Libraries can mean so many things to different people. Here at the Brooklyn Public Library, we want to help nurture minds. We also want to lay the foundation for a better civilization.
Established in 1896, the Brooklyn Public Library is one of the largest systems in the United States. It serves the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Public Library is independent. It is a nonprofit organization. Funding comes from city, state, and federal governments. Private donors also contribute. Marketing materials style the name as Bklyn Public Library.
Did you know that the first free public library in Brooklyn was part of the Pratt Institute? Charles Pratt founded the institute in 1888. Its library was open to the public early on.
The Brooklyn Public Library system became official in 1892. The Brooklyn Common Council established the library on November 30, 1896. Marie E Craigie was the first director. The library re-incorporated in 1902.
The first main branch moved among buildings. These included a mansion at 26 Brevoort Place. Andrew Carnegie donated $1.6 million in 1901. This donation funded 21 Carnegie neighborhood branches. These opened through 1923.
Today, there are 61 neighborhood branches. Many are Carnegie libraries. The library has four bookmobiles. One is the Kidsmobile. It carries children’s materials. Another is the Bibliobús. It carries Spanish language books.
The Central Library is at Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway. It is near Grand Army Plaza. It contains over a million items. These include books, magazines, and multimedia.
The Brooklyn Collection is also at the Central Branch. It holds the library’s manuscripts and archives. This collection includes Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia. It also has items related to the Brooklyn Eagle. Walt Whitman edited this newspaper.
The Brooklyn Public Library offers many services. The Bookmobile is a mobile library. It carries up to 6000 books. It serves communities where branches are closed for renovation. The Kidsmobile is a smaller version. It visits schools and community events. It offers storytelling and crafts. The Bibliobús is a Spanish-language mobile library. It serves Spanish-speaking communities.
The Shelby White and Leon Levy Information Commons opened in 2013. It has computers and meeting rooms. There is also a recording studio. The library’s Learning Centers offer free adult literacy and education services. Every branch has a New Americans Corner. It provides information on immigration and citizenship.
In 2022, the Brooklyn Public Library launched Books Unbanned. This initiative waives fees for out-of-state library cards. This allows teens to access ebooks and audiobooks for free.
The Brooklyn Public Library is governed by a board of trustees. The Mayor and Brooklyn Borough President appoint trustees. Linda E Johnson has been the director since 2011.
The Brooklyn Public Library is one of three library systems in New York City. The others are the New York Public Library and the Queens Public Library. Brooklyn and Queens library cards can be used at the NYPL. They must be linked to the NYPL system.
From humble beginnings to a vital resource the Brooklyn Public Library has been the cornerstone of this community. It has provided information for education and a democratic space for all.