Strategic Plan

January 11, 2013 This page and cover photo © Philip Greenberg TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...... 5 CREATING THE STRATEGIC PLAN...... 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... 9

BPL TODAY...... 10 OUR VISION...... 11

STRATEGIC GOALS...... 12

EDUCATION...... 14 ACCESS...... 22 CULTURE...... 28 INCLUSION...... 32 SPACE...... 38 STEWARDSHIP...... 44

Brooklyn Public Library 3 4 Brooklyn Public Library INTRODUCTION People have long turned to As the role of public libraries Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is growing, we also will move as a critical and free source of aggressively to incorporate new educational and recreational strategies for better serving programming and resources. For the public. Libraries now offer the Library to remain relevant, materials in more formats, on more it must adapt to meet the platforms and in more languages current and anticipated needs of than ever before. And as technology Brooklynites—from combating has become more integral to illiteracy, unemployment and daily life, we have expanded our the digital divide, to cultivating traditional literacy programs to entrepreneurship, creativity and include digital training. Libraries civic engagement. Now more than around the world are becoming ever, the Library must be flexible, laboratories, places where people dependable and well equipped to not only consume information, support the borough. but create it. New trends will continue to emerge, and BPL will Linda E. Johnson To determine the steps we keep working to offer the critical should take to strengthen our resources and opportunities the institution, over the past three citizens of a great borough deserve. years, BPL solicited feedback from many individuals, including We are deeply grateful for the patrons, elected officials, trustees, support of elected officials, donors, employees and community the Board of Trustees, friends members. Based on this input we groups, BPL’s employees and identified six major goals, centered volunteers, and most importantly, on education, access, culture, our patrons. All of you breathe life inclusion, space and stewardship. into our buildings and transform These priorities will guide our them into centers of community, programming and financial learning and knowledge. Above decisions in the years to come. all else, our libraries are places for everyone, and BPL is committed Brooklyn is a diverse and dynamic to ensuring that this fact will borough that is home to more never change. than 2.5 million people, including a growing creative community, Very truly, Anthony W. Crowell large immigrant population and many residents who have limited access to technology. Linda E. Johnson Each of our 60 libraries needs to President & CEO reflect and support their unique neighborhoods. By nurturing community ties and keeping abreast of demographic trends, we Anthony W. Crowell will provide highly customized, Chair, Board of Trustees focused and responsive service to all Brooklynites.

Brooklyn Public Library 5 6 Brooklyn Public Library creatING the strategic plan

This document is the outcome of a highly collaborative process that began over three years ago and involved qualitative and quantitative planning initiatives. Internally, these efforts included a public service staff retreat, system-wide staff survey, two strategic planning retreats with our Board of Trustees and over 30 focus groups and interviews with a total of more than 60 employees. Externally, we commissioned a rigorous Community Needs Assessment, which gathered information from 11 patron focus groups and 1,500 households as well as through a multilingual telephone survey and online surveys. We analyzed demographic and census tract data, including information from the NYC Department of City Planning and the Center for the Study of Brooklyn. Finally, the Library conducted a thorough review of branch usage, secondary data and industry trends, including “Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision Plan for Library Service in New York State” by the New York State Regents Advisory Council and “The Library in the City: Changing Demands and A Challenging Future” by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Brooklyn Public Library 7 8 Brooklyn Public Library Photo © Philip Greenberg Executive Summary

Since 1896, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), in accordance with its mission, has provided the people of Brooklyn with free and open access to information for education, recreation and reference. Evenly distributed across the diverse borough, BPL’s 60 locations serve as integral community gathering spaces for a wide variety of purposes. In many neighborhoods, the local branch library has remained one of the few constants amid more than a century of extraordinary change. Regardless of events outside its walls, the neighborhood branch has been a trustworthy source of timely and reliable information on a wide range of topics and a safe haven for children after school. Perhaps most importantly, BPL provides all library patrons with a sense of dignity and belonging, regardless of age, race or income.

While the Library remains a fundamental community institution, profound external changes in the way information is disseminated and accessed make it imperative for us to revisit our service model to enhance core services, re-envision programming to ensure its relevancy, and develop new and innovative approaches to best serve Brooklyn’s unique populations.

Brooklyn Public Library 9 Amid all the exciting growth and changes, the 2010 American Community Survey reveals that a staggering 23% of people residing in Brooklyn live below the poverty level3. This widespread poverty calls for a new approach to service delivery, including partnerships with community-based organizations and government agencies that promote economic empowerment, early literacy and training. The Library must develop a strategy to best serve the geographically large and heavily populated neighborhoods that have been left behind. This task is all the more complicated by the need to rebuild branches and engage in outreach to communities that were devastated Photo © Philip Greenberg by Hurricane Sandy, from Red Hook to Gerritsen Beach to Coney BPL Today The Library is also committed Island. Our obligation and desire to responding to the significant to help neighborhoods recover BPL has traditionally focused on demographic shifts that have from the storm makes our already the needs of children and families. occurred in the borough over the challenging budget situation, with Through innovations such as past few decades. According to the nearly $230 million in unfunded opening the Brownsville Children’s Center for the Study of Brooklyn, capital needs, extremely difficult. Library in 1914, the world’s first Brooklyn’s population has grown BPL must also address the public library devoted to children; 11.5% since 19901 and nearly half dramatic changes in the role the launch of The Child’s Place the borough’s population speaks libraries play in serving their for Children with Special Needs a language other than English at communities. Public libraries in 1986; and recurring programs home2. There have also been great are increasingly relied upon for such as story time, arts and shifts in Brooklyn’s local economy a range of educational and social crafts and Homework Help, the and industries, as manufacturing services that extend far beyond Library has been at the forefront has given way to new technology, providing access to books. The of educational programming, with an expanding service economy and advent of sophisticated internet a particular focus on literacy. Our creative arts communities. search engines and the increasing library professionals maintain Parts of the borough are public adoption of electronic strong relationships with educators flourishing. Neighborhoods like books and other forms of digital and children at day care centers, Fort Greene and Williamsburg content have compelled the Library public and parochial schools, are attracting artists, writers and to provide access to content in and those who are schooled at other creators of new content and a growing number of formats home. We will continue to make mediums, in addition to families across multiple platforms, despite the needs of children, teens and with young children. BPL has an continued budget reductions. families our highest priority in opportunity to devise new ways to our services and programming. serve the needs of these thriving, creative populations.

10 Brooklyn Public Library Our Vision: Every Brooklynite can Start Here

People come to BPL for many reasons: some want to create or improve their resumes, check out books or start new businesses, while others want to learn English, study local history or write the next Great American Novel. Whatever their reasons for visiting the Library, BPL will help patrons begin their journeys. Guided by this strategic plan, the Library will focus on being a leading voice in digital literacy, offering access to technology and providing support for children, families, entrepreneurs, jobseekers and Brooklyn’s creative community. We will strive to make our branches welcoming environments to all patrons, from returning veterans to new immigrants. BPL will also build close partnerships with institutions and organizations with complementary missions. By working with agencies ranging from the NYC Department of Education to BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn, the Library will expand its reach and enhance the services offered to the public. The Library aspires to be a nimble organization, one that is responsive to its environment and able to quickly adapt to changes in user needs.

