Summer 2016 OFF THE SHELF SUMMER 2016

GREENPOINT

LEONARD

WILLIAMSBURGH

BUSHWICK

WALT WHITMAN WASHINGTON IRVING the HEIGHTS DEKALB

MARCY

CLINTON HILL

SARATOGA BEDFORD CARROLL GARDENS PACIFIC MACON ARLINGTON SUMMER

RED HOOK BROWER PARK

CENTRAL CYPRESS HILL BROWNSVILLE

EASTERN PARKWAY PARK SLOPE

NEW LOTS STONE AVENUE

CROWN HEIGHTS issue

EAST FLATBUSH

SPRING CREEK FLATBUSH

WINDSOR TERRACE RUGBY

SUNSET PARK

CANARSIE CORTELYOU BOROUGH PARK

CLARENDON BAY RIDGE PAERDEGAT KENSINGTON MCKINLEY PARK

MIDWOOD

MAPLETON

FLATLANDS MILL BASIN

DYKER FORT HAMILTON RYDER happenings branch spotlight

KINGS HIGHWAY IMLS National Medal for coney island NEW UTRECHT Museum & Library Service HIGHLAWN 08 HOMECREST KINGS BAY ULMER PARK 03 GERRITSEN BEACH GRAVESEND book recommendations program spotlight SHEEPSHEAD BAY baseball, beach reads summer reading & Betterment CONEY ISLAND BRIGHTON BEACH 04 10

Brooklyn Public Library is the fifth-largest public library system in the Arts & Culture program spotlight united states, serving the borough’s 2.5 million residents anD offering Guru Dutt & Satyajit Ray bklyn book bike thousands of public programs, millions of books, free wifi and more than 1,100 internet-accessible computers. 05 12

OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 1 LETTER happenings FROM 2016 National Medal THE for Museum and Library Service PRESIDENT Brooklyn Public Library community, leaving no one behind. We won! received the 2016 IMLS BPL earned the National Medal in part National Medal for Museum & for the work of our Outreach Services Library Service, the nation’s Department, which offers citizenship highest honor for libraries. classes for new Americans, creative aging workshops for older adults, The plaza at Central Library sees its share of The award is a tribute to the thousands an oral history project for veterans excitement throughout the year: concerts, block of staff, volunteers and supporters who and the Books-to-Go program for parties, dance-offs and more. But there’s nothing quite like the give so much of themselves to make homebound patrons. kickoff to Summer Reading. the Library a resource for the entire

Every year on Chancellor’s Day, thousands of children and Check out First Lady Michelle Obama congratulating BPL at bklynlib.org/imls-award. families flock to Central for a daylong celebration of literacy and learning. The students sing, dance and shout for joy. They marvel at magic tricks and cheer on puppeteers and jugglers. When they leave, their painted faces are smiling and their Whatever your age, and whichever your genre, Brooklyn temporarily tattooed arms are full of books. Public Library has you covered. Our librarians have packed this issue of Off the Shelf with recommendations for readers of This year, more than one thousand Brooklynites registered every stripe and pleasure. And remember, it’s not too late for for the Summer Reading program on Chancellor’s Day, with the children in your life to join in the fun by registering for thousands more joining them in the following weeks. These Summer Reading at bklynlibrary.org/SummerReading or in any young people and their caregivers took an important step of our 60 branches. toward preventing “summer slide,” the loss of literacy skills suffered by students who do not read while school is out From one summer reader to another: enjoy the rest of the of session. season, and see you in the fall!

Summer reading is essential for success in the classroom and Very truly, in life. But most of all, summer reading is about fun: Kids visiting the library when they would normally be in school. Working parents enjoying some precious alone time under the shade of a beach umbrella or a elm. Entire days spent lost—wonderfully, blissfully adrift—in the magical world of Harry Potter, the haunting landscapes of Alice Munro, the unforgettable Brooklyn of Betty Smith, Edwidge Danticat or Linda E. Johnson Colm Tóibín. President & CEO

2 OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 3 ARTS & CULTURE at central library

Baseball, Brooklyn Public Library hosts cultural events throughout the borough, including special series and programming at the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Cultural Center. Join us to ignite your Beach Reads & curiosity and immerse yourself in art and ideas.

