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Brooklyn—Brooklyn Public Library and the Office of Borough President Antonio Reynoso named Esther Poretsky Older Adult of the Year at BPL’s Aging Unbound celebration fair on Friday. Poretsky, 75 years young, is a regular participant in the Library’s Creative Aging classes—including writing, poetry and art—and an enthusiastic ambassador for the Library’s older adult programs, noting the friendships and community the classes have provided in her own life.
A retired kindergarten teacher, Poretsky is a Brooklyn native and first began visiting the Stone Avenue Library as a child where she remembers getting a blue library card designated for children. She says the library remains “a magical place” every time she walks through the doors.
Deputy Borough President Kim Council presented the award as part of a fair celebrating older adults at Central Library on Friday, sponsored by Apple Bank and UnitedHealthcare.
The fair included a wide range of interactive workshops on topics like poetry, storytelling, art and music. Jazz musician LA Blacksmith performed at the fair. Walter Perez and Leonardo Sardella, the founders of Friends of Argentine Tango had the entire crowd on their feet for nearly an hour learning Latin dances including the Chachacha.
Brooklyn Public Library presents a wide range of programming and services for older adults to help them remain active and prevent social isolation. Our Creative Aging series provides participants multi-session classes in art and writing with professional teaching artists. The Senior Debate Team allows older adults to explore current events and practice speaking in public. The Library also provides extensive training and one-on-one sessions designed to help older adults remain current with computers and technology; and Books by Mail helps homebound seniors throughout the borough stay connected to the library and the community. The Older adult celebration fair allowed those ages 55 and over to sample the Library’s services just for them.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.