OK IN SI D E
BROOK LY N P UB LI C
L I B R ARY
Photo by Philip Greenberg
FEATU R E
A M ES SAGE FROM TH E P RE SID E N T to the largest archive of Brooklyn’s
history in the world, and at New
This summer, tens of thousands of Black
Lots Library, we are striving to make
Lives Matter protesters gathered on
previously erased history visible once
the steps of Central Library to demand
again. We’re registering new voters,
racial justice in our city and across the
curating booklists about how our voting
nation. As painful as it is to confront
rights were won, and preparing to
the racism that continues to shape
safely open the Civic Commons, a new
our country and its many institutions,
hub for civic engagement at Central
including our own, it has also renewed
Library. As award-winning librarian
our sense of purpose as a public library.
Adeeba Afshan Rana describes, we
There is perhaps no institution better
are “building a community where
poised to help people understand
everyone thrives…striving for equity
our shared past and move toward a
and liberation together.”
genuinely democratic future.
If libraries are centers of ideas, they
THE CENTER FOR
To that end, hundreds of our librarians
are also centers of ideals. In this
and library staff joined virtual
disorienting and difficult year, so many
conversations about how BPL can
of our American ideals—such as equality
cultivate a culture of racial justice within
under the law—have been undermined.
BROOKLYN HISTORY
our institution and every neighborhood
But while public libraries persist, we will
we serve, and formed a Diversity
never stop striving for them.
Council to translate ideas into action.
As you will see in this issue of Off the
Shelf, despite the ongoing pandemic,
Brooklyn Public Library continues to On October 2, BPL’s President and resources and expertise, and broadening
take action. At the Center for Brooklyn Linda E. Johnson CEO, Linda E. Johnson, and Brooklyn reach and impact throughout Brooklyn and
History, we are democratizing access President & CEO Historical Society’s (BHS) former beyond. “By joining with BPL to form the
President, Deborah Schwartz, announced Center for Brooklyn History, the archives
that the institutions have been combined, and programming that scholars, students
creating BPL’s Center for Brooklyn and researchers expect from BHS will be
History (CBH), which will be home to extended across every neighborhood in
In This Issue
the most expansive collection of Brooklyn the borough, creating greatly increased
Center for Brooklyn History. . . . . . . . . . . . . 01
history in the world. opportunities to educate visitors about
Civic Commons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02
Brooklyn’s important history and its
Diversity Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03 The new Center is housed at the
relevance to each of them,” said Schwartz.
Staff Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04 landmarked Pierrepont Street building that
Johnson added, “Programs and exhibitions
Bookmatch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05 was home to BHS for nearly 140 years and
will bring it to life throughout our 59
Brooklynology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
Cover image: BPL librarian Donette extends the collection and programming
Riker leads a children’s storytime as branches and empower Brooklynites to
throughout the Library’s 59-branch system.
Lit Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09 part of Macon Library’s weekly Open contribute to their own historical record,
Streets program. The Center will democratize access to
Brainy Babies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 so that future students, scholars and
Inside cover: RaiseUp! sculpture by Brooklyn’s history and be dedicated to
Donor Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Hank Willis Thomas at the Southern curious citizens will know the diversity and
expanding and diversifying representation
BPL Presents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Poverty Law Center’s Civil Rights dynamism of our city across time.”
memorial and center. of the history of the borough by unifying
OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 1
All photos, unless indicated, by Gregg Richards
Photo by Jack Cavicchi
F EAT U R E Across New York, across the nation, BPL can take to make lasting cultural
and even around the world, there change. This September, the Library
CIVIC COMMONS
has been growing momentum to established a Diversity Council to
acknowledge and address racism continue this work. Staff from across the
A BEAUTIFUL NEW SPACE within societies, institutions and institution will work together to gather
TO WELCOME BACK PATRONS ourselves. relevant data, set goals, organize action
teams, measure results and ultimately
Throughout the spring, thousands of
In March 2020, Central Library’s Civic hold BPL accountable. Among other
protesters gathered on the steps of
Commons was undergoing finishing initiatives, the Council will reevaluate
Central Library to protest racist practices
touches before its grand opening our policies and practices regarding
and to proclaim that Black Lives Matter.
celebration when the COVID-19 recruitment, hiring and promotion
View of what will be the While supporting these demonstrations,
pandemic shut down New York City— to ensure that our organization is
Civic Commons’ computer center.
