There are so many great events and activities for all ages going on at the Carroll Gardens Library this fall. Here is a schedule and you can always find out about new programs by taking a look at the new outdoor bulletin board and stopping into the branch:
Regular programming includes:
Monday - Babies and Books - limited seating begins 9/16. Two sessions: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM and 11:15-12:00 pm. Birth-18 months.
Monday - Writing for Seniors - 1pm- 3pm.
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Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday - Senior Wellness - 10 AM.
Tuesday - Knitting Group - 4 pm - All ages.
Tuesday - Book Adventures starting 9/24 - Read aloud and book based craft/activity. 4 pm-5pm - Ages 6-12.
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Wednesday - Chess With National Chess Master Manuel Ugarte starts 10/2 - 6:15-7:30 pm - All ages and levels welcome.
Wednesday - Writing Memoir Group - 5 pm - 7 pm - Adults.
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Thursday - Toddler Time - limited seating begins 9/16 - Two sessions: 10:30 AM-11:15 AM and 11:15-12 pm. 19 months to 3 years old.
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Friday - Arts and Crafts 1 pm- 2:30 pm. Ages 2 and up.
Friday - French films for children - first Friday of each month, beginning October 4. 3:45 pm - Ages 6-10. (monthly program)
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Saturday - French storytime, first Saturday of every month, 10:30 AM -11 am. Babies and toddlers. (monthly program)
Saturday - Storytime with Carol and Friends, read aloud and art/craft activity. 10:30 AM, Ages 4-6.
Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Welcome Back from the Summer!
It feels like the end of summer when New York City public school children head back to class - there's an energy in the air that makes it more like new year sometimes even more than January 1. We hope everyone did their summer reading and that you got some of your books out from the library this summer!
For those who were away for part of the summer, here are a picture of the beautiful new bookshelves that Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library was able to purchase for the children's section. They are low so kids can reach the books - fancy that! And they are solid and will last in our library for many years to come.
The Friends group was able to buy these shelves through our fundraising efforts, particularly our big book sales over the past two years. We wanted to contribute some lasting to the library branch and were so happy to acheive this goal.
Since the beginning of the summer there have been other changes at the library including the installation of self checkout machines and other renovations. In addition the head librarian who began at Carroll Gardens in January 2013, has moved on to a different job so we are waiting to hear about the new Neighborhood Library Services manager. We will post the news as soon as we get any information. Good luck to Molly, she was great and we'll miss her!
Finally, the Friends group is planning activities for the fall including starting up our monthly movie series' for children in multiple languages. We'll continue the English and French films that were so popular last year and we are planning films in Spanish and Italian as well. When we have confirmed dates we will post that too.
Our next general meeting will be Wednesday, September 18 at 6:30 downstairs at the library. Everyone is invited!
For those who were away for part of the summer, here are a picture of the beautiful new bookshelves that Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library was able to purchase for the children's section. They are low so kids can reach the books - fancy that! And they are solid and will last in our library for many years to come.
The Friends group was able to buy these shelves through our fundraising efforts, particularly our big book sales over the past two years. We wanted to contribute some lasting to the library branch and were so happy to acheive this goal.
Since the beginning of the summer there have been other changes at the library including the installation of self checkout machines and other renovations. In addition the head librarian who began at Carroll Gardens in January 2013, has moved on to a different job so we are waiting to hear about the new Neighborhood Library Services manager. We will post the news as soon as we get any information. Good luck to Molly, she was great and we'll miss her!
Finally, the Friends group is planning activities for the fall including starting up our monthly movie series' for children in multiple languages. We'll continue the English and French films that were so popular last year and we are planning films in Spanish and Italian as well. When we have confirmed dates we will post that too.
Our next general meeting will be Wednesday, September 18 at 6:30 downstairs at the library. Everyone is invited!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Summer Reading Kick off Party - Thursday, June 6 2 PM- 4 PM
The Carroll Gardens library will be closed from Saturday June 8-Sunday July 7, re-opening on Monday July 8 at 10 AM. The closure is for the installation of self-check out machines, a slot for quick return of books, and reconfiguring of the circulation desk and some other areas of the main floor.
