June 2010 Programs and Exhibitions Announced For Brooklyn Public Library

Summer's here! Let your hair down and take in the sights and sounds at Brooklyn Public Library. From our Summer Reading Kickoff to swing dancing on the plaza, we have programs that the entire family will enjoy. All programs are free and open to the public. Please be advised that programs are subject to change, therefore we suggest calling ahead. Also, please note that all exhibitions can be found on the last page.

Featured Event: Summer Reading Kickoff 2010
Summer Reading Kickoff Block Party
Thursday, June 10, 10:30 AM
Enjoy activities for all ages including crafts, musical performances by Board of Education, bluegrass band Astrograss, Music from China and a special appearance by Sesame Street's Maria.

Don't forget to sign up for Summer Reading at your library or online (www.summerreading.org) beginning June 10.
Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

FOR ADULTS
U.S. Citizenship Test Tutorial
Get help preparing for this test.
Tuesdays, Jun 1 & 15, 6:30 PM
Central Library, Multilingual Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Computer Basics Class
Learn basic skills. No experience necessary.
Wednesday, Jun 2, 10:30 AM
Registration required
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 728.567.2806
Wednesday, Jun 2, 11 AM
Saratoga Library, 8 Thomas S. Boyland Street, 718.368.1815
Monday, Jun 7, 11 AM
Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue, 718.623.0012
Monday, Jun 7, 11 AM
Gerritsen Beach Library, 2802 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435
Tuesday, Jun 8, 1:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159
Monday, Jun 21, 11 AM
Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue, 718.623.0012
Tuesdays, 12 PM
Registration required
Mill Basin Library, 2385 Ralph Avenue 718.241.3973
Wednesdays, 11 AM
Borough Park Library, 1265 43rd Street, 718.437.4085
Wednesdays, 11 AM
Red Hook Library, 7 Wolcott Street, 718.935.0203
Wednesdays, 11 AM
Thursdays, 1:30 PM
Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East Fifth Street, 718.686.9707

Microsoft Word Class
Learn to create documents. Basic computer knowledge required.
Wednesdays, Jun 2, 16 & 30, 10:30 AM
Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street, 718.486.3365
Tuesday, Jun 15, 1:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159

Microsoft Excel Class
Learn to create charts and graphs. Basic computer knowledge required.
Thursday, Jun 3, 1 PM
Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street, 718.486.3365

Philosophy Discussion Group
Discuss topics chosen by members of the group.
Fridays, Jun 4 & 25, 3:30 PM
New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street, 718.236.4086
Wednesday, Jun 30, 2 PM
Central Library, Room 214, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Keyboard & Mouse Basics Class
Learn to use a computer keyboard and mouse. The Monday class is for beginners and the Wednesday class is for those with some experience.

Monday, Jun 7, 10:30 AM
Wednesday, Jun 9, 10:30 AM
Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Avenue, 718.773.1180

Art Exhibition Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of this exhibition featuring three local Brooklyn artists.
Tuesday, Jun 8, 6 PM
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792

Romance Book Group
Join us for romance book talks and writing workshops.
Tuesday, Jun 8, 6 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159

Health & Fitness Information Online
Learn how to search health databases and other health information websites.
Wednesday, Jun 9, 1 PM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117

Foundation Center Database Workshop
Learn how to search for grants and scholarships.
Wednesday, Jun 9, 2 PM
Central Library, Room 216

How to Write a Research Paper
Learn how to research and write essays and term papers.
Wednesdays, Jun 9 & 23, 4:30 PM
Registration required
Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Avenue, 718.349.8504

Concert: Regina Opera
Enjoy a live musical performance.
Wednesday, Jun 9, 6 PM
Sheepshead Bay Library, 2636 East 14th Street, 718.368.1815

Computer Basics Class in Spanish
Learn basic skills. No experience necessary.
Saturday, Jun 12, 6:30 PM
Wednesday, Jun 30, 6:30 PM
Central Library
Wednesdays, 10 AM
Borough Park Library, 1265 43rd Street, 718.437.4085

Writing a Resume & Cover Letter
Learn how to use a computer to write a resume and cover letter. The Monday class is for beginners and the Wednesday class is for those with some experience.