Summer Series Spotlight Betterment Guru Admit it. Whether you’re lounging in a hammock or indulging in a staycation, Dutt & taking in a tome is probably the last thing on your mind. Then you remember: summer reading isn’t just Satyajit for kids! Here is a selection of quirky works from librarian Charisma Lee that Ray may help you learn something new or Sundays, 3 pm introduce you to powerful storytelling. If nothing else, you might laugh your way The 34-Ton Bat: The Story The Bad Guys Won Curveball: The Remarkable through another warm day. of Baseball As Told Through by Jeff Pearlman Story of Toni Stone, the BPL celebrates the work of two great Bobbleheads, Cracker First Woman to Play Jacks, Jockstraps, Eye Professional Baseball in film directors from India. Black, & 375 Other Strange the Negro League & Unforgettable Objects by Martha Ackmann by Steve Rushin Aparajito (Ray, 1956) August 7

Apur Sansar (Ray, 1959) August 14

Pyaasa (Dutt, 1957) August 21

bookmatch Modern Romance Kagaaz ke Phool (Dutt, 1959) librarian spotlight by Aziz Ansari August 28 Charisma Lee Adult Librarian The Star Side of Bird Hill Daydreams of Angels by Naomi Jackson Nayak (Ray, 1966) Brooklyn Heights Library by Heather O’Neill September 11, 1 pm

Before coming to BPL, Charisma Lee worked Seemabaddha (Ray, 1971) abroad as a teacher and translator. A polyglot, she is always looking to add to her Sepember 11, 4 pm arsenal of languages. Charisma joined the BookMatch committee because she enjoys sharing her finds with other readers. Visit our calendar at bklynlibrary.org for more events for the whole family! Hours: M – Th 9 – 9 | F 9 – 6 Sa 9 – 6 | Su 1 – 5 The Antidote: Happiness Visit Bklyn BookMatch online for People Who Can’t at bklynlibrary.org/bookmatch Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman and complete a reader profile Reclaiming Conversation: to get your personalized book How to Age The Power of Talk in a suggestions today! by Anne Karpf Digital Age by Sherry Turkle

4 OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 Pather Panchali © Janus Films OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 5 y e l . e e ust wait. oo rue Love Love rue . J he t & Tru e Lov t , Crazi e Lov is yway. ows Up is te n i n An Sh n 4. Tru 4. u ago uring a presentation, T presentation, a uring t ago D shows up and pledges eternity; co-workers clap; they kiss.

t END. THE e Re 9. Pro9. an you already feel the T tension? nd it’s always someone the protagonist would Lov protagonist works too much, is an over-achiever, and love—who needs that? THEY DO C A barely notice if not for a special circumstance: the doorman, the a new client, dog walker, hole. watering local the bartenderthe at 3. Pro Busy for Tru R S E ou PE s ll OV A C ma end ar Y ar “Stop denying it;“Stop AS e go and be happy!” and go ri E the s o a S N THE C 2. S 2. O ene y Trauma ench ce l g t y & F nnel N l u n rv a d h rother/sister back in rehab. Something will rehab. in back rother/sister ami Mom/dad is sick. Secret love child appears. B interfere with the ride on the happy train. ou already know the drama drama the know already ou ro ami Y will ebb and flow whenyou see the cover. crashing on waves Inte W r C Int ble 5. F 5. 10. Comi10. Ca 8. F If this book is worth its [sea]salt, beyou’ll able watch to the movie cleaning you’re while home at version all the sand out of your clothes. t u + t + ht is O ll n a ig rue Love, caughtrue Love, e g e F w ago d of n t If you still carry actual books, the best ones for the summer are the ones that won’t kill your back and are tied up in under 300 pages. i ht he Protagonist tries go to back between responsibility/denial heart the what and wants. T lifeto before T d rio “I’m too busy for this. busy for too “I’m e e Lov My life is complicated.” is My life 1.Lig Broo 6. Pro Tru 7. A P 7. storm. “There was a beautifully run ship here “Liberty High School students and the Coney when I arrived,” says Ben Gocker, the recently Island Beautification Project maintain our appointed supervising librarian at Coney Island. terrariums,” says Kathleen Fowler. “And BRIC has Coney Island “Maybe it’s being by the ocean that makes excellent courses, plus a good crowd of budding people more laid back here.” artists borrowing the recording equipment for personal projects.” “And we all have the space and freedom to work and serve our community,” adds Sharon Tidwell, Check out your next beach read, attend a Library a senior librarian who has been with BPL since class or enjoy the views at Coney Island Library 2002 and lives in the neighborhood. “It’s a good this summer! working environment.” Where Leisure & According to the staff, Coney Island Library also serves the neighborhood by partnering with several local organizations, including BRIC, the City Housing Authority, WorkForce1 Learning Rule and the National Action Network, among others. “This branch isn’t a tourist attraction like the nearby amusement park,” Gocker says. “Instead we attract a lot of jobseekers, teens, and local some of the Coney Island branch staff artists and entrepreneurs who are here for our workshops, gaming programs and the BRIC television studio upstairs. And the community- based organizations that work with us create the type of programs that keep people coming back.” But with extensive renovations—made possible Branch Spotlight in part by the AIG Disaster Relief Fund and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance —this Just a short walk from the rides, waves and beautifully updated library rose from its wet cotton candy, you’ll find Coney Island Library, embers, reopening with a new, modern look a branch whose serenity has balanced out the on October 23, 2013. The renovated branch bustle of the nearby boardwalk for more than pays tribute to the surrounding neighborhood: 100 years. The two-story library, located on salvaged planks from the boardwalk were Mermaid Avenue and West 19th Street, offers incorporated into the ceiling, while a beautiful ample space to learn and play. photomural of the beach and amusement park was installed on the first floor. On any given day adults can attend a meditative exercise class or learn the latest computer The opportunity to reconfigure the library’s software. Teens can participate in an exciting interior, adding more public space and meeting Poetry & Percussion session or play video games rooms, resulted in a more inviting atmosphere with friends. Story times for younger kids and art for the community. According to Coney Island classes for older adults abound. And for those Library circulation supervisor Kathleen Fowler, who just need a quiet place to read a good book, the renovated branch has been a hit with patrons. nothing beats the second floor, with its gorgeous “Just yesterday,” Fowlers says, “a woman told natural light and ocean views. me that she was sitting upstairs reading and she heard the air bubbles from our fish tank, and What to Expect this Summer Visitors to the branch will find it hard to believe looked around at the plants, and it gave her a that just a few years ago, Coney Island Library great feeling just to sit up there and read.” WEEKDAYS: Mondays: Chess Club Tuesdays: Thursdays: Kids Tech Fridays: ProjectArt was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Five feet Free Summer Meals Join our weekly chess club Build with Lego Time: Wii Gaming Art Workshops of water flooded the branch, and everything in Branch staff visit the nearby boardwalk for lunch June 29 – September 4, 1:15 and compete in friendly Kids; 2 – 3:30 pm Get in the Game this Explore drawing, painting – 2 pm; ages 18 and under. contests against other kids Summer with Wii, Board and mixed media work; it—books, furniture and technology—was lost, and genuinely enjoy working in a community and teens. New to the game Games and Lanyard materials provided. 2 – 4 forcing BPL to close the building for nearly a year. that has come back stronger than ever from the and want to learn? We’ll Wednesdays: Creation! 2 – 3 pm pm; ages 8 – 12; register at BOOK BIKE help you! All skill levels are Video Production Information Desk. Be on the lookout for BPL’s welcome! 1:30 – 3:30 pm Teens; 3 – 7 pm; registration new Book Bike around required. Coney Island all summer!