BUT FIRST, Dig Into Reading at the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at the library on Thursday, June 6 from 2PM- 4 PM (it's Anniversary Day so public schools are closed).
Our wonderful librarians, Molly Pudner, Neighborhood Library Supervisor and Juana Flores, the children's librarian, have fun plans to usher in the summer including book giveaways, games, a face-painting station, a "pledge to read station", a "clay" station and discovery zone for interactive play; and a library scavenger hunt, all with this this year's theme "Dig Into Reading". The Friends group proudly supports Summer Reading and our branch's kick-off party with donations and volunteer support.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Storytime With Carol & Friends With Author Sergio Ruzzier 4/20
We're so thrilled to be welcoming children's author and illustrator Sergio Ruzzier to the library. Mr. Ruzzier will be reading his new book "Bear and Bee" during our weekly Saturday morning Storytime with Carol & Friends.
Sergio has written many adorable and lovely children's books including "Have You Seen My New Blue Socks,""Amandina," "The Room of Wonders," "Tweak, Tweak," and "Why Mole Shouted".
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Meet Your New Librarian: Molly Pudner
We are so excited to introduce our new Neighborhood Library Supervisor at the Carroll Gardens branch, Molly Pudner, who has been at the Carroll Gardens Library branch since January. Molly submitted to our questionnaire so that we can all get to know her a little bit better - enjoy!
FCGL:How long have you been a librarian?
FCGL:How long have you been a librarian?
MP: Since 2005
FCGL: Where were you before coming to the Carroll Gardens branch?
MP: Maternity leave! It was
great. But before that, I was the Neighborhood Library Supervisor at the
Eastern Parkway branch, a supervisor at the Cypress Hills branch, and
young adult librarian at the Leonard branch, and I worked a year in
Central’s Youth Wing doing teen and children’s programs. I met my
husband there, he’s a public school teacher and brought his class to the
Central library every Friday! (and dressed suspiciously extra nice
those Fridays….).
FCGL:What made you want to be
a librarian?
MP: I worked for a family literacy program in Juneau, Alaska for three years and one of the highlights for our families was getting a library card. It puzzled me they did not take advantage of the library before as I used them every chance I got and knew they had so much to offer. And it dawned on me this was my perfect job: incorporating my love of books, my passion for promoting literacy, and my goals for public service. I’m so proud of the institution of the public library too: a place where all are welcome.
MP: I worked for a family literacy program in Juneau, Alaska for three years and one of the highlights for our families was getting a library card. It puzzled me they did not take advantage of the library before as I used them every chance I got and knew they had so much to offer. And it dawned on me this was my perfect job: incorporating my love of books, my passion for promoting literacy, and my goals for public service. I’m so proud of the institution of the public library too: a place where all are welcome.
FCGL:What do you like best about being a librarian?
MP: Learning new things
every day; helping people; talking about books; keeping up on the
publishing world: I used to do this for fun and now it's part of my job.
FCGL: Did you go to the library a lot as a child?
MP: Oh yes. I remember
summer reading programs at my local library in southern California. I’ve
used libraries a lot throughout my life; while travelling I always
sought out the local library.
FCGL: What are some of your favorite books?
FCGL: Do you own an e-reader?
Nope! I suppose I will someday, but I have no plans at the moment to get one.
FCGL: What do you think the role of a librarian is today? Are books and libraries still relevant?
MP: The
library is a vital part of a community for so many reasons. The digital
divide is very much real and larger than I think people realize, and we
are often the only place people can turn to for help. Job seekers need
email addresses to apply for a job, they need computers, and often times
don't know how to go about doing any of this. You can find
this throughout Brooklyn in great numbers. We are here for English as a
second language classes, GED classes, leisure pursuits like arts and
discussions for all ages, early childhood programs, parents returning to
college needing research assistance - we provide these and so much
more. They are incomparable resources. Findings show New York library
usage is only increasing, yet our funding is cut every year. It's
heartbreaking.