1 Center for the Study of Brooklyn- Brooklyn Neighborhood Reports 2012 2 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate (DP02) 3 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate (CP03)

Brooklyn Public Library 11 Strategic Goals

1. EDUCATION 2. ACCESS 3. CULTURE

Promote early literacy, lifelong Improve access to library Support creative expression, learning and civic participation resources and increase culture and the arts • Create a foundation for the number of active throughout Brooklyn educational success through registered cardholders • Provide cultural programming youth, family and school • Develop a targeted collection and recreational opportunities engagement that reflects Brooklyn’s diverse • Highlight the borough’s • Build strong literacy skills among cultures and interests and rich history and the work of teenage and adult learners, provides access via preferred contemporary Brooklyn authors enabling them to achieve their formats and media and writers educational goals • Make it easier to find, borrow • Become a lead supporter of • Advance digital literacy and and return BPL materials and Brooklyn’s creative community engage users across the spectrum resources online, in person and of technology proficiency across the City Key Initiative: In 2013, launch • Help jobseekers and • Support and launch efforts a new writers-in-residence entrepreneurs develop a to provide Brooklynites with program to support aspiring foundation of skills access to our collections in non- writers and expand the use of • Encourage patrons to be civically traditional settings the Espresso Book Machine as engaged and informed • Create a library membership a self-publishing resource. program that recognizes and Key Initiative: In 2012, we rewards active users Key Initiative: In 2013, adopt launched MyLibraryNYC, a a new acquisitions strategy collaboration between the City’s Key Initiative: In 2012, we for the Brooklyn Collection three library systems and the converted to BiblioCommons, an to include contemporary NYC Department of Education interactive online catalog with Brooklyn works in addition to to provide services for public improved search capabilities, its existing concentration on school students and educators. multilingual translations, mobile nineteenth- and early twentieth- Through this initiative, we provide applications and social media century historical materials. a seamless online catalog across features. This is a first step the four institutions and deliver toward improving our digital our vast collections directly to NYC presence through our website public school libraries. and on mobile devices.

Key Initiative: By 2014, launch Key Initiative: By 2017, expand Start Here: Literacy, an initiative BPL membership to over 50% of to reconfigure BPL’s services to Brooklyn’s 2.5 million residents. prepare adult learners for new computer-based GED tests.

12 Brooklyn Public Library 4. INCLUSION 5. SPACE 6. STEWARDSHIP

Present a welcoming and Provide functional, attractive and Develop and maintain an inclusive environment safe spaces and align the Library’s adaptive and responsive culture • Strengthen library accessibility physical footprint with twenty- of service for immigrants first-century service delivery • Actively engage staff, trustees, • Provide programming and • Modernize the Library’s real- supporters, volunteers and services for older adults estate footprint to deliver partner organizations in • Improve service to all patrons, services in the spaces where our the Library’s mission and including veterans, persons users live and work transformation experiencing homelessness, • Offer flexible spaces that meet • Launch a networked service people with disabilities, and the evolving needs of our users model to optimize services incarcerated and formerly • Create environments that and locations throughout incarcerated individuals accommodate existing and the borough emerging technology and • Deepen and build relationships Key Initiative: In 2012, we facilitate digital learning with existing and new funders partnered with the Center for • Continue to renovate the • Increase transparency, Court Innovation to provide landmarked Central Library accountability and efficiency space at the Stone Avenue to create spaces designed to across the institution branch in Brownsville for support innovative and relevant returning probationers to programs and services Key Initiative: In 2013, establish meet with caseworkers in a shared library technical their local communities. Key Initiative: BPL will leverage services partnership with NYPL, its over one million square enabling universal drop-off Key Initiative: In 2013, through feet of real estate by launching services across four boroughs a partnership with Lifetime partnerships to provide expanded for our libraries’ patrons. Arts, BPL will expand artist-led services, including co-location instructional arts programming for and/or program delivery with Key Initiative: In 2013, launch older adults, providing them with groups such as Spaceworks and a BPL membership program for opportunities to be creative and BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn. individual donors. socialize within their communities. Key Initiative: Open the Shelby White and Leon Levy Information Commons in 2013, which will become the cornerstone of BPL’s efforts to advance digital literacy and engagement across the borough and builds upon our current strength as the borough’s largest provider of free WiFi and computer access.

Brooklyn Public Library 13 education

14 Brooklyn Public Library Photo © Philip Greenberg Promote early literacy, lifelong learning and civic participation

Brooklyn is a diverse borough of long-time residents and newcomers, all hoping to make better lives for themselves, their families and their neighbors. Brooklyn Public Library is a trusted institution Brooklynites can turn to for assistance as they strive to fulfill their goals. Education and civic engagement are keys to unlocking the doors of success and BPL is committed to creating a vibrant and responsive institution that meets the needs of today’s patrons and those of the future.

From early literacy to digital literacy, homework help to job training, college readiness to entrepreneurship, BPL is a place for all Brooklynites to take the next step in realizing their dreams. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and providing a safe and welcoming space, BPL will help patrons explore new ideas, new identities and new connections in the community. In the diverse and evolving neighborhoods that BPL serves, the Library will continue to be an agent of change for all.

Key Initiatives

2013: Expand 2013: Launch partnership 2013: Open Shelby 2012: Launch Homework Help to deliver digital literacy White and Leon Levy MyLibraryNYC program to include all programs with Information Commons students grades 1-12 BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn

2013: Launch 2017: Expand continuum 2015: Expand digital Start Here: Literacy, an of adult education, 2014: Launch literacy and technology initiative to prepare entrepreneurship and PowerUp! Jr. for device lending adult learners for new jobseeker programs across young entrepreneurs programs across computer-based GED BPL’s campus and the borough test requirements Central Library

Brooklyn Public Library 15 Create a foundation for learning during out-of-school-time, needs of students with disabilities educational success providing personal interaction and English language learners. This through youth, family and delivering engaging programs enhancement of our traditional and school engagement and initiatives such as First Five collections will complement an Years. They will also continue to investment in technologies that Most Brooklynites begin their serve as important mentors for support learning and creative relationships with the Library many of Brooklyn’s young people, play. In 2012, we began to install at an early age. Generations of guiding them not only in their iPads loaded with educational families have depended on local reading choices, but also in opening applications in our branches; we branches for books and other up a world of possibilities as they will continue to expand this effort materials, family programs and imagine their futures. across the system and establish homework help resources. As we In the coming years, our Youth mobile tablets for use in outreach envision the Library of the future, & Family Services team will programs at Brooklyn schools. we will continue to meet the needs continue to support academic BPL is dedicated to assisting of children and families. BPL’s achievement. Beginning in 2012, learners outside of the classroom. philosophy focuses on nurturing the Library will dramatically Since 2004, BPL has offered a curiosity with programs and expand its print collections to popular volunteer-based After- resources for independent, self- support the national Common Core School Homework Helper program directed learning. Our early Standards required in all NYC for students in grades 1-8, helping literacy programs for children from public schools. Specifically, we will children learn reading, writing birth to age five encourage pre- grow our collection of juvenile and and math skills as well as how to reading skills and school readiness young adult non-fiction not only in use the Library’s resources. Since and support parents in their role English, but also in Brooklyn’s most its inception, the program has as their child’s first teacher. Our widely spoken foreign languages: assisted approximately 220,000 youth librarians are devoted to Russian, Chinese and Spanish. The elementary and junior high school helping develop literacy skills and new standards emphasize English- students. Recently, BPL piloted a a love of learning by promoting language arts, history, science and similar program at Central Library recreational reading, supporting math, in addition to addressing the for high school students. Based on

Photo © Philip Greenberg

16 Brooklyn Public Library First Five Years

Through BPL’s renowned First Five Years programs, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, parents and caregivers are introduced to great books, age-appropriate songs and rhymes and other early literacy activities. Programs are available in all BPL locations and include Babies & Books (birth to 18 months), Toddler Time and Read, Play, Grow! (18 months to 3 years), Story Play (birth to 5 years), and Preschool Story Time and Ready, Set, Kindergarten! (3 to 5 years).

Since the First Five Years initiative began in 2005, BPL has hosted more than 62,000 class visits, child care group visits and programs, with an aggregate attendance of over 1.5 million people. The Brooklyn Reads to Babies campaign, part of the First Five Years initiative, received the 2008 John Cotton Dana Award. First Five Years will continue to grow with expanded programming across the system, tablets loaded with kid-friendly applications and mobile classroom sets for outreach programs at Brooklyn schools.