Monday, Jun 14, 10:30 AM
Wednesday, Jun 16, 10:30 AM
Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Avenue, 718.773.1180

Job Search Discussion Group
Share your personal challenges and successes, and learn about library and community resources to help you land your dream job.

Tuesday, Jun 15, 1:30 PM
Flatbush Library, 22 Linden Boulevard, 718.856.0813

Is This Thing On? Technology for Late Bloomers
Abby Stokes, author of Is This Thing On? A Late Bloomer's Computer Handbook, gives a straightforward presentation on using a computer, digital camera and PDA. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2 PM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117

Talking Circle
Share your stories and experiences with others.
Wednesday, Jun 16, 2 PM
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792

Resume Writing
Learn to write a resume using Microsoft Word.
Wednesday, Jun 16, 6 PM
Highlawn Library, 1664 West 13th Street, 718.234.7208
Monday, Jun 28, 5:30 PM
Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street, 718.486.3365

Surfing the Internet
Learn to surf the internet. The Monday class is for beginners and the Wednesday class is for those with some experience.

Monday, Jun 21, 10:30 AM
Wednesday, Jun 23, 10:30 AM
Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Avenue, 718.773.1180

Email Class
Learn the basics of email. Basic computer knowledge required.
Monday, Jun 21, 11 AM
Kings Highway Library, 2115 Ocean Avenue, 718.375.3037

Microsoft PowerPoint Class
Learn to create presentations. Basic computer knowledge required.
Wednesday, Jun 23, 11 AM
Flatlands Library, 2065 Flatbush Avenue, 718.253.4409

African Atlantic Genealogical Society Workshops
Trace your family tree with help from the African Atlantic Genealogical Society (AAGS).
Saturday, Jun 26, 1 PM
Macon Library, 361 Lewis Avenue, 718.573.5606

Online Purchasing
Learn how to shop and pay bills online. Monday classes are for beginners and Wednesday classes are for those with some experience.

Monday, Jun 28, 10:30 AM
Wednesday, Jun 30, 10:30 AM
Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Avenue, 718.773.1180

English Conversation Group
Improve your English.
Mondays, 1 PM
Tuesdays, 2 & 6 PM
Wednesdays, 3 PM
Thursdays, 1 PM
Central Library, Multilingual Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Mondays, 1 PM
Sheepshead Bay Library, 2636 East 14th Street, 718.368.1815
Tuesdays, 2 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917
Thursdays, 6 PM
Registration required
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792

Spanish Conversation Group
Improve your Spanish.
Mondays, 6:30 PM
Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East Fifth Street, 718.686.9707
Wednesdays, 7 PM
Thursdays, 3 PM
Central Library, Multilingual Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Scrabble
Improve your scores with each game.
Tuesdays, 11 AM
Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East Fifth Street, 718.686.9707

Russian Conversation Group
Improve your Russian.
Tuesdays, 12 PM
Central Library, Multilingual Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Qigong Exercise
Tuesdays, 1:15 PM
Dyker Library, 8202 13th Avenue, 718.748.6261

Portuguese Conversation Group
Improve your Portuguese.
Tuesdays, 7 PM
Central Library, Multilingual Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Knitting Circle
Work on current or new projects with others.
Wednesdays, 5 PM
Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue, 718.623.0012
Thursdays, 6 PM
Dyker Library, 8202 13th Avenue, 718.748.6261

Fiber Arts Group
Fiber artists of all skill levels meet weekly to work on individual knitting, crocheting, quilting, needlepoint and embroidery projects.