BPL also looked inward.
including all of Brooklyn Public Library. representative at every level, including
From May through July, BPL held a leadership. It will also develop our
Located on the first floor with a brand For example, we put out a bunch of
series of four organization-wide virtual diversity, equity and inclusion training so
new entrance on Flatbush Avenue, the free books and activity kits for Summer
conversations focused on institutional that all of our employees receive training
Civic Commons is the first public space Reading, and it was nice to get those into
self-examination and cultural change, on implicit bias, microaggressions and
developed through Central Library’s the hands of kids who were excited to
titled Real Talk: Race, Truth and active bystandership.
renovation project, and the first expansion take part in that program.”
of public space at Central Library since Transformation. The goal was to
Though this work is just beginning, we
When BPL is able to fully reopen, the Civic establish an ongoing, honest, cross-
the early 1970s. Designed by Toshiko are determined to sustain its momentum.
Commons will host civic events such as racial conversation, disrupt White
Mori Architect to be a hub for community Equity has long been at the heart of
local community meetings, informational complacency at BPL and generate
services, it houses a 40-desktop computer BPL’s mission, and in order to practice
workshops and voter registration drives ideas for long-term culture change.
lab, a Passport Services Center and IDNYC what we profess to value, we must strive
thanks to partnerships with Brooklyn
office, as well as an office where partner Professional facilitators guided for racial justice in every facet of our
Borough President Adams, Brooklyn Voters
agencies can provide free information on discussions for the 400-500 employees work and in every branch across the
Alliance, Immigrant Justice Corps, the NY
social services, benefits enrollment, legal who attended each session. The borough.
State Comptroller’s Office, the DOH Office
assistance and government initiatives. conversation ranged from hiring
of Health Insurance Programs, Hester See BPL’s official statement
BPL began reopening select library Street, Brooklyn Pride Center and others. practices to police presence in libraries regarding Black Lives Matter at
branches for grab-and-go service in July, to culturally-responsive collection bklynlibrary.org/
“I hope we can take some of the lessons development and focused on actions black-lives-matter
and the Civic Commons’ bright, open
learned from this time and see the Civic
space turned out to be ideal for welcoming
Commons as a space that is adaptive and
back patrons to Central Library when they
useful for whatever the community needs,
return books and pick up holds.
whether it’s voter registration, health
DIVERSITY
“We were really lucky that the Civic information or conversations around anti-
Commons was completed when it was,” racism,” Schonhart says.
says Christine Schonhart, the director of
In the meantime, according to Jennifer
Central Library. “We can greet patrons right
Thompson, the assistant director of Central
when they come in off Flatbush—there’s
COUNCIL
Library, Brooklynites are just happy to walk
no confusion about where to go or who to
by Central Library and see open doors.
speak to! Since we have more room, we
can be creative about some enhanced, “Our patrons are thrilled and grateful to be
contactless services. able to pick up holds again, and frequently
thank us for being back.”
2 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 3
STAF F S P OT L IG HT
BKLYN
Each year in June, BPL
recognizes two exceptional
BOOKMATCH
BPL employees for their
dedication, creativity and VOTING
commitment to excellence.
Staff are nominated by their RIGHTS
colleagues, making this
recognition especially
meaningful to recipients. Adeeba Afshan Rana Elizabeth (Liz) Gomez
EDITION
The Dr. Lucille C. Thomas Award for The Feder Leonard Family Award for
Excellence in Librarianship is awarded to Excellence in Service to the Library’s
a librarian who provides exemplary service Public, inaugurated in 2019, was With a momentous presidential election pending, voting and its significance to the
to the public and upholds the highest established by the Feder Leonard Family preservation of democracy has never been timelier. This booklist, created by BPL
ideals of the profession. The award is Fund to recognize non-librarian staff who librarian Emma Carbone, features books about the importance of voting and the fight for
named for the late Dr. Thomas, a longtime have done outstanding work in advancing women’s suffrage and, later, the Voting Rights Act. All selections are available as eBooks.