Say hello to Molly the next time you are at the branch!
The Secret of Kells - Friday, April 12
Our next English language movie for children this Friday, April 12, 3:45 pm in the auditorium - "The Secret of Kells" - suitable for children 8+. Brendan lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. But a new life of adventure beckons when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from the isle of Iona carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide.
Participatory Budgeting: Computers for libraries among top five projects!
City Councilman Brad Lander decided two years ago to dedicate a portion of the capital funds he gets for community projects each year to a process call participatory budgeting (PB). Through this process community members work over a period of months to identify projects that will benefit neighborhoods and residents in his district. Projects are narrowed down and then residents of the council district vote for the projects they believe will most benefit the community, and the top 5-6 projects up to $1million receive the funding.
This year through the PB process community resident Ira Tolbert worked to include a project that would commit $75,000 to new computers in both the Carroll Gardens and Windsor Terrace branch libraries.
The PB vote was this past weekend, and the library project came in third among the top six vote getting projects! So, working with the BPL, Councilman Lander will dedicate these funds to purchasing the computers for both branches.
Thank you Ira for all your hard work and Councilman Lander, who spearheaded the participatory budgeting process. This new technology will serve both of our neighborhoods for years to come.
This year through the PB process community resident Ira Tolbert worked to include a project that would commit $75,000 to new computers in both the Carroll Gardens and Windsor Terrace branch libraries.
The PB vote was this past weekend, and the library project came in third among the top six vote getting projects! So, working with the BPL, Councilman Lander will dedicate these funds to purchasing the computers for both branches.
Thank you Ira for all your hard work and Councilman Lander, who spearheaded the participatory budgeting process. This new technology will serve both of our neighborhoods for years to come.
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Glory of Brooklyn- our borough in art and photography
Transcendent photographs. Evocative essays.Haunting watercolor paintings. No matter the medium, the sentiment of respect clearly shines through in the art and writings of a talented trio – Thomas Rupolo; Joan Marans Dim; and Antonio Masi, who will present their works in a free and entertaining evening at the Carroll Gardens Library, Tuesday, March 19, 7 to 9 p.m, hosted by Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library.
Carroll Gardens resident Joan Marans Dim, an essayist and historian, and New York City artist Antonio Masi will discuss their book "New York's Golden Age of Bridges". With a visual presentation focused on the four bridges of Brooklyn – the Brooklyn, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg, and the Verrazano-Narrows --the discussion will focus on the bridges’ artistic and cultural underpinnings, and their impact nationally as well as worldwide.
Bridges form connections over water, and many area residents feel a strong connection to the nearby waterfront community of Red Hook. Photographer Thomas Rupolo will explore the “lost continent” of Red Hook, where “even cabbies can’t find their way” in a presentation of photos as bright and vibrant as the people who live there, as featured in his book "Images of Red Hook."
This event is the latest in a series of free artistic and literary evenings hosted by the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library, refreshments of wine and cheese will be served. Signed books will be available for purchase. Auditorium of the library, 396 Clinton Street at the corner of Union Street.Free and Open to the Public.
ABOUT ANTONIO MASI: Antonio Masi, fascinated by bridges since childhood, began painting them a decade ago. He is drawn particularly to the 59th Street (the recently renamed Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, which his grandfather Francesco Masi helped build. Masi has won national and global acclaim for his paintings of New York City bridges.
ABOUT JOAN MARANS DIM: Joan Dim is co-author of The Miracle on Washington Square: New York University and the author of the novel Recollections of a Rotten Kid. She has traveled the bridges of New York City all her life and is a proud Carroll Gardens resident.
ABOUT THOMAS RUPOLO: Tom Rupolo has been living in and around Red Hook for 15 years. Formerly a nature photographer, he found that moving to Brooklyn provided new subjects such as industrial sites, architectural oddities, street life and close-ups of urban details.
