Brooklyn, NY – May 7, 2020 – Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) today announced its monthly lineup of free, online cultural and civic programs for people of all ages engaged in social distancing, expanding the Library’s myriad opportunities for social connection, cultural exploration, and intellectual study to audiences across Brooklyn and around the world.
This month’s programs include a presentation, in partnership with Theater of War Productions, of The Oedipus Project, a live performance and conversation via Zoom featuring actors Frances McDormand, Oscar Isaac, John Turturro, among others. The Oedipus Project presents a dramatic reading by acclaimed actors of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as a catalyst for powerful, guided conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon individuals, families, and communities.
The Library will also a present “Philosophy in the Library” live via Zoom, with Dr. Jennifer Scuro, who will discuss how we value labor today, and those who are most burdened by invisible labor; a “Meet the Author” series with some of today’s most acclaimed children’s storytellers; and a weekly guided meditation series with Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam, a BPL University Open Air professor.
In addition, BPL will also share archival footage of some of its most popular conversations and lectures with literary figures and scholars, including award-winning authors Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o and Peter Kimani, Rebecca Nagle, and performance artist Laurie Anderson, featuring her 2019 BPL-commissioned Message from the Library. Amid these challenging times, BPL’s curatorial team has selected programs from their archives that challenge and inspire audiences and aims to introduce patrons to some of the world’s most celebrated authors, thinkers, and creatives.
“Although the physical doors remain closed, Brooklyn Public Library continues to be focused on creating opportunities for our patrons to engage in conversation with one another, even at a distance, which is now more vital than ever,” said László Jakab Orsós, Vice President of Arts and Culture at Brooklyn Public Library. “We hope that in both presenting new programs and opening our archives we bring inspiration to people of all ages and provide a platform for stimulating discussions about the civil and artistic issues that our community is navigating today.”
During the month of May, BPL will continue the 28th Amendment Project, its initiative to discuss, debate, and propose the next amendment to the U.S. Constitution, online. The town halls are free to access and open to all, creating a lively virtual forum to explore ideas for a more inclusive and reflective governance. Originally launched as an in-person town hall series to be held at library branches and schools throughout the borough, the reconceived virtual 28th Amendment Project provides a platform for communities across Brooklyn and around the country to reexamine America’s founding principles at a time when COVID-19 is spotlighting societal and governmental structures once taken for granted. For more details on this program, please click here.
A complete calendar of upcoming programs can be found here with information about how to log-in and registration for specific events.
BPL Presents’ virtual programming expands upon the Library’s more than 60,000 free programs offered each year. Even when its physical doors are closed, BPL continues to provide patrons access to virtual story times with librarians from across the borough, career help through its Business and Career Center, resources for students of all ages, and details on how to ensure all Brooklyn residents participate in the 2020 Census.
BPL Presents Virtual Programming Calendar
Please visit bklynlibrary.org/bpl-presents for the most up to date listings
New York International Children’s Film Festival – Short Takes
Thursday, May 7 at 3:30 p.m
Welcome to My Life (ages 8+) By Elizabeth Ito, NYICFF, 2017 The animated high school challenges of T-Kesh, your average Monster-American teenager.
There is No Middle Ground: Readers and Writers Hail 20 Years of Seven Stories Press
Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m.
Seven Stories Press, one of the world’s leading independent publishers, commemorated 20 years of defending free speech and human rights in this 2016 celebration of the gifts of the human imagination. Kia Corthron reads Octavia Butler; Phil Jackson reads Charley Rosen; Paul Auster reads Kurt Vonnegut; Barry Gifford reads Nelson Algren; Francine Prose reads Annie Ernaux; Matthew Sharpe reads Linh Dinh; Kate Bornstein reads “Sex is a Funny Word” by Cory Silverberg, and more.
The Oedipus Project Presented by Theater of War Productions
Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. Registration required
The Oedipus Project presents a dramatic reading by acclaimed actors of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King as a catalyst for powerful, guided conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon individuals, families, and communities. Oedipus the King is a timeless story about arrogant leadership, ignored prophecy, and a pestilence that ravages the city of Thebes. At the time the play was first performed in 429 BC, the audience would have been reeling in the wake of a plague. Seen through this lens, Oedipus the King seems as relevant now as it was in its own time. Featuring performances by Frances McDormand, Oscar Isaac, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Frankie Faison, David Strathairn, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. To register for free visit http://oedipusproject.eventbrite.com/.
