Make Summer Fun with BPL

Summer. The season of sunshine, perspiring drinks, outdoor activities, and grains of sand that show up in every space and surface you encounter well into December. School is out—and even for those of us who left academic lives several moons ago – the freedom and possibility of these days are as wired into our collective DNA as is the urge to seek shelter from a rainstorm, hot chocolate from frigid temperatures, or binge watch episodes of Atlanta after a long, exhausting day.  (Just me?) 

Summer is a break from our normal lives.  A chance to seek blue skies, rocky paths, fields of grass, or time with friends and loved ones on a stoop in front of an apartment building.  We take a couple extra minutes during lunch breaks to watch people, prolong conversations, or sit still in an attempt to take it all in. 

There are a million ways to do this in the big city.  So many options, it is easy to be overwhelmed.  Well, prepare to be overwhelmed a bit more because I am here to tell you how the library can contribute to your summer.  We have programs galore—all free, and for all ages.  And we hope you will join us for some of them. 

Branches in Bloom 

For those of you with green thumbs or those whose thumbs are itching to get dirty, several branches are hosting gardening and horticulture events for all ages and abilities. Head on over to Flatbush Library for the Accessible Gardening Hour, the New Lots Library for the Sprouts Family Gardening, or the Midwood Library for the Horticulture Club and Kids Gardening Club.  Branches in Bloom events are happening all over the library so head to our website or go to your local library to find the one nearest you. 

Summer Reading 

Every branch in our system hosts Summer at BPL events.  The kick-offs are where you can get free tote pencils, bags, stickers and books. Summer at BPL isn’t only about reading—it's also about celebrating the season and the possibility of activity. Build an Egyptian Pyramid with Arch for Kids at Greenpoint Library; Seated Exercises for Seniors at Paerdegat Library; Knitting & Crocheting at Gravesend Library. Visit your local library to take part in our creative programming, and then check out a book to take with you. 

Free Summer Meals 

From the BPL Website (and because I can’t say it any better): 

“New York City’s annual Summer Meals Program, run by the New York City Department of Education and funded by the federal government, provides free meals to children and teens ages 18 and younger regardless of New York City residency. Free lunches will be served at the following Brooklyn Public Library branches, Monday through Friday, from July 3 to September 1. Lunches are served from 1–2 pm in the libraries’ meeting rooms.”   

East Flatbush, Borough Park,  New Utrecht are only a few of the libraries offering free meals.  Check the link or go to your branch to find the closest participating branch. 

Live Music 

Summer wouldn’t be summer—heck, life wouldn’t be life!—without music. For life-affirming rhythms, BPL has got you covered. Clinton Hill Library has the Afrazz Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble as part of their Summer Concert Series. Gerritsen Beach Library is featuring Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats. And Mill Basin Library is bringing you and the kiddos, Stomp, Clap & Sing with Bilingual Birdies.  

50 Years of Hip-Hop 

From the BPL Website: 

“Brooklyn Public Library is proud to partner with Queens Public Library, the Institute of Museum and Library Studies and over 40 cultural institutions across the country to honor, promote, and continue hip-hop's legacy. Hip-hop was born 50 years ago right here in New York City, and Brooklyn played a pivotal role in its identity, evolution, and culture. 

To celebrate this golden anniversary, libraries across Brooklyn will highlight the contributions of Brooklyn artists through programs that include learning to DJ, graffiti art, breakdancing, spoken word, poetry, fashion, movies, and most of all the music.” 

There are amazing programs throughout the branches, but highlights include: 

• The Book of HOV exhibit at Central Library
• Graffiti Artist Workshop at Highlawn Library 
• Wrap-Up Party with DJ Passa Passa at Brownsville Library 

And for those who missed it, check out this article from Essence online to learn more about the recent Night in the Library: Philosophy of Hip-Hop. 

Movies at the Library 

Let’s face it: sometimes you don’t want to be outside. It’s hot.  It’s raining. It’s muggy. You just can’t stand waiting at the bus stop anymore because no matter what the schedule and the MTA app, and 311, and countells other people waiting at the bus stop say, it’s JUST NOT COMING!  (This morning was a rough one.)   

Why not cool off in a dark room for a couple of hours and watch a movie.  Lilo & Stitch is playing at Brooklyn Heights Library. Ulmer Park Library has an Adult Movie Matinee series. Bushwick Library has an After Lunch Movie. And Jamaica Bay Library has a showing of Street Fighter II you won’t want to miss.  There are movies showing a several branches so check local listings for one in your area. 

Culture Pass NYC 

Culture Pass gives you access to the city’s museums and theaters by simply using your library card.  As our website says, “Take in some experimental theater from the comfort of your couch; enjoy an art-making activity with the whole family at your local library; go on a digital tour of a museum you've always been meaning to visit; and much, much more!” 

BPL is hosting a couple of Culture Pass events throughout the summer, but consider taking advantage of the Stroller Tour, Jazz in the Garden: Bertha Hope Quintent, Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter: “Ain’t I a Woman”, or It’s Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby at the Brooklyn Museum. 

Or saunter on over to JACK to catch productions of, The Dynamite Experience: In Lieu of the Option is What?; Oye Group: Ghetto Hors D’oeuvres, an ode to the streets of New York City; or BITCHIN HEALS. 

Book Recommendations 

And what would we be without a couple of recommendations for summer reading!  Here’s a list of books to keep you company on the beach, your porch, or in your living room with cup or glass of whatever. 

• Hula by Jasmine ‘Iolani Hakes.  A coming-of-age story that takes place in Hawaii.  It’s a textured read that deals with class, culture, and identity that doesn’t skimp on the fun and energy of a page turner.   
• The Only One Left by Riley Sager. A Gothic Thriller.  Perfect to read during a thunderstorm. 
• The three of us by Ore Agbaje-Williams.  The story of a woman torn between the husband and the best friend who despise one another.  This smart book takes place over the course of one day and will defy most – if not all – your summer reading expectations. 
• ¡Viva Lola Espinoza! by Ella Cerón.  Lola gets a C in her Spanish class, so her parents send her to spend the summer with her grandmother in Mexico City.  While there, she connects with her heritage but also connects with a family curse. (YA) 
• The dos and donuts of love by Adiba Jaigirdar.  On the heels of breaking up with her ex-girlfriend, Shireen is accepted onto a televised baking show.  It is a dream come true until she discovers her ex has also been accepted onto the show.  Mayhem ensues as her feelings run into her ambitions. 

Whatever you do or however you pass the days, we wish you the best summer you could possibly have!