Carroll Gardens resident Joan Marans Dim, an essayist and historian, and New York City artist Antonio Masi will discuss their book "New York's Golden Age of Bridges". With a visual presentation focused on the four bridges of Brooklyn – the Brooklyn, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg, and the Verrazano-Narrows --the discussion will focus on the bridges’ artistic and cultural underpinnings, and their impact nationally as well as worldwide.
Bridges form connections over water, and many area residents feel a strong connection to the nearby waterfront community of Red Hook. Photographer Thomas Rupolo will explore the “lost continent” of Red Hook, where “even cabbies can’t find their way” in a presentation of photos as bright and vibrant as the people who live there, as featured in his book "Images of Red Hook."
This event is the latest in a series of free artistic and literary evenings hosted by the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library, refreshments of wine and cheese will be served. Signed books will be available for purchase. Auditorium of the library, 396 Clinton Street at the corner of Union Street.Free and Open to the Public.
ABOUT ANTONIO MASI: Antonio Masi, fascinated by bridges since childhood, began painting them a decade ago. He is drawn particularly to the 59th Street (the recently renamed Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, which his grandfather Francesco Masi helped build. Masi has won national and global acclaim for his paintings of New York City bridges.
ABOUT JOAN MARANS DIM: Joan Dim is co-author of The Miracle on Washington Square: New York University and the author of the novel Recollections of a Rotten Kid. She has traveled the bridges of New York City all her life and is a proud Carroll Gardens resident.
ABOUT THOMAS RUPOLO: Tom Rupolo has been living in and around Red Hook for 15 years. Formerly a nature photographer, he found that moving to Brooklyn provided new subjects such as industrial sites, architectural oddities, street life and close-ups of urban details.
Monday, February 25, 2013
March 6 Free Estate Planning Seminar for the "Sandwich" Generation
Nearly 10 million Americans are considered to be a part of the “Sandwich Generation”, with over 25% of American families being involved in both child and elder care at the same time. And while it may not seem possible to add one more item to an overstuffed to-do list, estate planning is all about being prepared.
Financial planner Kerri Kimball is joined by attorney Alison Arden Besunder on March 6, 6:30 p.m. at the Carroll Gardens Library for a comprehensive discussion of the ins and outs of planning for the future care of our loved ones and getting our financial houses in order, as well as preparing essential documents which are frequently procrastinated on.
In preparing for the seminar, Kerri Kimball said, "Nearly every family has taboos about talking about money. But now is the time to tackle these issues so that our loved ones aren’t left in the dark. Some simple steps taken now can provide peace of mind that our families’ finances are secure."
The seminar is free but registration is required at http://estateplanbrooklyn.eventbrite.com/ to guarantee seating. Light refreshments will be served. The seminar will be held in the downstairs auditorium of the library.
Alison Arden Besunder is the founder and principal attorney of Arden Besunder P.C., an estate planning and litigation practice in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Alison has spent fifteen years practicing law in the New York City. She focuses her practice in the areas of Trusts and Estate Planning, Elder Law, Estate Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property. Alison is a member of the Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Sections of the New York State Bar Association and the NYSBA Animals and the Law Committee. She is an accomplished writer on a variety of legal topics, with articles published in the New York Law Journal, Managing Intellectual Property, and the Suffolk Lawyer, and is also an active volunteer with the Jewish Association of Services for the Aged (JASA).
Kerri Kimball is the Vice President of the Element Financial Group and is a certified financial planner, Investment Advisor Representative, and Life and Health Insurance Agent. She serves as co-chair of the Leadership Advisory Board of the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York and is also a member of Financial Planning Association, 85 Broads, National Ethics Association, and Executive Moms. Kerri speaks French and Spanish, and lives in Brooklyn with her family.
This free event is hosted by the Friends of the Carroll Gardens library and was organized by Corcoran Group Real Estate agents Justine Torchio and Chris DiChiaro. Justine is a native and current resident of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn who volunteers with the Friends group and Chris has been a resident of Carroll Gardens for the past seven years and has a family-owned retail boutique on Court Street.