BPL will continue to educate parents and caregivers about the relationship between reading to children in their first five years, and future academic and individual success. Through this important program, our staff members help children across the borough Photo © Philip Greenberg build critical early literacy skills and foster a love of reading. its success, BPL plans to implement online platform enabling students Build strong literacy this program across the Library in and educators to access not only the skills among teenage and early 2013. collections in their school library adult learners, enabling BPL will also develop integrated but also the entire collections of all them to achieve their programs for educators and three public library systems in New educational goals students designed to support York City. Students and teachers academic success. Through the at participating schools now BPL provides a range of Library’s Brooklyn Connections receive access to a dramatically resources to assist teenagers in program, middle and high school increased number and variety achieving their educational goals. students gain direct access to of texts and other resources to In the award-winning Today’s original archival materials from support the Citywide Instructional Teens, Tomorrow’s Techies (T4) BPL’s Brooklyn Collection. BPL Expectations, which are set by the program, students ages 14 to staff members provide in-class NYC Department of Education 18 attend a two-week summer instruction and guide students as for public school teachers. technology institute and then they create local history projects Furthermore, this program delivers use their newly acquired skills at and learn critical research skills. book sets and individual resources BPL branches to assist patrons We will continue to offer these directly to teachers at their with technology, help staff with services in support of students and participating schools, and students computer troubleshooting and educators, while deepening our ties can request to have books held assist in delivering technology to academic institutions. for them at their local libraries. classes. Teens receive additional In 2012, BPL partnered with MyLibraryNYC is slated to roll training during the school year the NYC Department of Education, out to all public schools across through workshops on desktop New York Public Library and Brooklyn by 2015. publishing, animation and graphic Queens Library to launch design, among other subjects. We MyLibraryNYC. This collaborative are currently in the eighth year of project includes a new, integrated the popular T4 program and intend

Brooklyn Public Library 17 to continue to recruit hundreds of for the new GED-computer test opportunities, and health, financial new teenagers in the years to come. requirements and offer additional and transportation systems. A BPL also offers programs to computer basics classes. digitally literate person is better help adults and young adults build BPL will continue to assist able to make informed decisions the critical reading and writing test takers and offer critical and participate effectively in the skills necessary to enroll in GED test preparation resources for workforce, higher education, social programs, college transition a wide range of exams, from groups and civic life. programs, community colleges job certification exams and the BPL is committed to being the and job training programs. The SAT, to the Graduate Record lead provider of digital literacy Library’s Adult Learning Centers Examination (GRE) and the education in Brooklyn. Every offer flexible classes for adults 17 Graduate Management Admissions year, BPL hosts thousands of years and older who are reading Test (GMAT). The Library will classes, workshops and training below a General Educational also work to raise awareness of the opportunities at its 60 locations, Development (GED) level. In educational services we offer and including those targeted 2012, BPL opened a new Adult build relationships with external specifically to teens, older adults Learning Center at the New service providers to increase and jobseekers. BPL’s Central Lots branch to support the East participation and the number Library will become a hub for New York community. For young of online and distance learning digital programs and access in adults ages 17 to 24, BPL offers opportunities we provide. 2013 with the opening of the Shelby intensive classes that not only White and Leon Levy Information help strengthen literacy, math Advance digital literacy Commons. It will serve as the focal and job skills but also provide and engage users point for digital literacy programs internship opportunities, social across the spectrum of across the system. This innovative support services and transportation technology proficiency environment will offer spaces assistance to classes. designed to facilitate individual and Beginning in 2014, the GED test Technology is an integral group work, learning and creativity will be administered exclusively on part of daily life, and nearly and the use of digital resources computers and will be aligned to all aspects of our society are and technology. Simultaneously, the Common Core State Standards. automated or involve the use of BPL will launch a partnership with By 2014, we will prepare students technology, including employment the nonprofit BRIC Arts | Media |

Eastern Parkway Pre-GED Photo © Gregg Richards

18 Brooklyn Public Library Workforce1 Career Centers

BPL has long offered a wide range of free services for jobseekers, such as interviewing and job search workshops, resume writing assistance and career assessment and exploration software. Yet, BPL has never had the capacity to offer on-site some of the most important resources for job seekers: actual job placement and recruiting services.

To help meet the demand for these services, BPL partnered with the NYC Department of Small Business Services to launch Workforce1 Career Centers at Central Library and Sunset Park Library. Since their opening in October 2011, these centers have referred 4,439 New Yorkers to interviews that have resulted in 917 job placements. Additionally, to ensure appropriate referrals to the Career Centers, librarians received customized training from the Workforce Professionals Training Institute, including how to assess the needs of the under or unemployed.

Jobseekers can now visit the Library to accomplish all of the steps involved in becoming workforce-ready: from learning English as a second language, improving literacy skills and editing cover letters and resumes, to learning computer skills and ultimately, being referred to organizations in the process of hiring.

Bklyn to provide media education laptops, public programs and Help jobseekers and and production classes. In 2016, outreach at eight neighborhood entrepreneurs develop a our digital literacy initiative libraries located in some of foundation of skills will be complemented by a new Brooklyn’s most underserved technology-rich, dedicated teen neighborhoods. Based on the BPL’s Business & Career space at Central Library, with success of this effort, BPL will Library (B&CL) meets the needs equipment ranging from tablets expand its technology device of entrepreneurs, business owners, to gaming consoles, as well as lending program and digital investors, jobseekers, students and comfortable, flexible and inviting literacy initiatives to additional community organizations through furniture to accommodate group branches by 2015. an array of resources and services. interactivity, and encourage The Library will invest in It provides access to information, participation by an audience that technologies and programs that both online and in print, that has been traditionally difficult for facilitate training, interaction supports the economic development libraries to reach. and experimentation with digital of Brooklyn and its residents. BPL is the largest provider of tools, and we will partner with Services include one-on-one free WiFi access in the borough. innovators to provide cutting- business and finance consultations, For many patrons, the Library edge resources. In addition, we resume and test prep help, provides their sole access to need to continuously upgrade instruction in job searching and computers and the internet. our technology infrastructure computer use, topical seminars, BPL bridges the digital divide to deliver services effectively computer access and more. by providing a crucial link to and efficiently. From computer Additionally, BPL has partnered databases, job applications and tablets for class visits to self- with the NYC Department of information that is increasingly checkout technology, the Library Small Business Services (SBS) only available online. A will closely track consumer to offer Workforce1 Expansion program funded through the preferences and modernize Centers at Central Library and federal Broadband Technology its workflow accordingly. Sunset Park Library. These centers Opportunities Program (BTOP) connect qualified candidates to job allows BPL to provide enhanced opportunities across the city. broadband access and increased technology resources including

Brooklyn Public Library 19 PowerUP! 2011 winners, Brooklyn Open Acupuncture Photo © Philip Greenberg

In 2013, BPL will launch a training, guides and other web- support younger entrepreneurs new program to help prepare and based initiatives will increase the with their business aspirations. connect immigrants with a range reach of the Library, providing a As we focus on expanding the of educational attainment and 24/7 resource. reach of the B&CL throughout training with jobs that meet their For those interested in all of Brooklyn, BPL will provide skills and professional abilities. establishing new businesses, a baseline of core financial By 2017, we will expand a BPL acts as a center of business counseling and basic business continuum of adult education, resources as well as a space for resources in our branches. The jobseeker and entrepreneurship entrepreneurs to work, create Library will work with both new programs across the Library, and collaborate. The B&CL and seasoned entrepreneurs to focused on preparatory skills for offers the SCORE program, bring together a community of individuals seeking to improve their which provides free business business owners to share ideas, educational or job circumstances, counseling with experienced collaborate and mentor each other and developing strong referral businesspeople who offer private while developing their ventures networks to the appropriate coaching sessions. Additionally, the into vital components of the local academic institutions, government Library’s PowerUP! Business Plan economy. All of these efforts will be agencies or non-profits that can Competition helps entrepreneurs coupled with outreach strategies best support individuals with more turn their business ideas into a to build public awareness and extensive service needs. Increasing reality. Participants attend classes to ensure our patrons take full these services across Brooklyn will about writing business plans and advantage of these exceptional help jobseekers take advantage marketing their business, among programs and resources. of BPL’s community connections. other topics, and are paired with These programs will be supported business counselors in their by an expanded collection of communities. The contestants with related materials and resources. the top business plans receive seed Additionally, branch libraries will money—up to $15,000—to help work with local partners to offer launch their businesses. Through programs specific to jobseekers in the introduction of a PowerUP! their neighborhoods. Use of online Jr. competition in 2014, we will

