An Interview with "Browse the Branches" Winner Penelope Pigeon

Browse the Branches invites Brooklynites to visit all 62 locations in person to see for yourself the unexpected treasures you can find at each Brooklyn Public Library location. We've been amazed by how many winners have already completed the challenge, but this week a very special winner flew into Central Library to collect her prize: Penelope Pigeon. As the first of her species to finish, she was kind enough to let us share her winner questionnaire to help encourage the city's feathered friends to take part in the Browse the Branches challenge. 

Your name: Penelope Pigeon

Telephone number: Number? You can find me on any number of telephone poles across Brooklyn.

Would you be willing to talk with a reporter from the news media about your journey? If so, what is the fastest way to reach you? Sure thing! I’m around, just look up.

Would you be willing to be photographed for the Library’s social media accounts or the Library’s website? Yes, I've been told that I’m very photogenic. 

Why did you decide to Browse the Branches? Well, I already travel from neighborhood to neighborhood on a regular basis. And wherever I fly in the borough, there is always a BPL branch within a mile. So, joining in the Browse the Branches challenge was a cinch. I also really want to win the Browse the Branches tote because it would be very cozy for me to nest in.

What kind of transportation did you use? I flew.

Did you map out a plan ahead of time? I let the wind carry me.

What was the hardest part? Not being able to go inside the branches. They sound very nice. 

Which was your favorite branch? You mean tree branch, right? I especially like to take advantage of BPL branches’ tree branches in spring and summer. Thankfully many have gardens to perch in, including Greenpoint’s rooftop garden, Flatbush’s community garden, as well as gardens at Park Slope, Rugby, Saratoga and Windsor Terrace Libraries—plus there are Brower Park, Cortelyou and Crown Heights Libraries’ outdoor terraces and pavilions, as well as more wonderful trees around DeKalb, Leonard, Brownsville and Walt Whitman Libraries. 

What are some new things you discovered about the library? I found out that each and every neighborhood library branch is important, unique, and special in its own way—in that sense, libraries are a lot like pigeons. I also discovered that, from a bird’s-eye view, humans look so happy after spending time at the library. 

What are some new things you discovered about Brooklyn? That there aren’t many other places like libraries that are free and open to the people of Brooklyn, which is one of the reasons why Brooklyn Public Library is so special.

What advice do you have for someone else who wants to browse all of our locations? Grow wings. However you get there, have fun.

Now that you've visited all of our locations, what do you think should people know about BPL if they plan to visit themselves? First of all, that you have to be a person or a support animal to go inside (would anyone like me to be their emotional support pigeon?). Also, that there are books (including librarian-created booklists!), technology, and even musical instruments, board games, and all kinds of other fun stuff that humans can borrow.

What does Brooklyn Public Library mean to you? BPL has resources and books about all kinds of topics, including plenty of books on my relatives, and I appreciate that!

Thank you to Penelope Pigeon for sharing your story! Happy April Fools' Day to all of our patrons. 

If you want to take the Browse the Branches challenge seriously, stop by your neighborhood library to pick up a booklet today and start your journey to visit all 62 locations. Good luck!