Financial planner Kerri Kimball is joined by attorney Alison Arden Besunder on March 6, 6:30 p.m. at the Carroll Gardens Library for a comprehensive discussion of the ins and outs of planning for the future care of our loved ones and getting our financial houses in order, as well as preparing essential documents which are frequently procrastinated on.
In preparing for the seminar, Kerri Kimball said, "Nearly every family has taboos about talking about money. But now is the time to tackle these issues so that our loved ones aren’t left in the dark. Some simple steps taken now can provide peace of mind that our families’ finances are secure."
The seminar is free but registration is required at http://estateplanbrooklyn.eventbrite.com/ to guarantee seating. Light refreshments will be served. The seminar will be held in the downstairs auditorium of the library.
Alison Arden Besunder is the founder and principal attorney of Arden Besunder P.C., an estate planning and litigation practice in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Alison has spent fifteen years practicing law in the New York City. She focuses her practice in the areas of Trusts and Estate Planning, Elder Law, Estate Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property. Alison is a member of the Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Sections of the New York State Bar Association and the NYSBA Animals and the Law Committee. She is an accomplished writer on a variety of legal topics, with articles published in the New York Law Journal, Managing Intellectual Property, and the Suffolk Lawyer, and is also an active volunteer with the Jewish Association of Services for the Aged (JASA).
Kerri Kimball is the Vice President of the Element Financial Group and is a certified financial planner, Investment Advisor Representative, and Life and Health Insurance Agent. She serves as co-chair of the Leadership Advisory Board of the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York and is also a member of Financial Planning Association, 85 Broads, National Ethics Association, and Executive Moms. Kerri speaks French and Spanish, and lives in Brooklyn with her family.
This free event is hosted by the Friends of the Carroll Gardens library and was organized by Corcoran Group Real Estate agents Justine Torchio and Chris DiChiaro. Justine is a native and current resident of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn who volunteers with the Friends group and Chris has been a resident of Carroll Gardens for the past seven years and has a family-owned retail boutique on Court Street.
Friday, February 15, 2013
"Brave" at the library
Friday, February 15, come to a screening of "Brave" at the
Carroll Gardens library, 3:45 downstairs. "Brave" is the story of a
young girl who throws off convention to become an archer and rescues her
family from a witches curse. "Brave" won the Golden Globe for best
animated feature film and is nominated for an Academy Award. And it's
free at the library! Recommended for children 7 and up.
Friday, January 25, 2013
New Year, New Librarian!
We are pleased to announce that after the departure of the head librarian a few months ago the Carroll Gardens Library welcomes Molly Pudner, the Neighborhood Library Services. Molly was formerly at the Eastern Parkway branch. We'll have an interview and more information about her soon. Say hello when you stop by the library!
There is a lot happening at the library including the continuing of the children's French film series on the first Fridays of each month at 3:45 downstairs.
We'll also be starting a new English language movie series - the first showing is the wonderful animated movie "Brave" which will also be at 3:45 on Friday, February 15. Also, Kathleen Henderson will be coming to the library regularly on the last Monday of each month from 2 PM-5PM to do crafts - she'll be there this coming Monday, January 28.
There is a lot happening at the library including the continuing of the children's French film series on the first Fridays of each month at 3:45 downstairs.
We'll also be starting a new English language movie series - the first showing is the wonderful animated movie "Brave" which will also be at 3:45 on Friday, February 15. Also, Kathleen Henderson will be coming to the library regularly on the last Monday of each month from 2 PM-5PM to do crafts - she'll be there this coming Monday, January 28.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Happy New Year everyone!
Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library wishes everyone a very happy new year. We're looking forward to continuing to be part of the Carroll Gardens library and community in 2013 and seeing you all there. Here is a good resolution for the new year and all year: Come to the library more often to read, borrow books, enjoy the programs, watch a movie and see your neighbors!
We haven't done quotes for awhile, but here are some great ones to start off the new year right:
"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
- T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"
"Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever."