BPL Trustee and the first African American and strengthening BPL’s services to Visit vote.org to find everything you need to vote in your state including confirming
to serve as president of both the New York the people of Brooklyn. Elizabeth (Liz) registration, requesting an absentee ballot, and looking up polling locations and early
Library Association and the New York City Gomez, an office assistant at New voting sites.
School Librarians Association. This year Lots Library, was this year’s recipient.
BookMatch is a readers’ advisory service that uses what readers like (and dislike) to
the award went to Adeeba Afshan Rana, Working for BPL for over 20 years, Liz
create customized reading recommendations based on the interests or needs of patrons.
Library Information Supervisor at Arlington is well known both in the Library and
Library. Described as a powerhouse by in the East New York neighborhood for Thank You for Voting: The One Person, No Vote: Stolen Justice: The Struggle for
her colleagues, Adeeba helped launch the forming lasting connections with patrons. Maddening, Enlightening, How Voter Suppression Is African American Voting Rights
Inspiring Truth About Voting Destroying Our Democracy by Lawrence Goldstone
Cookmobile teen cooking and nutrition Whether putting aside newspapers
in America by Carol Anderson This vivid portrait of the systematic
program and has been involved with and favorite books for regular visitors, by Erin Geiger Smith suppression of the African
Anderson chronicles the
countless other projects, including the overseeing room reservations for the From the founding fathers to Jim astonishing story of government- American vote traces the injustices
annual Teen Writing Contest and Librarians many organizations and community groups Crow to women’s suffrage to dictated racial discrimination of the post-Reconstruction era
gerrymandering—and everything unfolding before our very eyes as and draws direct links to today’s
of Tomorrow teen internship program. Her in the neighborhood, helping patrons on
in between—readers will get a look more and more states adopt voter creeping threats to suffrage.
boundless energy for our teen patrons the computer or creating new initiatives, at the complex history of voting. suppression laws.
Uncounted: The Crisis of Voter
is only surpassed by her compassion her colleagues say Liz is “generosity
Our Time Is Now: Power, Lifting as We Climb: Suppression in America
and empathy for all. Noted Rana, “I am embodied.” As noted in her nomination Purpose, and the Fight for Black Women’s Battle for by Gilda R. Daniels
honored to be a librarian in Brooklyn, and form, “Liz is always ready and willing to a Fair America the Ballot Box This book examines the
so grateful to my colleagues. I love that we by Stacey Abrams by Evette Dionne phenomenon of disenfranchisement
help other staff to make sure that the
Suppression and identity altered An eye-opening book that tells through the lens of history, race, law
are building a community where everyone library runs smoothly and give our patrons
the 2016 presidential election— the important, overlooked story and the democratic process.
thrives, that we are striving for equity and the best possible experience. Whenever a and will do the same in 2020. But of Black women as a force in the
Jailed for Freedom: A First-
liberation together. That I get to mirror new staff member is assigned to New Lots progress can win, and here Abrams suffrage movement—when fellow
Person Account of the Militant
back to this city all the love we can be, Library, many of the staff will tell the new lays out how. suffragists did not accept them as
Fight for Women’s Rights
equal partners in the struggle.
all the power we can harness, all that we employee if they have questions to ask Votes for Women! by Doris Stevens
need to bloom together.” American Suffragists and the A first-hand account of how
Liz. She is a wealth of knowledge when it
Battle for the Ballot suffragists in the National Woman’s
comes to the workings of BPL.” by Winifred Conkling Get your own Party organized and fought a fierce
The story of the American women BookMatch list at battle for the passage of the 19th
Congratulations to both Adeeba and Liz! who demanded, fought for and Amendment.
bklynlibrary.org/
finally won the right to vote. bookmatch
4 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 5
B R 0O K LY N OLO GY sites relate to these opposing elements
of Montgomery history gives anyone
who experiences it no choice but to
acknowledge this.
Monuments in Montgomery are
represented in the form of actual places
where historical events happened.