20 Brooklyn Public Library Bookmobile headed to areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy

Encourage patrons to Initiative, New York Cares, Street In the coming years, we will be civically engaged Lab, Transit Forward, United Way work with civic and social service and informed and countless others to collect warm organizations and government coats for displaced individuals and agencies to expand our efforts to BPL provides equal access to families, offer online learning tools host community meetings, debates knowledge and the tools necessary for displaced public school students, for local elections and community for an informed, engaged and and provide information on FEMA forums. These collaborations will educated citizenry, while serving applications and voting sites across help advance personal growth, as a powerful force for economic the system. Locally, BPL opened local action and civic awareness growth. The Library acts as a town the Red Hook branch as a warming among our patrons. hall, and our support for civic center and provided storm supplies, engagement is an extension of our charging stations and children’s core services. activities through our Bookmobiles BPL is trusted throughout the at Coney Island, Gerritsen Beach borough as an unbiased provider and Red Hook. Every year, we also of information. Our environment host public engagement campaigns, cultivates community involvement, ranging from registration for volunteerism and the open exchange Early Intervention services for of ideas. With branches in almost babies and toddlers to providing every neighborhood, BPL is uniquely assistance to Brooklynites preparing situated to foster and support local for the Diversity Immigrant Visa community-based groups, and serve Program. Our branches meet their as a bridge between Brooklyn’s community’s needs by holding diverse communities. In 2012, our citizenship classes, workshops civic role was best evidenced by our in financial literacy, health and comprehensive storm response. BPL nutrition and by partnering with partnered with organizations such local groups. as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Red Hook

Brooklyn Public Library 21 ACCESS

22 Brooklyn Public Library Photo © Philip Greenberg Improve access to library resources and increase the number of active registered cardholders

Brooklyn Public Library’s collection is one of its core public resources and our professional staff use their vast knowledge of books and research methods to connect patrons to the information they seek. This expertise becomes even more critical as we continue to offer materials in new formats and on multiple platforms. Our staff have an invaluable understanding of community needs, from school curricula to popular titles in their neighborhoods, that can help guide our patrons’ online and offline experiences.

As the publishing industry moves inexorably toward digital production and distribution, the Library must ensure access for those who may not have the means or training to take advantage of the benefits of electronic formats. BPL must also continue to promote literacy and learning through engaging active patrons and non-users alike. Through online community outreach, “pop-up” libraries in pedestrian plazas and direct delivery to homebound seniors, the Library will ensure access to our collection for all Brooklynites.

In the coming years, the Library will deepen its relationship with individual patrons, supporters, donors and leaders that comprise the communities we serve and encourage active and meaningful use of our assets, from our programs to our spaces to our materials.

Key Initiatives

2012: Expand collection 2012: Launch new to support Common 2012: Expand eBook 2013: Launch program online catalog, Core educational access beginning with to recognize and reward BiblioCommons standards and Penguin/3M/NYPL pilot “power users” immigrant communities

2013: Begin pilot 2014: Launch universal 2017: Expand BPL 2013: Expand Readers efforts to offer BPL card and universal membership to Advisory services in non-traditional drop-off services across over 50% of Brooklyn’s system-wide “pop-up” spaces the City 2.5m residents

Brooklyn Public Library 23 Develop a targeted collection of the platform or device. BPL our Readers’ Advisory services, that reflects Brooklyn’s will continue to build an eBook which include everything from diverse cultures and interests collection that represents our suggesting books to library and provides access via patrons’ diversity and reading patrons at the circulation desk, to preferred formats and media preferences. In partnership with recommending online materials NYPL, BPL has worked to increase in order to help patrons find BPL’s collection is targeted eBook access for our patrons, the information they need. to meet our patrons’ broad through efforts including a 2012 In partnership with New York educational and recreational pilot with Penguin Group and 3M. Public Library and Queens Library, needs. The collection ranges from At the same time, libraries BPL is strongly advocating for online databases and original currently have little control over the establishment of citywide source material for writers, to the publisher/eBook distributor universal card privileges and GED test preparation books and relationship. It’s our responsibility universal drop-off services by 2015. contemporary Russian novels. to continue to educate readers According to recent commuter Our collection must be curated to about the issues concerning access analysis provided by the Population maintain its quality and relevance to eBooks in public libraries and Division of the NYC Department of to our changing user base. The advocate for libraries’ interests by City Planning, this change would Library has carefully managed its partnering with national initiatives benefit the 807,000+ commuters acquisitions strategy, and today spearheaded by the American who currently work in a borough our branches circulate nearly Library Association as well as other than the one in which they 20 million books, materials and grassroots efforts like Reader’s live, and the countless students eBooks a year. In 2012, BPL began First, a new coalition to improve who attend schools outside their a two-year efffort to expand its eBook access and services for resident boroughs. This service collection to meet the needs of public library users. expansion will begin in 2014 with Brooklyn students and educators as a pilot involving BPL and NYPL, the Common Core rolls out across Make it easier to find, which will allow any NYPL or BPL New York State. BPL will continue borrow and return BPL patron to drop off materials in to regularly evaluate its selection materials and resources either system’s branches. and acquisitions strategy and online, in person and continue engaging with publishers, across the City Support and launch efforts distributors and patrons. to provide Brooklynites with As user reading preferences BPL strives to make its access to our collections in incorporate more digital content, collection of books, eBooks, DVDs non-traditional settings BPL will respond by providing and other materials easy to find access to all platforms. The shift and convenient to use. In 2012, BPL will offer our materials in from physical to digital materials BPL launched BiblioCommons, unexpected environments, from has been dramatic. According to a a new online search tool that “pop-up” libraries in pedestrian July 2012 survey by the Association provides accurate, more relevant plazas to the extended loan of of American Publishers and the and user-friendly catalog search materials at public schools or Book Industry Study Group, results and enables users to senior centers. MyLibraryNYC eBooks more than doubled in connect with other readers, share is our first major expansion of popularity in 2011, with eBooks book reviews and keep track of material access to Brooklynites, outselling hardcover books in adult their reading history. BPL’s new with books being delivered directly fiction for the first time. catalog also features information to Brooklyn public schools. We Currently, BPL has one of in Spanish, Chinese, French and will also strengthen our “deposit the top eBook collections in Russian, and is the platform that collections,” through which the the country. As our patrons supports the MyLibraryNYC public Library lends targeted materials increasingly choose digital formats, school initiative. reflective of local needs at our goal is to ensure the same Beginning in 2013, our neighborhood community centers. customer experience regardless library professionals will grow

24 Brooklyn Public Library Brooklyn Public Library 25 BPL Digital Engagement

In 2012, Brooklyn Public Library launched BiblioCommons, an online catalog that provides the kind of search experience that users have elsewhere on the web. It features improved browsing and quicker, more refined results. Patrons can Photo © Philip Greenberg now review books, send direct messages and store wish lists and BPL will continue to be a strong events, educational programs and reading histories. Users will be able supporter of borough activities that public training initiatives, as well to browse the online platform from promote literacy and thoughtful as making frequent use of our a mobile device, as well as access discussion about books. Our efforts materials and resources. the catalog from a new app for range from the Brooklyn borough Beginning in 2013, BPL will Android™ and iPhone®. president’s annual Brooklyn Book launch a program that will reward Festival to the launch of temporary our patrons for their active and This launch represents the first in outdoor reading rooms in Red longtime use of the Library. a series of digital innovations. We Hook’s Coffey Park and Brooklyn Rewards will be based on patrons’ will continue to pursue interactive Borough Hall Plaza, in partnership overall material checkouts and communication with our customers with the non-profit Street Lab’s renewals, length of cardholder through our website, social Uni Project. status, number of events attended media channels and via patrons’ and how engaged they are with mobile devices. We will promote Create a library membership our online community. This original content and meaningful program that recognizes and new program will help create engagement with our patrons about rewards active users personalized experiences for “power our neighborhood branches and users,” and will feature incentives, allow organizations, technologists, In 2012, BPL had over 950,000 including special borrowing developers and other interested cardholders, a 35% increase in the privileges, invitations to exclusive parties to access open data and past year. Nearly 38% of Brooklyn’s cultural programs and notifications engage in data visualization 2.5 million residents currently about upcoming author book tours projects. Through these efforts, we carry a BPL library card. We aim and BPL events. will increase BPL’s profile, highlight to grow this number to 50% by our achievements and improve 2017. But we cannot define success accessibility to those around by simply increasing the number the world who are interested in of registered users. We aim for Brooklyn and the Library’s an engaged community of active vast offerings. users taking part in our cultural

