New Season Kicks Off On October 12
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and Apple Bank are entering the fifth year of a uniquely Brooklyn partnership celebrating the cultural heritage of the borough’s diverse neighborhoods. Over the last four years, the two organizations have worked together to sponsor more than 100 cultural programs in 12 languages, ranging from musical performances to art classes to story times.
“We are incredibly grateful to Apple Bank for generously supporting the Library’s multicultural and language programs,” said President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library Linda E. Johnson. “Working together, we strive to make Brooklyn neighborhoods welcoming to people of all backgrounds and our libraries places for all people to work, learn and thrive.”
Both BPL and Apple Bank have an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in the local neighborhoods they have served for over 100 years. In addition to Apple Bank’s support of BPL’s community cultural programs, the partnership has enabled the Library to be the first organization in New York City to offer free telephone interpretation services through Language Line. The service allows library staff to communicate with patrons in over 200 languages with the assistance of an interpreter. Over half of Brooklynites speak a language other than English at home. Speakers in 32 languages have used the service nearly 1,700 times.
Working together, Brooklyn Public Library and Apple Bank have given away over 1,000 books to people living in Brooklyn and added another 600 to the circulating collection. With the support of Apple Bank, the Library purchased a Rosetta Stone language station, which has been used over 2,000 times. In addition, the bank sponsors an annual world language festival and has provided funding for the Library’s welcome guide to be printed in ten languages.
James G. Matera, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer at Apple BankJ, said, “We are a proud supporter of the Brooklyn Public Library and its extensive community programs that embrace the diversity of our Brooklyn neighborhoods. These programs are a prime example of how Apple Bank connects to the communities it serves by engaging local residents and working with community organizations.”
The fifth season of the Apple Bank-Brooklyn Public Library partnership starts this October with events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, including Patty Cake Theater’s Donkey Jote, a puppet show which tells the story of Don Quixote.
About Apple Bank
Apple Bank has provided core personal and business banking services to New Yorkers since 1863, with 79 branches in greater New York. Apple Bank is committed to supporting community programs for families in need, affordable housing and financial education in the neighborhoods it serves, working with numerous partners including City Harvest, Citizens Housing Planning Council and Cents Ability, among many others.
About Brooklyn Public Library
With 59 branches across the borough, Brooklyn Public Library is among its most open institutions, providing a safe and welcoming place for neighbors to get to know one another, for immigrants learning a new language, for students preparing for college, for adults starting or changing careers, and for older adults to continue learning and growing