JOURNEY TO
For example, Dr. Martin Luther King’s
home and the Dexter Avenue church
BPL team at the Southern Poverty Law Center Civil
where he preached, the Greyhound bus Rights Memorial.
station where Freedom Riders were
MONTGOMERY
attacked as well as built spaces that
required thoughtful, intentional planning
about the subject matter and the people
they represent. The Rosa Parks Museum,
on the grounds of Troy University and
Memorial bust of a family at the Legacy Pavilion. located near the bus stop where she was
By Natiba Guy-Clement, Assistant Director of the Center for Brooklyn History arrested for refusing to give up her seat to
The following was excerpted from an article in Brooklynology, the Center for Brooklyn History’s blog. a white passenger, was almost turned into
a parking garage, but University officials
WHAT DOES REMEMBRANCE LOOK In 2010, community activists and political noticed that visitors would stop to read the
leaders rallied the city to create a landmark marker about her arrest and determined
LIKE? AS AN ARCHIVIST AND and in 2013 the area was officially they could honor Parks while also serving
LOVER OF HISTORY, A LARGE PART recognized as the African Burial Ground their students. They built a museum and Marker tribute to Rosa Parks and the Bus Boycott.
OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ME IS Square. Further steps will find ways to library that opened on December 1st,
REPRESENTATION. WHO ARE WE honor the connection to the community, 2000, the 45th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ witnessed. To help tell the stories of racial
educate Brooklynites about this part of arrest. and civil injustice, EJI conceptualized and
REPRESENTING? WHO HAS ENOUGH created four distinct spaces: The Legacy
the borough’s history and create ways
AND WHO DOES NOT? and spaces to memorialize those who Built memorials in Montgomery have also Museum, Legacy Pavilion, Peace and
were forgotten. This is also what led us to been created to honor those who were Justice Memorial Center and National
In early March, staff from BPL went on
Montgomery, Alabama. unnamed or are not in the consciousness Museum for Peace and Justice.
an informational and inspirational visit to
of the average American, and to tell the
Montgomery, Alabama to explore these
Alabama was one of the largest slave- stories of African Americans who suffered The Legacy Museum gave us a view
questions and gain immersive knowledge
holding states in the country and among unthinkable horrors, often while exhibiting of the path American justice took from
about the Civil Rights Movement. Our other enslavement to mass incarceration. It
the first six states to secede to the exceptional bravery. Some of the more
purpose was to look at how memorials features a mix of interactive multimedia
Confederacy. The Montgomery state well-known, recently built memorials in
can serve as a reminder; a space to inform pieces including a database to track
capitol is where Jefferson Davis, the Montgomery have been spearheaded
and a way to honor the people and events lynching events around the country, video
president of the Confederate states, was by The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a
that are connected to that place. BPL is interviews with civil rights leaders and
inaugurated and where the Reverend nonprofit organization dedicated to ending
renovating its New Lots branch, located in activists, installations that give visitors a
Dr. Martin Luther King ended the historic mass incarceration, challenging racial
East New York, and will also highlight the glimpse of the life of the incarcerated and
Selma to Montgomery march. The city is and economic injustice, and protecting
historic significance of the library which in-depth information about the inequalities
considered by many to be both “the cradle basic human rights. These sites were
is located on a once-unacknowledged that exist in African American communities
of the Confederacy” and “the birthplace some of the most impressive, community
African burial ground. and what led to them. The Legacy Pavilion
of the Civil Rights Movement” creating oriented and heartbreaking memorials we
a dual (and opposing) history. The way memorial was built to honor families that
6 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 7
and 1950. These lives are represented by
800 weathered steel pillars, one for each
THE 2020 BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
LITERARY PRIZE LONGLIST
county where a lynching or racial terror
event took place. If known, the names and
date of death are engraved on the pillars.
Despite the heaviness, the memorial is
peaceful, reflective and has places to uplift
and encourage, providing balance and a
bit of inspiration.
Wall of soil jars collected from lynching sites.