26 Brooklyn Public Library Brooklyn Public Library 27 Photo © Philip Greenberg CULTURE

BPL Exhibition, Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look 28 Brooklyn Public Library Photo © Philip Greenberg Support creative expression, culture and the arts throughout Brooklyn

Brooklyn Public Library is committed to inspiring Brooklynites of all ages by providing access to outstanding cultural resources, such as author talks, musical performances and art exhibitions. BPL is uniquely situated to bring together artists with very different backgrounds to engage in dialogue and build community. In the coming years, we will strengthen our libraries’ roles as creative centers of their neighborhoods. The Library will consider what Brooklyn’s many writers, designers, artists and other creative residents want—such as access to training, programs and workspaces—and how the institution can reposition itself to become a stronger force for advancing their growth and artistic development.

BPL is also at the epicenter of a resurgent interest in the history of Brooklyn, from former residents to the national and international press. People across the world wish to trace their roots to the borough, view historic maps of neighborhoods, and connect with photos, ephemera and other materials. We will significantly improve access to the Brooklyn Collection and expand its holdings so that more people can research their genealogy, track Brooklyn’s current cultural renaissance and learn about the borough’s history.

Key Initiatives

2012: Launch Brooklyn 2013: Launch partnership 2012: Install Espresso Visual Heritage website 2013: Launch BPL with Spaceworks at Book Machine for with Brooklyn Historical writers-in-residence Red Hook and self publishing Society, Brooklyn Museum program Williamsburgh branches and Pratt Institute

2014: Launch “Artist 2014: Expand the 2015: Complete Toolkit” to help Brooklyn Collection to digitization of Brooklyn independent artists document Brooklyn’s Daily Eagle and 63 local build skills to achieve contemporary culture Brooklyn newspapers sustainable careers

Brooklyn Public Library 29 Provide cultural build upon our recent successes, In the coming years, we will strive programming and such as 2012’s Fashion Illustration: to offer a more comprehensive look recreational opportunities A Contemporary Look, one of the at our borough. In late 2012, we largest showcases ever assembled of launched Brooklyn Visual Heritage, Creative expression, recreation the work of established and widely a website created in collaboration and an appreciation for the arts published New York- and Brooklyn- with Pratt Institute’s School of are important for all Brooklynites. based fashion illustrators. BPL Information and Library Science, Learning can happen in many will also work to attract more the Brooklyn Historical Society ways, and BPL offers a diverse New Yorkers to Central Library’s and Brooklyn Museum. This effort, range of programs and resources Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Center developed through the Institute that encourage imaginative for Contemporary Culture, the of Museum and Library Services- learning for people of all ages and Library’s largest performance funded Project CHART (Cultural backgrounds. These opportunities venue. We will continue to Heritage, Access, Research and include storytimes, arts and crafts, provide programming through Technology), focuses on developing chess workshops, Summer Reading partnerships with the Brooklyn the skills of future staff members events, film series and dance classes Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall and and on the digitization of historic on Central Library’s plaza as well as the Museum of Modern Art. In images of Brooklyn. By 2015, BPL other interactive experiences. 2013, BPL will increase community will complete the digitization of Our cultural programs will participation in programs by using the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, which extend across all age levels. To targeted outreach and creating a includes the years spanning 1903– further support our growing more user-friendly online events 1955, as well as 63 other Brooklyn partnership with the NYC calendar. As a result, more people neighborhood papers. To facilitate Department of Education, BPL will will experience the culturally access, we will redesign Brooklyn expand its Theater in the Schools diverse schedule of readings, talks Collection’s website to improve program, which has already and performances presented in the search results and make it easier introduced many public school landmarked Central Library. for researchers to obtain items. students to their first live theater Finally, we will raise awareness experience. Productions including Highlight the borough’s about Brooklyn’s past through Cool Rainforest Connections rich history and the work rotating exhibits in our branches and The City’s Green Book are of contemporary Brooklyn and discussion groups. staged by professional theater authors and writers While we take care to preserve groups, including Hampstead and catalog the past, we must also Stage Company, Plaza Theatrical As a 116-year-old institution track current trends and events. Productions, Wildlife Theater, with ties to every Brooklyn In 2014, BPL will expand the and International Theater Arts neighborhood, BPL is at the Brooklyn Collection to document Institute, a group that often intersection of the borough’s storied Brooklyn’s contemporary culture. presents in a bilingual format. past and its exciting future. We BPL will collect unique and notable BPL will also expand its creative believe that the Library should work created in Brooklyn, as well arts programming for older and can be a leading source of as ephemera and photos. These adults through a partnership information about Brooklyn, items will supplement the Brooklyn with the non-profit Lifetime whether patrons are looking for Collection’s existing concentration Arts. From quilting and choral nineteenth-century maps of their on nineteenth- and early twentieth- singing to drawing and writing neighborhoods, images of a 1950s century historical materials. short stories, our programs help Brooklyn actress or books by patrons develop new artistic emerging Brooklyn authors. skills, express themselves The Library’s Brooklyn and interact with others. Collection brings local history BPL will continue to provide to life through maps, photos, invaluable humanities events for ephemera and the historical the borough. These efforts will Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper.

30 Brooklyn Public Library Brooklyn Connections

Since 2006, BPL’s Brooklyn Connections program has helped middle- and high-school students develop important research and analytical skills while learning about the borough’s history. Students in English Language Arts and Social Studies classes complete a standards-based local history project, receive tours of the Brooklyn Collection (BPL’s special collection of Brooklyn- related historical documents) and enjoy direct access to the Collection’s original archival materials. Connections staff members visit participating public schools to provide in-class instruction and deliver document reproductions tailored to class projects. Additionally, students can receive after-school project assistance at the Brooklyn Collection. Teachers enjoy one-on-one planning sessions with staff and have the opportunity to attend professional development workshops.

Brooklyn Connections has experienced significant growth—from serving 20 classes in 2007–2008 to 48 classes in 2011–2012. Since its inception, the program has reached nearly 4,000 students in grades 6 through 12, including students with special needs and English Language Learners. The initiative serves low-income and Title 1 schools, where 40% or more of students receive free or reduced lunch. Over the past five years, Brooklyn Connections has helped thousands of young Brooklynites develop a greater understanding of local history and build the critical-thinking skills needed for lifelong academic success.