8 OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 OFF THE SHELF | spring 2016 9 SummEr READING Don’t Forget to READD

FUN FOR Splish, Splash Baby (Babies) Poppy the Pirate Dog (2 – 3) by Karen Katz by Liz Kessler, Kim Smith (Illus) Boats Go (Babies) Basketballs’ Greatest Players (4 – 5) EVERYONE! by Steve Light by Sydelle Kramer The Busy Body Book (Preschool) The Brooklyn Nine (Middle School) by Lizzy Rockwell by Alan Gratz The Summer Reading excitement began Kooky Campout (K – 1) Shadowboxer (High School) in June and won’t end until the school by Erica Farber, Huck Scarry (Illus) by Tricia Sullivan bells ring at the end of the season. Your neighborhood librarians have planned a full calendar of games, films, performances, Here’s a look at what’s in store for babies, kids and teens this summer; Came for story times and more to keep you “in the visit us online at bklynlibrary.org for more programming near you. game” all summer long! the Meals? Game On! Wildlife Theater presents Bubbles the Clown Stay for the Programs! Join us weekday afternoons Butterfly Boogie Celebrate the end of summer for board games and other Think bugs are gross? Think with Bubbles the Clown! fun activities. For kids 6 again! Come learn why Wednesday, August 31 and up. they’re actually the coolest 1 – 2:30 pm Thursdays, 1 – 2 pm creatures around. DeKalb Library Bedford Library Monday, August 22 2 – 3:30 pm Paerdegat Library

SUMMER at BPL: Not JUSt FOR Kidss Ask a librarian about family programming School may be out for the summer, but kids aren’t the only ones who can take advantage you can enjoy during of the longer days and beautiful weather. Here’s a peek at what BPL librarians have planned for free lunch at your neighborhood library. the adult crowd. Check out bklynlibrary.org/calendar for a full list of summer programming.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS GAMES For more information Quilting Workshop about our summer The Murder of Mary Russell Chess & Checkers Club Learn to quilt and share quilting meals program, visit us ideas. Bring your own materials. Challenge fellow patrons to a online at bklynlib.org/ by Laurie R. King Tuesdays, 2:30 pm friendly game of chess or checkers! Wednesday, August 3, 6:15 pm Gerritsen Beach Library summer-meals. Arlington Library Beginners are welcome. Daily Monday – Friday, 11 am Watercolor Workshop for Adults How to be Both Jamaica Bay Library Learn the techniques of by Ali Smith Summer Board Gaming watercolor painting. Tuesday, August 9, 11 am Thursdays, 1 pm Each week, a librarian will introduce Mill Basin Library Gerritsen Beach Library a new board game to the group. Beekeeper’s Apprentice Tuesdays, 11 am by Laurie R. King Marcy Library Thursday, August 25, 2 pm Windsor Terrace Library Adult Recess Do you miss recess? Play board Henna House games and tabletop games with us. by Nomi Eve Thursdays, 6:30 pm Monday, August 29, 2 pm Spring Creek Library Kings Bay Library