Our final stop in Montgomery was a visit
to the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial
Library. The library was renamed in honor
of librarian and civil rights activist Juliette
Hampton Morgan, who used her privilege
and wrote letters to speak out against
the mistreatment of Black people in
Montgomery. She became a target for her The Brooklyn Public Library Literary Prize, one of only a few major literary awards
views, was harassed by members of her bestowed by a public library system, is awarded annually to recognize the year’s top contemporary
community and had a cross burned in her writers nonfiction, fiction & poetry. Over the spring, a committee of BPL librarians reviewed dozens
yard. The Library was another example of of titles published within the past year that were submitted by Library staff. They then narrowed
opposing historic elements. It was renamed these titles down to an initial longlist of nonfiction and fiction & poetry nominees, which we are
to honor a civil rights activist and librarian, pleased to present here. All of the longlist titles are available in BPL’s collection as both print books
and eBooks. The winners of the 2020 BPL Literary Prize will be announced on November 20.
Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library but within its walls contains a place that
tribute mural.
honors the Confederacy: a wall affixed with The Brooklyn Public Library Literary Prize was established in 2015 by the Brooklyn Eagles,
an engraved memorial dedicated to “those a group of young and engaged Brooklynites who are passionate about Brooklyn Public Library
were victims of lynching as well as the
who served, with honor and courage, and work to engage new patrons, promote the Library as a cultural center, and build a vibrant
labor of highly-skilled enslaved people. It
the Confederate States of America.” This community around the resources the library offers. The Eagles also host the Library’s annual
features an outdoor water sculpture that Brooklyn Classic to celebrate the Prize-winning books. For more information, please go to
kind of dichotomy is often a challenge for
represents a family. bklynlib.org/litprize. Support for the Brooklyn Public Library Literary Prize is generously
librarians everywhere.
provided by the Peck Stacpoole Foundation.
The Peace and Justice Memorial Center
We left Montgomery with a renewed sense
recognizes the 24 men and women who NONFICTION Hood Feminism: Notes Race After Technology: Patsy: A Novel
of the importance of creating a space from the Women That a Abolitionist Tools for by Nicole Dennis-Benn
were lynched or killed in racially-motivated
to honor the enslaved and free Africans America for Movement Forgot the New Jim Code*
attacks during the 1950s. One of the most Americans: A History by Mikki Kendall By Ruha Benjamin Postcolonial Love Poem
interred in the New Lots African burial of Xenophobia in the by Natalie Diaz
moving aspects of the Center is its wall
ground. United States How We Fight for Our
FICTION & POETRY The Starless Sea
of jars of collected soil. EJI worked with by Erika Lee Lives: A Memoir*
by Erin Morgenstern
by Saeed Jones
community partners to gather soil from There is so much erasure, both A Black Women’s T he Deep*
by Rivers Solomon This Is How You Lose
places where a lynching occurred and intentional and collateral, of the lives of History of the I Hope We Choose Love:
(with Daveed Diggs, the Time War*
United States A Trans Girl’s Notes
to erect markers to signify the spot. The enslaved and Black lives. They deserve by Daina Ramey Berry from the End of the William Hutson, by Amal El-Mohtar
Jonathan Snipes) and Max Gladstone
National Memorial for Peace and Justice is acknowledgement and for us to learn and Kali Nicole Gross World
by Kai Cheng Thom Gods of Jade and Weather: A Novel
a six-acre open air sculpture garden built about their experiences and triumphs. Hidden Valley Road:
Shadow by Jenny Offill
Inside the Mind of an The Outlaw Ocean:
to honor the lives of over 4,000 African We hope to fulfill those goals for them by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
American Family Journeys Across
American men, women and children that and the New Lots community. The March by Robert Kolker the Last Untamed On Earth We’re Briefly
were lynched and murdered between 1877 continues... Frontier* Gorgeous*
by Ian Urbina by Ocean Vuong
* Shortlist finalist
8 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 9
Brainy
F E AT U RE BPL has a long track
record of providing
programs to serve new
families and families with
young children, including
s!
our acclaimed First Five
Babie
Years programming that
offers storytimes
in multiple languages,
musical activities and Families enjoying Brainy Babies sessions.
parent workshops.
specialists cover topics such as nutrition,
Recognizing that the well-being of
music, prenatal and postnatal health and
caregivers has a direct impact on the
fitness, and breastfeeding, among others.