Wednesdays, 6 PM
Central Library, Room 214, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

French Conversation Group
Improve your French.
Wednesdays, 7 PM
Central Library, Multilingual Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Crocheting Circle
Work on current or new projects with others.
Thursdays, 2 PM
Midwood Library, 975 East 16th Street, 718.252.0967

Chinese (Mandarin) Conversation Group
Improve your Chinese.
Thursdays, 6:30 PM
Central Library, Multilingual Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Blue Stocking Club Book Discussion
Call for this session's title.
Fridays, 12 PM
Gerritsen Beach Library, 2802 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435

Yiddish Class
Learn to speak Yiddish.
Fridays, 1:30 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917

Italian Conversation Group
Improve your Italian.
Fridays, 4 PM
Central Library, Multilingual Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

 

Films

Pilgrimage of Remembrance: Jews in Poland Today
Enjoy this free film screening.
Monday, Jun 7, 1:30 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917

Horowitz in Moscow
Enjoy this free film screening.
Monday, Jun 21, 1:30 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917

Music, Dance & More

An Evening with the Internets Celebrities
Dallas Penn and Rafi Kam, aka The Internets Celebrities, screen their short films Bodega, CheckMate, and others. With the help of film director Casimir Nozkowski, the bloggers use satire to uncover truths and celebrate urban culture.

Tuesday, June 1, 7 pm
Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Brooklyn's Beat: Hank O'Neal in conversation
WBGO's Gary Walker interviews music producer, author and photographer Hank O'Neal about his storied career. A performance by a music legend completes the evening.

Thursday, June 10, 7 pm
Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Outdoor Plaza Concert: Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Pianist Arturo O'Farrill, son of legendary bandleader Chico O'Farrill, leads his Grammy-winning 18 piece orchestra through classics of the Afro-Latin tradition.

Saturday, June 12, 2:30 pm
Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Outdoor Plaza Swing Series:

From the music of 1920s France to the swingin' tunes of the Big Easy, Central Library's Plaza has a huge variety of outdoor performances. All performances start with swing dance lessons from instructor Eve Polich at 6:30 PM.

Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Here's a look at the music:

Paul Shapiro's Ribs and Brisket Revue adds Yiddish flavoring to hard-swinging jump blues.
June 17 & August 12:
Paul Shapiro's Ribs and Brisket Revue swings through favorites like Nina Simone's "My Baby Just Cares for Me."
June 24
Dennis Lichtman's Brain Cloud plays favorites by Bob Wills, Spade Cooley and Pee Wee King.
July 8
Matt Munisteri channels the Big Easy with favorites by Sidney Bechet, Bob Crosby and Eddie Condon.
July 15
Matt Munisteri plays the waltzes, swing tunes, tangos and beguines of 1920s and 30s Paris.
July 22
Matt Munisteri performs dance music reminiscent of mid-1930s performances by Fats Waller and Teddy Wilson.
July 29
Matt Munisteri and his swing band One Hundred and One Strings perform in the modes of Eddie Lang, Stuff Smith and Joe Venuti.

August 5

Readings & Discussions

Summer Reading Book Discussion: Let the Great World Spin
Discuss this novel by Colum McCann.
Monday, Jun 7, 6:15 PM
Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington Avenue, 718.398.8713
Tuesday, Jun 22, 6:30 PM
Brooklyn Heights Library, 280 Cadman Plaza West, 718.623.7000

Summer Reading Book Discussion: The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales
Discuss this book by Oliver Sacks.
Tuesday, Jun 8, 2 PM
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, 718.693.7763

Summer Reading Book Discussion: That Old Cape Magic
Discuss this book by Richard Russo.
Monday, Jun 14, 6:30 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 728.567.2806

Summer Reading Book Discussion: Happy Family
Join us for a discussion of this novel by Wendy Lee.
Thursday, Jun 17, 1:30 PM
Kensington Library, 410 Ditmas Boulevard, 718.435.9431

Summer Reading Book Discussion: The Time Traveler's Wife
Discuss this novel by Audrey Niffenegger.
Thursday, Jun 24, 2 PM
Central Library, Second Floor Meeting Room, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Summer Reading Book Discussion: Girls of Riyadh
Discuss this novel by Rajaa Alsanea.
Saturday, Jun 26, 11:15 AM
Walt Whitman Library, 93 Saint Edwards Street, 718.935.0244

