Resources from Brooklyn Public Library
By Kat Savage
Kat Savage is the managing librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library: Adams Street Library, which is under construction and expected to open in Fall 2021 in Dumbo. Right now the library operates in a pop-up space—the Annex—at 1 John Street. Drop by 1 John Street to visit the current library, take a peek at the construction underway on their permanent home at 135 Plymouth Street, or follow BPL on Facebook.
Kat is a children's librarian who loves leading storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and art and reading programs for students in grades K-4. When she is not at the Annex with her colleagues or preparing or presenting virtual programming, she volunteers with the Brooklyn Book Bodega.
Read on to learn more about how you can get more involved with Brooklyn Public Library. BPL provides a wide range of services, programs, and (of course) books to our communities across the borough. Getting a library card is free to anyone who lives, works, or pays taxes in New York State, and your library card unlocks a ton of free resources for all ages.
Here's five free things you can do today at the Brooklyn Public Library, virtually and in person.
FOR FINDING YOUR CHILD'S NEXT FAVORITE SERIES: BookMatch
Voracious readers start here—by filling out this form, you will get a personalized recommendation from BPL librarians for your next read. Not just for children's books—we look for reads for all ages in a variety of formats!
FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND TEACHERS: BookFlix
An amazing resource that pairs animated video readings of picture books with a non-fiction book on a wide range of subjects.
FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Brainfuse HelpNow
Live tutoring from Brainfuse experts is available from 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM EST, plus personalized academic assistance in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science), a 24/7 Writing Lab, academic content and practice tests for skills-building (including SAT preparation), and more.
FOR GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE: College Connect
If you are thinking about applying to college or another post-secondary educational program, you can book an online appointment with a BPL staff member who will help you with the admissions process, including selecting the right program, completing CUNY, SUNY, or private school applications, and applying for financial aid.
FOR YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Libraries are offering a wide range of services both virtually and in-person. In-person services include borrowing reserved materials, extended WiFi signals, signing up for library cards, and copy and print services. Services vary from location and in-person services are being added in as it is safe to do so; check our map for a list of branches and what they offer.
Virtual offerings include a wide range of online resources, such as Ancestry.com and Flipster, a growing eBook and eAudiobook catalog, and live and recorded programming with storytimes, teen times, craft and cultural programs, and more.
About: Kat has been a librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library since 2016. She received her MLIS at Pratt Institute. A native of Maine, Kat has called Brooklyn home since 2005. Prior to starting her career in libraries, she worked in the contemporary art world as a registrar and archivist.