mental growth of young children, in 2019
Through these visits, families have been
BPL piloted Brainy Babies thanks to a
connected to additional outside resources
generous grant from the Robin Hood
such as early intervention programs, child
Foundation. Brainy Babies is an augmented
care facilities, information on transitioning
storytime series for families with children
into the NYC Public School system through
ages 0-3 that encourages early literacy
the various 3K and 4K programs, music and
and learning while also addressing
art programs, health-related community
the stresses and strains of parenting.
programs such as nutrition and doula
Specifically targeting families living in
services, and other BPL literacy services
under-served communities, the program
such as our school readiness program,
is offered at the Bushwick and Brownsville
Ready, Set, Kindergarten!
branches in English and Spanish as well
as American Sign Language. Programming Since Brainy Babies was launched in
at each location is managed by an Early October 2019, attendance has totaled
Literacy Outreach Associate who reaches more than 2,000 parents, caregivers and
out to families throughout the community, children. At the onset of the pandemic
distributing fliers to local schools, hospitals, the program moved online, but sessions
bus and subway stops, playgrounds, continue to attract a dedicated audience.
businesses and even car windshields, as A Bushwick parent said, “Keep up the
well as making visits to nearby New York great work! I was able to join storytime
City Housing Authority complexes and with my toddler for the first time since
BPL’s early literac other local organizations. we transitioned to remote learning and
y programs are de
to help parents an signed she was engaged and very excited.”
d caregivers in th Each Brainy Babies series consists of six
role as their child eir With the success of the program, plans
’s first teacher, pr sessions held weekly in dedicated library
crucial sensory st ov iding are in place to launch Brainy Babies at
imulus to the grow space outfitted with welcoming baby
brains of babies in g additional BPL branches beginning July
and toddlers. An enthusiastic participant at furniture, toys and books. Regular activities
2021. Neighborhoods under consideration
a Brainy Babies session at led by the branch children’s librarian and/
Bushwick Library. include Canarsie, Brighton Beach,
or Early Literacy Outreach Associate create
Bedford-Stuyvesant, Coney Island,
a comfortable routine for caregivers and
Cypress Hills, East New York, Sunset Park
provide an opportunity for parent-
and Borough Park.
child bonding. Guest appearances from
10 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020
OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 11
D O NO R S P OT L IG HT:
BPL PRESENTS OUR LIVES / OUR DEMOCRACY
OUR LIVES / OUR DEMOCRACY
APPLE BANK
One of the things we love about Brooklyn We are a proud supporter of Brooklyn
Public Library and its extensive
THE 28TH AMENDMENT, I WISH
is how culturally varied it is. BPL
corporate partner Apple Bank shares
this love of Brooklyn’s multiculturalism. community programs that embrace the
In fact, 2020 marks the fifth year that
Apple Bank has partnered with BPL
diversity of our Brooklyn neighborhoods.
These programs are a prime example TO SAY & VOTERS’ BROADCAST
to celebrate the cultural heritage of of how Apple Bank connects to the
the borough’s diverse neighborhoods.
Through their generosity, Apple Bank
communities it serves by engaging local
supports BPL in offering annual World residents and working with community
Language Day celebrations at branches organizations.
across the borough, underwrites our
JAMES G. MATERA
Language Line multilingual phone EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF
reference resource (available in over 100 RETAIL BANKING OFFICER AT APPLE BANK
languages!), distributes books published
Apple Bank has provided personal and
in five different world languages to
business banking services to New Yorkers
people living in Brooklyn through book
since 1863, with 79 branches in greater On October 17, BPL released the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on
giveaways (over 1,000 given out), has
New York. behalf of the people of Brooklyn. Over the spring and summer, BPL gathered
helped add 600 titles in English language
participants in online town halls to deliberate and exchange ideas on how to
learning and citizenship to the circulating BPL is honored to have Apple Bank as strengthen our country and its founding document. The gathered ideas were
collection, and supports the printing of a partner to celebrate and support the organized by town hall moderators and volunteer Constitutional framers who
BPL Welcome Guides for new library range of cultural expression that is part of created a two-part document of radical proportion that sets forth the People’s
response to the pressing needs of our time.
cardholders in 10 different languages. Brooklyn’s unique character.