FOR KIDS

This & That
Enjoy a variety of activities to spark your creativity.
Tuesdays, Jun 1, 15 & 29, 2 PM
Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Avenue, 718.349.8504

Arts & Crafts
Tuesdays, Jun 1 & 29, 3:30 PM
Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street, 718.486.3365
Wednesday, Jun 2, 3:30 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 728.567.2806
Friday, Jun 11, 4 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917
Tuesday, Jun 15, 3:30 PM
Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street, 718.486.3365
Wednesday, Jun 16, 2 PM
Flatlands Library, 2065 Flatbush Avenue, 718.253.4409
Wednesdays, Jun 16 & 30, 3:30 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 728.567.2806
Thursday, Jun 24, 3:15 PM
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792

Family Storytime
Come and enjoy sing-alongs, stories and games.
Saturday, Jun 5, 2:30 PM
Mill Basin Library, 2385 Ralph Avenue, 718.241.3973

Movie
Enjoy free film screenings. Call for title.
Mondays, Jun 7 & 21, 3:30 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 728.567.2806
Friday, Jun 18, 4 PM
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531

Games
Tuesdays, Jun 8 & 22, 3:30 PM
Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street, 718.486.3365

Computers for Kids
Don't just sit at a computer! Find out all the places it can take you.
Wednesday, Jun 9, 4 PM
Registration required
Mill Basin Library, 2385 Ralph Avenue, 718.241.3973

Summer Reading Kickoff
Sign up for Summer Reading and enjoy a day of free activities and fun.
Thursday, Jun 10, 2 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917
Thursday, Jun 10, 2 PM
Gerritsen Beach Library, 2802 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435
Thursday, Jun 10, 3 PM
Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue, 718.623.0012

Preschoolers Have Fun!
Enjoy story time, movies and craft activities. Ages 3 to 5.
Saturday, Jun 12, 8 AM
Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100

Origami
Friday, Jun 18, 4 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917

Music Fun
Play the videogame Rock Band.
Thursday, Jun 24, 3:30 PM
Washington Irving Library, 360 Irving Avenue, 718.628.8378

After-School Homework Help
Get free help from trained adult volunteers.
Mondays, 3:30 PM
Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East Fifth Street, 718.686.9707
Wednesdays, 2:30 PM
Mill Basin Library, 2385 Ralph Avenue, 718.241.3973

Chess Workshop
Learn to play chess with a professional.
Tuesdays, 4 PM
Canarsie Library, 1580 Rockaway Parkway, 718.257.3547
Tuesdays, 5:30 PM
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792
Fridays, 3:30 PM
Borough Park Library, 1265 43rd Street, 718.437.4085
Play Time with Puppets
Wednesdays, 10:30 AM
Gerritsen Beach Library, 2802 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435

Preschool Story Time
Enjoy classic books and songs with others, ages 3 to 5.
Wednesdays, 11 AM
Homecrest Library, 2525 Coney Island Avenue, 718.382.5924
Wednesdays, 11 AM
Red Hook Library, 7 Wolcott Street, 718.935.0203
Fridays, 10:30 AM
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531

Young Gardening
Join the beautification project for our library garden and help the community enjoy clean air, shade and a sense of well being.

Wednesdays, 3:30 PM
Bushwick Library, 340 Bushwick Avenue, 718.602.1348

Board Games
Fridays, 3:30 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 728.567.2806

 

FOR TEENS

Karaoke and Dance Dance Revolution
Thursday, Jun 10, 3:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159

Teen Time
Hang out and enjoy books, games and music.
Thursday, Jun 10, 4 PM
Mill Basin Library, 2385 Ralph Avenue, 718.241.3973
Mondays, 3 PM
Flatlands Library, 2065 Flatbush Avenue, 718.253.4409
Tuesdays, 3:30 PM
Red Hook Library, 7 Wolcott Street, 718.935.0203
Fridays, 4 PM
Gerritsen Beach Library, 2802 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435