Become a lead the publishing industry. Also have access to elsewhere. When supporter of Brooklyn’s in 2013, the Library will open planning exhibitions, the Library creative community a writer’s room; this will be the will continue to give priority to the first step in creating a writer- work of Brooklyn-based artists, Brooklyn is one of the country’s in-residence program that will providing many new creative preeminent creative hubs, a place enable Brooklyn writers to work professionals with the opportunity where artists, writers, designers in dedicated, quiet spaces. to display their work. Through and performers come to live and We will leverage our extensive programming and events, the work. The Library is committed physical plant to establish Library will champion the work to expanding opportunities environments that can best of our borough’s many talented for professional development, support the creative community. individuals and help foster the collaboration and public In 2013, through a partnership development of Brooklyn’s next engagement for the borough’s with Spaceworks (a nonprofit generation of artists, writers, creative community. organization that creates long- performers and designers. In 2012, the Library began to term and affordable artist deepen its support of local writers rehearsal space), we will dedicate by launching the Espresso Book underutilized space at our Machine as a self-publishing Williamsburgh and Red Hook resource at the Central Library. branches for use by local artists. In 2013, the Library will This innovative program will create an advisory board that connect our patrons to new creative includes local authors to help resources while breathing new guide the development of new life into underutilized branches. services. We will also seek out At the Shelby White and Leon other organizations to enhance Levy Information Commons, we programming at our libraries will offer advanced computer by providing writing workshops software and digital design tools and classes on how to navigate that artists and designers may not

Brooklyn Public Library 31 32 Brooklyn Public Library Photo © Philip Greenberg Present a welcoming and inclusive environment

One of Brooklyn’s greatest strengths is its diversity. According to the 2010 American Community Survey, more than 37% of Brooklyn residents were born outside of the United States4 and nearly 46% of Brooklynites over the age of five speak a language other than English at home5. By providing English classes and conversation groups, as well as materials in more than 126 languages, Brooklyn Public Library is a source of support and information for new Americans. Yet despite our progress, there is still much work to be done. By expanding our bilingual programming, tailoring our services to meet specific community needs and improving the entire system’s capacity to communicate with speakers of other languages, we can continue to be a vital resource for our borough’s newcomers.

The Library also strives to meet the needs of Brooklyn’s emerging communities, including veterans, persons experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, among others. By creating new partnerships with social service providers, strengthening our referral network, providing staff training and creating new ties within Brooklyn’s communities, we will make a difference for all Brooklynites.

Key Initiatives

2012: Partner with the 2013: Launch outreach 2012: Provide four Center for Court Innovation 2013: Launch program services to support older language translations to allow parolees to meet to help immigrants find adults, immigrants on BPL online catalog with caseworkers in their skilled jobs and careers and emerging communities local communities

2014: Fully train all 2013: Expand Lifetime 2017: Fully implement staff on emerging Arts program for older language access plan communities and adults across the borough across BPL referral processes

Brooklyn Public Library 33 Strengthen library collections. In 2013, BPL’s Business These individual efforts will accessibility for immigrants & Career Library will spearhead lead to fully implementing an a new program to help prepare institution-wide language access All patrons, regardless of the and connect immigrants with and immigrant services plan language(s) they speak, should jobs and careers that meet their in 2017. This plan will include be able to enjoy a high level of abilities—particularly for those establishing an expanded service at local libraries. Brooklyn who have not been able to apply immigrant service volunteer is now one of the most diverse overseas training and credentials program, installing signage at counties in the nation. According into meaningful jobs in the United branches in multiple languages to 2010 American Community States. By 2015, we will increase and providing interpretation and Survey data, over 948,000 of the number of English for Speakers translation tools to employees. Brooklyn’s residents are foreign- of Other Language (ESOL) groups By being mindful of the needs of born6, and more than one million that we host to accommodate immigrants and new learners of residents—46% of the borough— the top ten foreign languages English, we can ensure our libraries speak a language other than spoken in Brooklyn: Spanish, reflect the diversity of our borough English at home7. Over 583,000 Chinese, Russian, French Creole, and inspire all Brooklynites to residents are considered limited Yiddish, Polish, Italian, Bengali, achieve their goals. English proficient8. Arabic and Urdu. Additionally, A centralized plan of service we will identify ways to make our Provide programming and for immigrant communities will existing programs more relevant services for older adults enable our staff members to better to speakers of other languages and meet the needs of patrons. Our immigrants, including First Five Brooklyn has the largest immigrant services initiative Years programming for children, concentration of older adults in began in 2012, when BPL began literacy classes, and business and New York City, with nearly 12% offering a robust online catalog career resources. of our population over the age of with translations in Spanish, 659. With an age span of nearly Chinese, Russian and French, and three decades, this population has in multilingual Common Core varying language, mobility, income, capabilities and needs. BPL will continue to develop and strengthen Lifetime Arts its programs and outreach to this population. In 2012, we began a Brooklyn has the largest concentration of older adults in New York City, a segment partnership with Lifetime Arts to that will continue to grow and challenge public service providers. Understanding introduce artist-led instructional and successfully responding to the needs of older adult customers will be critical arts programs for older adults, and to BPL’s future success. Partnering with Lifetime Arts has been a positive step in received strong customer and staff improving service to this constituency. The sequential arts programming series, feedback. In 2013, we will expand which includes social interaction opportunities, is building the Library’s capacity to these programs to additional deliver and sustain meaningful instructional arts programs for an aging population. locations and provide related staff Programs included quilting, poetry, drawing, collage, painting and singing, among development. By 2016, we will others, for the 55+ population. increase our Books by Mail service to homebound seniors from its In FY12, a series of 12 arts programs with more than 100 individual sessions took 200 current participants to 600. place in 10 branches, Central Library and senior centers across the borough. Most importantly, we will conduct Through this effort, BPL facilitated engagement among older Brooklynites, some of extensive outreach efforts to ensure whom lead very isolated lives. The programs were well attended and positively that older adults are aware of the reviewed by the participants. Lifetime Arts has secured a prestigious IMLS grant that programs and services available will support additional programs at BPL in FY13. BPL will continue to expand this at BPL. worthwhile program across the borough.

34 Brooklyn Public Library Brooklyn Public Library 35 Photo © Gregg Richards 36 Brooklyn Public Library Improve service to all with outside organizations, initiatives, we will develop patrons, including veterans, such as social service providers a cohesive strategy for ensuring persons experiencing and advocacy groups, to that all patrons who visit our homelessness, people with offer specialized information libraries feel welcome and receive disabilities, and incarcerated and assistance for emerging helpful information. and formerly incarcerated communities, as well as older individuals adults and immigrants. This department will coordinate new People from all backgrounds, programming for our branches living under a variety of with external providers, encourage circumstances, rely on the Library use of the Library, strengthen for assistance with achieving their our referral services and oversee goals. BPL will work to improve mobile services for people who and expand upon our past efforts may experience barriers to visiting to reach underserved populations. the Library. It will educate In 2012, we began providing space employees about internal and in our Stone Avenue Library in external resources and programs 4 2010 American Community Survey Brownsville to the Center for Court and spend time in Brooklyn’s 1-Year Estimate (DP02) 5 Innovation, enabling parolees to communities, learning about the Ibid 6 Ibid meet locally with their caseworkers. needs of our patrons. By 2014, 7 Ibid In 2013, BPL will create a BPL will fully train all staff on 8 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate (B16001) Department of Outreach Services, emerging communities and 9 2010 American Community Survey designed to build relationships referral processes. Through these 1-Year Estimate (DP05)

The Child’s Place for Children with Special Needs

At its 5 locations, BPL’s The Child’s Place for Children with Special Needs provides children age birth to 12, with or without disabilities, opportunities to play and learn together in barrier-free environments. From story times and crafts, to gardening clubs and weekend performances, the Child’s Place offers a variety of fun and inclusive programming for children. Child’s Place locations are equipped with adaptive toys, paint brushes and other tools, as well as audiobooks and twin vision and Braille books, among other resources. Child’s Place staff members have special education backgrounds and experience working with children with disabilities. In addition to children’s programming, they also conduct workshops for parents and make school visits. Additionally, through the Child’s Place’s Hospital Storytelling program, volunteers visit hospitals and clinics to read aloud to children.

The first Child’s Place opened in Flatlands Library in 1986. Since then, BPL has added locations in Greenpoint, Red Hook, Saratoga and Sunset Park libraries. In fiscal year 2012, the Child’s Place served over 22,000 children with disabilities, their families, peers, friends, educators and therapists at 1,360 programs. In FY13, the program will focus on making the Library more accessible and welcoming to children and teens on the autism spectrum. The Child’s Place has become a model for national inclusion, and has been recognized as a best practices program by both the Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Photo © Philip Greenberg Planning Council.