Part One is a legal proposal for a 28th Amendment drafted by the framers:
Anand Giridharadas, author (Winners Take All; The True American); Susan
Musician demonstrating a pipa Herman, President of the American Civil Liberties Union; Kimberly Peeler-Allen,
(Chinese lute) during a cultural Co-Founder of Higher Heights and Board Chair of the ERA Coalition; and
event at New Utrecht Library. A holiday event at Midwood Library. Nathaniel Rich, author (Losing Earth; King Zeno). Part Two is a narrative summary
that seeks to capture the voices of the participants, crafted by moderators Brian
Tate (writer and activist) and Craig Manbauman (poet and veteran).
I Wish to Say, an ongoing project by socially engaged artist Sheryl Oring, invited
patrons to dictate messages to the next US President, which were transcribed
onto postcards using old-fashioned typewriters. These will be sent to the White
House after the 2020 Presidential election.
Voters’ Broadcast used excerpted messages from I Wish to Say to create a
vocal work composed by 2020-21 Kaufman Music Center Artist-in-Residence
Lisa Bielawa. On Saturday, October 24, the Kaufman Music Center and BPL
presented the live world premiere of Voters’ Broadcast at Central Library in a
day of socially-distanced outdoor performances on the Plaza.
Patrons can read the amendment and town hall notes, and write their
own amendment at bklynlib.org/28th-amendment.
12 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 13
ORCHESTRA OF ST. LUKE’S PRESENTS MUSIC IN COLOR:
THE IMAGINATION OF ELEANOR ALBERGA
Thursday, December 3, 6 pm
Video premier on BPL’s YouTube and Facebook @
BPLPresents
A British composer of Jamaican descent, Eleanor Alberga is
prolific in nearly every genre, from opera and choral works to
pieces for both chamber ensemble and full orchestra.
This concert will include the North American premiere of
Alberga’s Shining Gate of Morpheus for horn and string
quartet. Playwright and performer Kirya Traber will join to
guide audiences through Alberga’s story and inspiration.
ART & SOCIETY CENSUS:
EXHIBITION
MESSAGE FROM A PROJECT ON THE STATE OF ARTS AND CULTURE
THE LIBRARY:
OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM MOLLY CRABAPPLE Winter 2020 – Spring 2021 What do you feel is most important in
Through December 31 Live on Zoom culture right now? We want to hear from
Sunday, December 13 you. We begin with an online survey
Central Library, Eastern Parkway lawn 7 pm, Live on Zoom In this year of radical listening, BPL gathering your feedback. Based on your
The Celestial Heroes Banquet, as shown here at BPL’s Award-winning artist, Presents and curator Laura Raicovich, in responses, we will host a series of working
Outdoor Living Room, are furniture concepts for public writer and author of partnership with Hyperallergic, launches groups over Winter/Spring 2021, free and
park-like settings. Artist Heinrich Spillmann imagines Drawing Blood and a new project inviting Brooklynites and open to the public, to investigate and
Celestial Heroes as forces or powers which help us Brothers of the Gun citizens across the country to talk about address the changing role of the arts in
keep our surroundings and time/space in balance. As (with Marwan Hisham) what they believe matters most for culture personal and public life and those cultural
concepts created for Celestial Heroes, this installation Molly Crabapple has right now. issues you deem most pressing. All the
invites viewers to rest, spread a banquet of their own and been commissioned work we do in those groups will be shared
celebrate community. by Brooklyn Public The current global pandemic has empha- during a Spring 2021 convening with NYC
Library to present the sized existing racial, economic and social residents, artists, art-appreciators, national
The objects on display are of various dimensions and next Message from the inequalities in the US. Social distancing and international arts workers, museum
from a variety of tree species. They’re treated by fire Library lecture. and new health constraints, in addition to and public institutional directors and staff.
scorching, using the ancient Japanese technique of powerful protests and conversations, are Our aim: to spur new ways of sharing art
Shou Suji Ban, with wood sealers and/or clear varnishes Message from the profoundly impacting how we gather in and culture in public spaces that will best
or are intentionally left exposed to the decaying elements Library is made possible shared public space. Importantly, these serve the broadest collective imaginable.
of nature. through support from the flash points are also pushing cultural and
Stavros Niarchos public institutions to re-evaluate our work. Art & Society Census is funded by
Foundation (SNF).