- Mark Twain
Happy New Year everyone!
We haven't done quotes for awhile, but here are some great ones to start off the new year right:
"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
- T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"
"Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever."
- Mark Twain
Happy New Year everyone!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Aid for Schools or Public Libraries Damaged by Hurricane Sandy
We've put together a list of resources for schools and public libraries damaged by Hurricane Sandy - hundreds across the area and in New York City. We will update as we gather more information, and please share any information you have in the comments.
- The Simon & Schuster publishing company is “offering to any public or school library damaged by Hurricane Sandy a donation of 500 ‘best of’ titles in order to help in the restoration of their collections.” They are inviting individual libraries and schools to participate with them in this effort. If you know a school or library in need, please have them contact michelle.fadlalla@simonandschuster.com in the Education and Library Marketing department.
- Scholastic Books has created a program, “One Million Book Donation for Schools and Libraries”. They are accepting book grant requests from heavily-damaged schools and libraries in the tri-state region. Find their application and more info here.
- First Book is a nonprofit organization that gives new books to children in need. If your program’s books have been damaged by Sandy, contact First Book here.
In our neighborhood, this Saturday, November 17, local Girl Scout troop 2440 will be collecting new and gently used books to help re-stock the shelves of P.S. 52 in Staten Island. P.S. 52 was hit so hard by hurricane Sandy that they are still pumping water and sewage out of the building. All of their books were ruined. If you live nearby you can drop off kid's books at the Citibank on 375 Court Street (@1st Pl) from 10am-1pm. The target age range for books is 5-12 years old.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Sandy Recovery Writing Workshops at the CG library
Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library is pleased to announce that the NY Writers Coalition will be providing free writing workshops that aim to allow people to express their thoughts about the hurricane and its aftermath. In response to the storm, they decided to provide a space for people to find community and write in a supportive environment.
Please join NY Writers Coalition for a free community workshop at the library on Tuesdays at 5:15-7:30 p.m beginning Tuesday, November 13, 2012.
Open to writers of all genres -- poetry, fiction, memoir, whatever you want to write. All levels of experience are welcome and no advance sign-up is necessary.
About NY Writers Coalition: NYWC provides free, unique, and powerful creative writing workshops throughout New York City for people from groups that have been historically deprived of voice in our society, including at-risk and disconnected youth, the homeless and formerly homeless, the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, war veterans, people with disabilities, cancer and major illness, immigrants, seniors and others. For more information, visit www.nywriterscoalition.org
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Hurricane Sandy
Like everyone else in our region we are deeply concerned about how Hurricane Sandy has hurt the people in the community. We as members of the Friends group and just people who care about our fellow neighbors have been involved in many volunteer efforts and are also proud to support all initiatives to help. This page on the BPL website will be regularly updated with information, needed supplies and efforts to assist http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/hurricane.
Please see the information above about how you can donate supplies and what to bring to the Carroll Gardens library beginning Thursday, November 8.
The Brooklyn Public Library has been collecting and distributing supplies with their mobile book units for several days, bringing needed items, books for children and also serving as charging stations for electronics.
When the Carroll Gardens library was a voting site on Election Day, community members capitalized on long lines to organize a wonderfully successful bake sale to raise funds for local relief and recovery efforts - they raised more than $2,000!
Neighborhoods close to Carroll Gardens like Red Hook and Gowanus, and places much further away like Staten Island, Rockaway, Coney Island and New Jersey are in our thoughts. We'll continue to post information and ways to help as they arise.
Please see the information above about how you can donate supplies and what to bring to the Carroll Gardens library beginning Thursday, November 8.
The Brooklyn Public Library has been collecting and distributing supplies with their mobile book units for several days, bringing needed items, books for children and also serving as charging stations for electronics.
When the Carroll Gardens library was a voting site on Election Day, community members capitalized on long lines to organize a wonderfully successful bake sale to raise funds for local relief and recovery efforts - they raised more than $2,000!