Brooklyn Public Library 37 Space

Kensington Library, 2012 38 Brooklyn Public Library Photo © Philip Greenberg Provide functional, attractive and safe spaces and align the Library’s physical footprint with twenty- first-century service delivery

For generations, local libraries have served as anchors of their neighborhoods. Brooklyn Public Library’s extensive real-estate portfolio is comprised of over one million square feet of space in 60 libraries located throughout the borough. This physical footprint gives BPL reach into nearly every one of Brooklyn’s diverse and dynamic neighborhoods. Our libraries range from the iconic Central Library at Grand Army Plaza to the system’s 18 original Carnegie libraries from the early twentieth century, as well as smaller, more modern structures built over the last 75 years.

Our aging branch system presents both challenges and opportunities. Years of deferred maintenance have left too many branches in poor condition and unable to provide the services our patrons deserve and need. Additionally, our physical footprint was built to serve a twentieth-century model of library service and, in some cases, is no longer adequate.

BPL will focus on modernizing our physical spaces, while leveraging our real-estate assets to strenghthen services for all Brooklyn communities. Our branches must become technology-rich and conducive for both collaborative learning and work in order to best support our patrons. We will work with external stakeholders and community partners to repurpose library spaces that are underutilized, provide homes for community-focused programming, improve our responsiveness to changing neighborhood demographics and develop new library spaces designed for modern needs.

Key Initiatives

2012: Partner local artists 2013: Launch 2014: Complete and design efforts with partnership with renovation of Central 2013: Launch Branch branches (e.g., Cortelyou Spaceworks at Library’s Grand Lobby, Rehabilitation initiative exteriors and Kensington Williamsburgh and including installation of solar-powered mobiles) Red Hook branches self-check kiosks

2016: Fully deploy 2016: Complete roll-out 2016: Launch new 2016: Launch library upgraded technology of customized, Teen Space at sevices in the infrastructure, including age-specific spaces Central Library South Site complex broadband services across the system

Brooklyn Public Library 39 Modernize the Library’s real- on one such project by partnering such as public plazas, schools, estate footprint to deliver with Brooklyn-based developer community centers and senior services in the spaces where Two Trees to build a state-of- centers. In certain neighborhoods, our users live and work the-art new branch in the heart BPL will work with community of the BAM Cultural District in leaders and the private sector to BPL’s one million plus square Downtown Brooklyn. At other investigate relocating existing feet of City-owned real estate locations, the Library will work branches to better serve changing suffers from more than $230 with community leaders to identify populations, develop new, high- million in deferred maintenance creative partnerships that can tech and flexible libraries and enter needs, and our branches, with share space with the Library and into partnerships with developers an average age of 58 years, are provide enhanced programming in to realize the revenue potential of in many cases not configured to more modern facilities. select BPL branches. meet the Library’s twenty-first- While BPL’s extensive branch BPL will modernize and century service requirements. As network is an extraordinary maintain our local branches most of our branches are owned resource, it also presents several through regular technology and by the City, BPL has relied on the challenges. By investing in a equipment upgrades, such as the generosity of our elected officials substantial “bricks and mortar” current installation of self-check to support our capital needs. service delivery system, BPL machines across the system. This Unfortunately, we do not receive is often challenged to respond initiative also includes expanding nearly enough funding to meet our to Brooklyn’s rapidly shifting artistic partnerships such as enormous infrastructure needs demographics and development those begun in 2012, including and must think creatively about patterns. BPL will explore new the Cortelyou Library mural ways to deliver the sort of public solutions aimed at bringing and the solar mobiles in our new spaces that our patrons and staff our collection and resources to Kensington branch. In 2013, we deserve. Our plan is to address the community and expanding will launch a groundbreaking this problem in several ways. At our presence in Brooklyn’s partnership with Spaceworks, some locations, BPL will work with neighborhoods beyond the a newly founded not-for-profit, private developers to realize the confines of our branches. We will tasked with creating affordable sometimes significant value in our collaborate with other service work and performance spaces for branches and develop brand new providers to locate collections and New York City artists. Spaceworks libraries. BPL recently began work programming in unique places will develop innovative work

Shelby White and Leon Levy Information Commons

In early 2013, BPL will open the groundbreaking Shelby White and Leon Levy Information Commons. This innovative project has repurposed a poorly conceived and uninspiring space directly off the main lobby of BPL’s Central Library into a spectacular collaborative learning and technology resource. The new space, designed by internationally renowned architect Toshiko Mori and funded by a generous grant from the Leon Levy Foundation, will respect Central Library’s stunning Art Deco architecture while bringing a high-tech digital learning center to the heart of Brooklyn. Photo © Philip Greenberg

The Information Commons will consist of public meeting rooms, a training lab and an open workspace, each equipped with technology and resources to facilitate individual and group work, learning and creativity. An open seating area will offer space and electrical outlets for 70 laptops, as well as 25 public computer workstations. These will include 10 iMacs running the latest creative and multimedia editing software. The Information Commons will also feature seven meeting rooms the public can reserve, with one room doubling as a recording studio where visitors can record podcasts, videos or other multimedia projects, as well as a state-of-the-art 36-seat digital training lab.

40 Brooklyn Public Library and performance spaces at Offer flexible spaces that programs, quiet spaces for Williamsburgh and Red Hook meet the evolving needs of writers, and studio and rehearsal libraries and will work with BPL to our users spaces for use by Brooklyn’s provide arts programming for our large creative community. patrons at these locations. Our libraries are community In 2013, BPL will begin its centers and must be safe and Create environments that Branch Rehabilitation initiative, welcoming for everyone. By 2016, accommodate existing and an aggressive schedule of projects the Library will reconfigure emerging technology and designed to significantly enrich the its branches to create new and facilitate digital learning patron experience at all libraries. innovative spaces designed to serve BPL will identify opportunities the needs of different patrons. BPL All libraries in the twenty-first to improve our physical spaces, will develop dedicated children’s century must embrace the rapidly with a focus on enhancing spaces at all 60 of our branches, increasing role of technology community rooms, outdoor and provide distinct space for in society. BPL is a leader in grounds, building exteriors and teenagers. For example, at the promoting digital literacy and other aesthetic improvements, Central Library in 2016, we will providing technology access for including murals. Additionally, relocate teen services to the second all Brooklynites. In January 2013, BPL is committed to fully floor in a flexible space that will we will greatly enhance our digital reopening all six of the branches much better serve the rapidly resources by opening the Shelby (Brighton Beach, Coney Island, evolving needs of Brooklyn’s White and Leon Levy Information Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, young adults. Commons at Central Library. Red Hook and Sheepshead We will also create other We will invest in infrastructure Bay) damaged and closed as a customized spaces geared improvements designed to enhance result of Hurricane Sandy. toward specific patron groups, broadband access at every BPL such as collaborative spaces branch, ensuring that all Brooklyn for entrepreneurs, one-on- communities have equitable access one consultative spaces for to BPL’s wealth of digital resources, jobseekers and mentorship ranging from tablets to desktop

Brooklyn Public Library 41 computers. All branches will see an expanded number of digital access points. We will also implement new technology to enhance service to our customers and reduce focus on manual processes, enabling staff to spend more time providing direct service to the public. These technology improvements range from self-checkout machines for patrons to tablet devices for our mobile reference librarians.