For more information: bklynlib.org/outdoors the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation’s
Innovation Fund.
BPLPresents @BPL_Presents @bplpresents
14 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 OFF THE SHELF FALL 2020 15
EVENTS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES
DONOR S
WINTER CELEBRATIONS
IN THE GREAT GREAT
FOREST Brooklyn Public Library gratefully acknowledges the Call or visit bklynlibrary.org/support
Saturday, December 19, many donors who have provided generous support to learn about the many ways you can
1 pm, BPL’s Facebook for BPL Presents programs, including: Cheryl and support Brooklyn Public Library.
Welcome to the Great AUTHOR READING & George Haywood Endowment for Cultural Diversity,
Great Forest! Join Forester The Kahn Endowment for Humanities Programs,
ACTIVITY Dr. Beverly S. Jacobs, Janet Anderson, Jane Brody
Donor Support & Monthly Giving
and Twig on an interac- Elizabeth Morrel
tive, winter adventure to Wednesdays, 3:30 pm Enquist, The Miriam Katowitz and Arthur Radin 718.230.2462
Fund, Los Blancos, Mapleton Endowment, National EMorrel@bklynlibrary.org
celebrate togetherness Author’s Facebook and
Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council
with all of their friends! Instagram Individual & Planned Giving
on the Arts, Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF),
We’ll bring seasonal cheer Sandra and Peter Schubert Endowment Fund, The
Lauren Arana
December 2
LAYER THE WALLS to those who are feeling a Morris & Alma Schapiro Fund, The Weissman Family
718.230.2009
LArana@bklynlibrary.org
Saturday, December 12, little lonely, realizing that WHEN JULIA DANCED Foundation, Inc., City Point, WarnerMedia, the Emily
1 pm, BPL’s Facebook by connecting and playing BOMBA/CUANDO JULIA Hall Tremaine Foundation’s Innovation Fund, the Corporate Partnerships
Using shadow pup- with others we find joy BAILABA BOMBA Estate of Pearl S. Reuillard in memory of her parents Samantha Dodds
petry, Bunraku puppets, ourselves! Raquel Ortiz Yetta and Louis Schwartz and many other generous 718.230.2718
masks, and toy theater supporters. SDodds@bklynlibrary.org
techniques, Layer the December 9 Foundation & Government Grants
Walls imagines the proud Programs are also supported by Brooklyn Public
EVERY CHILD A SONG Library’s Fund for the Humanities which was
Noella Scott
and perilous histories of Nicola Davies 718.230.2087
established through the generous support of the NScott@bklynlibrary.org
Italian, Jewish and Irish
December 16 National Endowment for the Humanities, The Hearst
immigrants who occupy a General Inquiries
Foundation, Inc., Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation,
Lower East Side tenement MYSTERIOUS STONES The Starr Foundation, the Leon and Muriel Gilbert
givinginfo@bklynlibrary.org
at the turn of the century. Diego Herrera known as Yayo Charitable Trust, Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, Inc.
and a gift in memory of Samuel and Pauline Wine. Brooklyn Public Library gratefully acknowledges
the generous support of our corporate donors
WNYC is a media partner of Brooklyn Public Library.
STOMP, CLAP & SING BILINGUAL BIRDIES ONLINE CLASS
IN MANDARIN: CELEBRATE THE MAGIC
(fiscal year 2021).
Every other Tuesday at 11 am WITHIN YOU!
BPL’s Facebook December 15
Experience the online bilingual magic
LUCY KALANTARI & THE JAZZ CATS with live music, a bubble dance party and
December 1
entertaining puppet show!
Lucy Kalantari brings delightful Jazz Age- THE UNCLE DEVIN SHOW
inspired music everyone can enjoy! December 29
The Uncle Devin Show is an interactive
musical experience for children that uses
percussion instruments to cultivate their
mind—a dynamic cross between DC’s
Trouble Funk and Schoolhouse Rock.
Printed on Rolland Enviro Print, 70 lb Text. This paper contains
100% post-consumer fiber, is manufactured using renewable
energy–Biogas and processed chlorine free.
For complete listings visit:
bklynlibrary.org/bpl-presents
5631.BR / 10.20
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