Neighborhoods close to Carroll Gardens like Red Hook and Gowanus, and places much further away like Staten Island, Rockaway, Coney Island and New Jersey are in our thoughts. We'll continue to post information and ways to help as they arise.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Support for the Carroll Gardens Library
Grant to FCGL from City Councilmember Brad Lander
We are proud to announce that our Friends group has been awarded a $3,500 grant to increase programming capabilities and outreach at the library by Brad Lander, our City Council representative. Specifically, we asked for funding to install Wi-fi capabilities downstairs at the library. Currently, only the first floor computers can connect to Wi-fi. Without this capability downstairs, programming has been curtailed over the last few years and we are so glad to have secured money to improve our libraries' functioning. In addition, the funding will allow us to buy supplies and equipment to do more outreach to the community and let people know what is happening at the library. Thank you very much Councilman Lander!
Another thank you to the Cobble Hill Association
Because of a grant from the Cobble Hill Association in the spring, we were able to buy a portable PA system for the library. Though the library already had a digital projector, there was no sound system so plans to present films and other events that need sound weren't possible. Now they are! October 12 was the first in a new series of French language films for children and it was a huge success, with about 50 children attending. This could not have happened without the sound system - thank you again to the CHA.
We are proud to announce that our Friends group has been awarded a $3,500 grant to increase programming capabilities and outreach at the library by Brad Lander, our City Council representative. Specifically, we asked for funding to install Wi-fi capabilities downstairs at the library. Currently, only the first floor computers can connect to Wi-fi. Without this capability downstairs, programming has been curtailed over the last few years and we are so glad to have secured money to improve our libraries' functioning. In addition, the funding will allow us to buy supplies and equipment to do more outreach to the community and let people know what is happening at the library. Thank you very much Councilman Lander!
Another thank you to the Cobble Hill Association
Because of a grant from the Cobble Hill Association in the spring, we were able to buy a portable PA system for the library. Though the library already had a digital projector, there was no sound system so plans to present films and other events that need sound weren't possible. Now they are! October 12 was the first in a new series of French language films for children and it was a huge success, with about 50 children attending. This could not have happened without the sound system - thank you again to the CHA.
 |
| Children enjoying "Zarafa", a French film at the library |
Fall at the Carroll Gardens Library
Since the library re-opened after summer construction, things have gotten off to a great start. Friends of the Carroll Gardens library and the library staff have planned many ongoing and special new programs.
Upcoming Fall events
Saturdays 10:30 AM, ages 4-6. Storytime with Carol & Friends. October 27 special Halloween edition! Mari Takabayashi is the special guest, reading her book about Halloween in Carroll Gardens
Monday, October 22, 2 PM - 5 PM - Fall crafts with Kathleen Henderson, our beloved Carroll Park activity supervisor. The park program is closed for the year so come and have fun with Kathleen indoors. Ages 3-up with parents.
Wednesday, October 31, 3:45 PM - Celebrate Halloween with Juana Flores, the children's librarian, with activities, stories and treats.
Friday, November 2, 3:45 PM - The French children's film series continues with "Un Monstre a Paris" ages 5 and up (no subtitles).
For more information about regular weekly program at the Carroll Gardens library, go to the branch's calendar on the Brooklyn Public Library's website.
Upcoming Fall events
Saturdays 10:30 AM, ages 4-6. Storytime with Carol & Friends. October 27 special Halloween edition! Mari Takabayashi is the special guest, reading her book about Halloween in Carroll Gardens
Monday, October 22, 2 PM - 5 PM - Fall crafts with Kathleen Henderson, our beloved Carroll Park activity supervisor. The park program is closed for the year so come and have fun with Kathleen indoors. Ages 3-up with parents.
Wednesday, October 31, 3:45 PM - Celebrate Halloween with Juana Flores, the children's librarian, with activities, stories and treats.
Friday, November 2, 3:45 PM - The French children's film series continues with "Un Monstre a Paris" ages 5 and up (no subtitles).