A Spool of Blue Thread Writing & Art by Anne Tyler Workshops Tuesday, September 13, 11 am Mill Basin Library Flatbush Fiction Writing Workshop This fun, nurturing writing workshop is inspired by international short-short stories. Open to anyone with the desire to write. Tuesdays, 5:30 pm 10 OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 Flatbush Library OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 11 happenings

Introducing the BKLYN Book Bike

Brooklyn Public Library’s books are on the go in a fun new way this summer, on our latest mobile library—the BKLYN Book Bike! This custom-built library-on-wheels is just the latest way for BPL librarians and staff to bring library services beyond the walls of our 60 branches.

Built by the DUMBO-based small business Redbeard Bikes, the BKLYN Book Bike was designed to transport books and programming supplies to events that cannot accommodate BPL’s Bookmobile. From beach boardwalks to downtown plazas, the Book Bike allows librarians to travel to popular hangouts in order to offer BPL’s services in the open air. For example, Book Bike librarians can bring literacy kits to playground story hours or copies of the latest bestseller to a readers’ advisory session at the Brooklyn Flea. Plus, the Book Bike is equipped with a mobile REDBEARD BIKES: WiFi hotspot and tablets running BPL’s circulation software, meaning anyone can sign up for Library powered by bpl Cards and check out materials on the spot. BPL’s PowerUP Business Plan competition has helped launch more than 100 The Book Bike’s maiden voyage took place in Brooklyn-based businesses since it early May at, fittingly, Bike the Branches, the began more than 10 years ago. In 2012, Library’s annual borough-wide bike ride and Redbeard Bikes was one of the business fundraiser. According to Nick Franklin, an outreach from that?’ I parked the Book Bike next to its older cousin, the plan proposals to win a cash prize. services librarian and avid cyclist, BKLYN Book Bookmobile, and the four-year-old kids who had just gotten Bike is already gaining fans across the borough. off the carousel flocked straight to the bike. It’s a lot of fun.” Thanks to PowerUP, shop owners Kasia and Ilya “Everywhere I rode it, there was a positive reaction,” Nikhamin opened a bike shop in DUMBO where new Nick says. “People ran up to take pictures and Want to meet the Book Bike this summer? Pack your beach riders and pros alike feel welcome. Ilya credits PowerUP all of them wanted to know how to borrow books bag! After participating in the Mermaid Parade, the bike will be with helping him choose a direction and start asking the from the bike. They were really excited about it!” stationed at Coney Island Library until mid-July, with occasional right questions. “By the time we submitted our business visits to the New York Aquarium and the boardwalk to sign up plan, Redbeard Bikes was already open!” he explained. Hitched to the back of the Book Bike is a custom- beachgoers for Library Cards. For the remainder of the summer built cart that unfolds into a set of colorful library and fall, the Book Bike will visit local parks, playgrounds, Both Kasia and Ilya immigrated to the US as children shelves. The cart is printed with illustrations that farmers markets and community events throughout Brooklyn. – from Poland and Moscow respectively – and echo the outside of BPL’s Bookmobiles, making credit the library with helping them adjust to their the bike instantly recognizable. The intent of If you see the Book Bike while you’re out and about in Brooklyn, new home. The duo are thrilled to have designed Brooklyn illustrator and author Adam J. Kurtz, stop by and borrow a book—and show some social media love BPL’s innovative new mobile library. “It takes all the creator of the eye-catching design, was to draw to our library-on-wheels using the hashtag #BKLYNBookBike best things in life – books, bikes and Brooklyn – people in. “I think the arrival of the Bookmobile and combines them into one!” explained Kasia. should be as exciting as the neighborhood ice Happy summer reading (and biking)! cream truck,” he says, and as it turns out, the Learn how BPL can help jump start your business at public has made a similar association. “When I went through Prospect Park,” Nick reports, bklynlib.org/powerup. “bystanders shouted at me, ‘Do you sell ice cream

12 OFF THE SHELF | summer 2016 Central Library 10 Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11238

Brooklyn Public Library gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our corporate donors.