Continue to renovate the landmarked Central Library to create spaces designed to support innovative and relevant programs and services readiness training, and business will be staffed with young adult BPL will make Central Library and entrepreneurship resources librarians and expert mentors who more efficient and easier to use, and classes. With the B&CL and will facilitate digital projects, run while establishing a vision for the NYC Department of Small workshops and assist teens with what a twenty-first-century library Business Services Workforce1 using advanced technology. It will can be. Building on the successful Expansion Center all under one be an informal, fun space that launch of the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck roof, patrons who are seeking will encourage teens to express Center for Contemporary Culture, information about career services themselves, work with each other we will continue to transform will also be able to obtain help and discover new interests. Central Library by launching with job placement. In addition to the Shelby White and Leon Levy traditional services, Central Library Information Commons in 2013. will provide meeting and work By 2014, BPL will complete a full space for the self-employed and renovation of Central Library’s jobseekers, as well as additional Grand Lobby, including installing spaces for a combination of staff- self-check kiosks. In 2014, we and volunteer-led instruction and will also expand the Brooklyn collaborative learning. Collection, creating new program Finally, in 2016 we will launch and work spaces for authors, a new space within Central content creators, researchers, Library dedicated to teens and students and general users. young adults. It will incorporate Another key service component technology—such as computers, will be the integration of the gaming consoles and media Business & Career Library, which stations—and modular furniture is currently located in Brooklyn that allows for flexibility and Heights, with Central Library’s collaboration. This inviting space Adult Learning Center in 2017. will display teen art and showcase This will provide one destination a range of media. Programs will for a full range of services that include talks, film screenings includes adult basic education, and opportunities for teens to financial literacy, job skills/career perform their own work. The space

42 Brooklyn Public Library Park Slope Library, 2012 Brooklyn Public Library 43 Photo © Philip Greenberg stewardship

44 Brooklyn Public Library Photo © Philip Greenberg Develop and maintain an adaptive and responsive culture of service

Dramatic shifts in consumer technology and user preferences are creating opportunities and challenges for large urban libraries. In order to become more agile and responsive to our patrons’ needs as well as to our shifting external environment, BPL will develop an organizational culture that fosters innovative thinking and rewards success in the areas highlighted by this strategic plan.

BPL will establish the internal systems and processes by which to better serve our patrons, including branch performance data, targeted demographic analyses and customer satisfaction surveys. To the extent our data can interest, excite and engage our partner organizations and support the community at large, it will be collected, promoted and made available to the public. The Library will focus its resources on its service to the public and streamline back-office operations wherever possible.

Key Initiatives

2013: Expand 2013: Launch shared 2012: Establish Office BPL performance 2013: Launch BPL donor technical services of Strategic Planning management and membership campaign partnership with NYPL demographic analysis

2015: Complete 2016: Complete roll-out of 2017: Complete self-check installations networked service model sustainability initiative across the system

Brooklyn Public Library 45 Actively engage staff, trustees, supporters, volunteers and partner organizations in the Library’s mission and transformation

Brooklyn Public Library staff members, trustees, volunteers and community partners have a long-standing dedication to public service. Each one of our staff members represents the values of our organization and shapes the public’s opinion of the Library. In order to effectively support the needs of our community, we must ensure our staff are appropriately trained, supported and invested in the future of the institution. This effort requires an ongoing, Photo © Gregg Richards open dialogue with employees, and meaningful action in response to Launch a networked community needs. BPL will make internal and external challenges. service model to optimize flexibility both in physical layout Additionally, we must raise services and locations and programming a hallmark of its awareness of our resources and across the borough extensive system. encourage more Brooklynites to visit our libraries. Beginning in 2013, the Library Deepen and build As the composition of will launch a networked service relationships with existing Brooklyn’s population and model of regional and local and new funders industries shifts, the Library branches throughout Brooklyn. At must play an important role in every local branch, we will offer As the Library looks towards bringing together all communities, the high-quality services that the implementing its vision, from low-income neighborhoods borough has come to expect of our philanthropy in all forms is critical to new immigrants to aspiring Library: safe and clean community for growth. We will build and entrepreneurs. The Library serves spaces, knowledgeable and deepen relationships with corporate as a bridge for Brooklyn residents, informed staff, a broad collection of and foundation funders through providing access to technology materials, children’s programming, redeveloped and revitalized giving and information and closing broadband access and technology. opportunities. These efforts also gaps in educational and cultural At regional branches, we will require outcomes-based approaches opportunities. At the same time, the provide the specialized services that clearly show the impact of Library faces tremendous resource and programming that meet our work. pressures. Only by strategically the needs and interests of our The Library must create leveraging our staff, partner patrons. Regional branches will meaningful relationships organizations and volunteers can be accessible by mass transit and with individual donors at all we provide more comprehensive located across the borough. BPL levels. Beginning in 2013, the services, including multilingual will complete the reorganization Library will establish new donor programs, community events and of our “stand-alone” branch programs and offer special creative programs. system into a network by 2016, events throughout the year. In while customizing branch layout addition, by engaging with patrons and programming for individual who have positive experiences

46 Brooklyn Public Library with the Library and creating by streamlining library services friendly electronic workflows. new opportunities to contriute with operational advances such as In addition, by implementing financially, we hope to build a online fines payment, centralized time-saving technologies, from new base of individual support. collection development and the the completion of self-check At the same time, we will launch installation of self-check machines. installations across the system new strategies for cultivating and In 2013, BPL will expand in 2014 to the introduction of stewarding major gifts, including its performance management handheld technology, our library corporate and individual naming system. This system will include professionals will be able to opportunities for capital projects information about how our concentrate more of their efforts on and signature programs. collections, technology and public service. While philanthropic giving facilities are used at all levels, To ensure that the Library and development are areas that as well as external data, such as does not lose sight of the need for the Library will continue to grow, demographic and industry trends continuous improvement, BPL we must continue to advocate in Brooklyn. We will establish an created a new Office of Strategic for public funding—from local ongoing process for gathering, Planning in 2012. This office was municipal government to state analyzing and leveraging patron charged with the development and and federal aid. In 2013, we will and employee insights through oversight of this strategic roadmap, help Friends of Brooklyn Public focus groups, surveys and advisory performance management Library groups grow, leveraging groups so the Library can be initiatives and tracking shifts their community knowledge to more responsive to change. The in consumer preferences and support our grassroots advocacy, Library will make much of this Brooklyn’s changing landscape. programming and development data available to the public, so we This office will also assess, efforts. As we launch our new can address community needs in foster, monitor and implement vision for service, the Library will a collaborative manner and raise organization-wide change efforts. continue to partner with our Board awareness of the critical services By becoming a proactive of Trustees and Friends groups we provide to Brooklyn. organization, BPL will be better system-wide. These partnerships Internally, the Library will positioned to meet the future become all the more critical continue to streamline operational needs of its communities and as changes in government and processes. In 2013, we plan to remain a source of education, foundation priorities take place; partner with the New York Public inspiration and empowerment the Library will have a stronger Library to create a new, fully for many years to come. and louder voice through consolidated and shared library Board engagement and technical services team that will grassroots support. oversee selection, acquisitions, cataloging, processing, sorting Increase transparency, and delivery of books and accountability and efficiency other materials for both of our across the institution institutions. This initiative would reduce BPL’s annual operating Over the past few years, BPL expenses, expand services for our has made tremendous strides patrons and free up much-needed through service enhancements and space at the iconic Central Library technology innovations. Through for public service. It will also our Open Libraries Initiative in provide the foundation for universal 2011, BPL increased service hours card and drop off services citywide. by 21%, from 35.8 to 43.5 hours By 2017, we will complete a each week, and increased the sustainability effort aimed at number of 6-day service branches digitizing our back-office and from 16 to 33. These service removing wasteful paper-based improvements were made possible processes in favor of environmentally

Brooklyn Public Library 47 Brooklyn Public Library Board of Trustees 2012–2013

Anthony W. Crowell Nina Collins Ex-Officio Members & Designated Chair Representatives Joseph I. Douek Nicholas A. Gravante, Jr. Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg Vice Chair Jeff Gennette Mayor of the City of New York Represented by Diahann Miriam Katowitz Hon. Ira B. Harkavy Billings-Burford Vice Chair Kyle Kimball Hon. Marty Markowitz Peter Aschkenasy President of the Borough of Treasurer Michael Liburd Brooklyn Represented by Carolyn Greer Antonia Yuille Williams Gino P. Menchini Secretary Hon. Christine C. Quinn Hon. Alice Fisher Rubin Speaker of the New York City Jordan Barowitz Council Sandra Schubert Represented by Nina Crews Bonnie Bellamy-Watkins Robin Shanus Hon. John C. Liu Dr. Elaine Buckberg Comptroller of the City of New York Christina Tettonis Represented by Eric V. Eve Kwanza Butler Leticia Theodore-Greene Iris Y. Chiu Dr. Lucille C. Thomas

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