Be Your Own DJ
Bring your MP3 players and CDs, and share your music.
Friday, Jun 11, 4 PM
Cypress Hills Library, 1197 Sutter Avenue, 718.277.6004

Father's Day Arts & Crafts
Monday, Jun 14, 4:30 PM
Homecrest Library, 2525 Coney Island Avenue, 718.382.5924

Manga Mania!
Draw manga and submit your artwork for display.
Thursday, Jun 17, 4 PM
Brownsville Library, 61 Glenmore Avenue, 718.498.9721
Friday, Jun 18, 4 PM
Arlington Library, 203 Arlington Avenue, 718.277.6105
Tuesday, Jun 22, 4 PM
Stone Avenue Library, 581 Mother Gaston Boulevard, 718.485.8347

Anime Club
Friday, Jun 18, 4 PM
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, 718.693.7763

Poetry Slam
Share your poems and rhymes in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday, Jun 22, 2 PM
Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue, 718.623.0012

Anime & Manga Club
Watch Japanese animation, talk about your favorite graphic novels and draw your favorite characters.
Tuesday, Jun 22, 4 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159

Arts & Crafts
Thursday, Jun 24, 4 PM
Registration required
Mill Basin Library, 2385 Ralph Avenue, 718.241.3973
Wednesdays, 3:30 PM
Sheepshead Bay Library, 2636 East 14th Street, 718.368.1815

PlayStation & Wii Gaming
Join your friends and make new ones while playing video games.
Wednesdays, 3:30 PM
No sessions Jun 23 & 30
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159

Chess Workshop
Learn to play chess from a professional.
Wednesdays, 3:30 PM
Homecrest Library, 2525 Coney Island Avenue, 718.382.5924
Thursdays, 4 PM
Kings Bay Library, 3650 Nostrand Avenue, 718.368.1709

PlayStation Gaming
Join your friends and meet new ones while playing video games.
Wednesdays, 4 PM
Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington Avenue, 718.398.8713
Thursdays, 3:30 PM
Sheepshead Bay Library, 2636 East 14th Street, 718.368.1815

Games
Thursdays, 3:30 PM
Homecrest Library, 2525 Coney Island Avenue, 718.382.5924

Tween Time
Hang out and enjoy books, games and music.
Thursdays, 4 PM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117

Exhibitions

All exhibitions run June 8 - September 10 at Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100.

Interpreting the Brooklyn Landscape: Four Artists • by Gregory Frux, Arthur Kvarnstrom, Charles Tang & Robert Weiss
Paintings inspired by Brooklyn.
Grand Lobby

Greenpoint & Williamsburg • by Anders Goldfarb
Photographs of these neighborhoods over the past 30 years.
Foyer Cases

Unexpected Brooklyn: Neighborhood Landscape in Transition • by Rosie McCobb
Photographs of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Red Hook and Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Foyer Cases

Piety, Independence, Desire • by Bradly Dever Treadaway
A site-specific installation based on the artist's family's experience of Hurricane Katrina, exploring lineage, culture, history and memory.

Lobby Gallery
Artist Talk: Wednesday, June 9, 7:30 PM, Lobby Gallery

Dance, Nana, Dance/Baila, Nana, Baila • by Mauricio Trenard
Paintings based on Dance, Nana, Dance/Baila, Nana, Baila, a book of Cuban folktales in English and Spanish retold by folklorist and storyteller Joe Hayes, as well as other works on paper.

Youth Wing

Capturing the Spirit of the Book • by Sandra Jackman
Artists' books related to literature, fantasy, comic books, science fiction, war and politics.
Second Floor Balcony Cases

Interpreting Nature: A Collection of Artists' Books • by Paula McCartney
Photo-based artists' books that examine both real and fabricated landscapes.
Second Floor Balcony Cases
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Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a huge selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, job search help, literacy programs, public computers and the largest WiFi network in the borough. BPL's eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, as well as catalog information, are available to customers 24 hours a day at our website: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.