For more information about regular weekly program at the Carroll Gardens library, go to the branch's calendar on the Brooklyn Public Library's website.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Dream Big! Summer Reading Kick-off Party 6/7
The Brooklyn Public Library's Summer Reading Program is a great way to encourage kids to keep reading over the summer. This year's theme is "Dream Big" and at the Carroll Gardens Library Summer Reading Kick-off Party there will be games, activities and prizes - come sign your kids up for the program, which includes on-line reading logs and activities all summer. And meet the new Carroll Gardens Library children's librarian Juana Flores, who will be helping the kids sign up. The party is Thursday, June 7 from 2 PM -4 M - it's Anniversary Day so public schools are closed.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Love Your Library Day!
Love Your Library Day 2012 was fantastic! The final tally is in and our fundraising event made nearly $9,500 for the branch. Around 500 people came through the library to buy books, enjoy our kid's activities, meet friends and neighbors and celebrate libraries - a great community resource for everyone.
Huge thanks to all of the dedicated volunteers from the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library and the neighborhood who helped organize this great day. Thanks also to Lela Nargi author of "The Honeybee Man," and Josh Lewis author of the "Super Chicken Nugget Boy" series who came to read from their books, Curious Jane camp's Samantha Razook Murphy who led kids in a beautiful mini-book making art activity, and Carol Troha and Assemblywoman Joan Millman who read some of their favorite children's stories. Special thanks to the Cobble Hill Association whose recent $500 grant went toward the purchase of a PA system that we used during Love Your Library Day.
Upcoming events at the library:
Summer Reading Kick-off Party - Thursday, June 2 from 2 PM - 4PM (it's a day off from school). Come sign up your kids for the Brooklyn Public Library's Summer Reading program
Carroll Gardens Library Authors Series presents Daniel Kalla reading from his new novel "The Far Side of the Sky" - Tuesday, June 12 at 7 PM
Photos from Love Your Library Day:
Huge thanks to all of the dedicated volunteers from the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library and the neighborhood who helped organize this great day. Thanks also to Lela Nargi author of "The Honeybee Man," and Josh Lewis author of the "Super Chicken Nugget Boy" series who came to read from their books, Curious Jane camp's Samantha Razook Murphy who led kids in a beautiful mini-book making art activity, and Carol Troha and Assemblywoman Joan Millman who read some of their favorite children's stories. Special thanks to the Cobble Hill Association whose recent $500 grant went toward the purchase of a PA system that we used during Love Your Library Day.
Upcoming events at the library:
Summer Reading Kick-off Party - Thursday, June 2 from 2 PM - 4PM (it's a day off from school). Come sign up your kids for the Brooklyn Public Library's Summer Reading program
Carroll Gardens Library Authors Series presents Daniel Kalla reading from his new novel "The Far Side of the Sky" - Tuesday, June 12 at 7 PM
Photos from Love Your Library Day:
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| Book sale - crowd in the main room |
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| Bake sale! |
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| Samantha Razook Murphy from Curious Jane |
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| Lela Nargi reads "The Honeybee Man" |
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| Kid's books and CDs were popular |
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Love Your Library Day This Saturday, May 19 10 AM-4 PM
Love Your Library Day - In addition to our huge book sale, we are celebrating our community with a line up of cool entertainment including readings by children's authors and local residents Josh Lewis, author of the Super Chicken Nugget Boy series and Lela Nargi, author of The Honeybee Man, a finalist for the Cook prize for children's science writing; art activities with Curious Jane, and more! Brooklyn Public Library t-shirts will be available for sale and we'll have another delicious bake sale - all to raise money for the library and raise awareness of how important libraries are to the community.
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Josh Lewis, author of Super Chicken Nugget Boy
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The Honeybee Man by author Lela Nargi
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Volunteer: We need volunteers to sort through and organize books and help us out on Love Your Library Day - please sign up to help here -http://tinyurl.com/bsnyr79
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Curious Jane will be on hand to make mini-books with kids
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Thank you - we are looking forward to a wonderful day celebrating our library and our community!
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