Indian Dance Adventure
Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m.
Join Urban Stages and travel to India in this dance and music-filled workshop extravaganza. After watching some Mohiniyattam-style dance, and listening to the music of the tablas, participants will have a chance to try out the moves themselves and learn about the origins of these beautiful Indian art forms. Join the fun at the Urban Stages Facebook page.
Guided Meditation and Teaching
Friday, May 8 at 4 p.m. Registration required
Learn meditation, stress management, and mindfulness techniques with Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam through a guided series of meditation exercises and instruction.
Rebecca Nagle on “When the U.S. Stole Native Land Not with Guns, but Pens & Paper”
Saturday, May 9 at 4 p.m.
In this lecture from Brooklyn Public Library’s 2020 A Night of Philosophy & Ideas, the host of the Crooked Media podcast discusses the government’s takeover of Native lands.
28th Amendment Town Hall, moderated by Brian Tate
Saturday, May 9 at 4 p.m. Registration required
Through this series of online town hall forums, BPL invites people of all ages and backgrounds to propose their ideas for how the U.S. Constitution should be adapted to better reflect contemporary society. With the support of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), who act as the project’s legal advisors, ideas put forward during the virtual town halls will be pulled together into a new proposed Constitutional amendment on behalf of the people. While the result will not be a legal document, the amendment will reflect the aspirations and collective will of the people.
Classical Interludes Live: Brooklyn Art Song Society
Sunday, May 10 at 4 p.m.
Baritone Mario Diaz-Moresco and pianist Spencer Myer perform selections from BASS's Ditcher Project program, featuring settings of Friedrich Rückert by Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, and Clara and Robert Schumann.
Virtual Chess Workshop
Monday, May 11 at 4 p.m.
Enjoy a game of chess at BPL, led by qualified instructors, to improve your game or learn to play. Both beginners and advanced players are welcome.
The Review Panel Special
Monday, May 11 at 7 p.m.
Robert Storr in conversation with David Cohen, discussing the exhibition, Gerhard Richter: Painting After All.
Stomp, Clap & Sing with Alex Mitnick
Tuesday, May 12 at 11 a.m. Emmy Award-winning children's entertainer Alex Mitnick guides audiences on a journey that leads to all the treasures of the world. Songs unfold like storybooks, captivating young minds, drawing them into adventures, stirring their imagination. View the program on his YouTube page here.
Message from the Library: Laurie Anderson’s The Size of the Con
Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m.
In this BPL-commissioned Message from the Library from November 2019, seminal pioneering performance artist Laurie Anderson delivers a lecture on how to prepare for the 2020 election cycle and the tumultuous year ahead in the United States.
28th Amendment Town Hall, moderated by Brian Tate
Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Registration required
Through this series of online town hall forums, BPL invites people of all ages and backgrounds to propose their ideas for how the U.S. Constitution should be adapted to better reflect contemporary society. With the support of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), who act as the project’s legal advisors, ideas put forward during the virtual town halls will be pulled together into a new proposed Constitutional amendment on behalf of the people. While the result will not be a legal document, the amendment will reflect the aspirations and collective will of the people.
Mermaids Fast Asleep
Wednesday, May 13 at 4:30 p.m. Robin Riding, author of Mermaids Fast Asleep, will perform her lullaby book, with live music by Andy Laties, followed by a Q&A with the author. Then, enjoy a musical puppet show with the theme, “Fun Under the Sea.” Audience members are welcome to ask questions and chat online during this live show. The event will be available on Crowdcast.
Virtual Chess Workshop
Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a game of chess at BPL, led by qualified instructors, to improve your game or learn to play. Both beginners and advanced players are welcome.
Brooklyn by the Book: Svetlana Alexievich and Sophie Pinkham
Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.
In her essay published in the New Republic (August 29, 2016), Sophie Pinkham, graduate student in the Department of Slavic Languages, wrote that Nobel Laureate Svetlana Alexievich creates myths, not history. Pinkham's new book, Black Square: Adventures in Post-Soviet Ukraine discusses that theory, which she discusses in this 2017 conversation at Brooklyn Public Library.
New York International Children’s Film Festival – Short Takes
Thursday, May 14 at 3:30 p.m. A Small Escape (all ages) By David Sandell, Sweden, 2016. A pair of scissors plans a great domestic escape, joining forces with pencils, Post-its, and tape rolls to shape its own destiny.
Amitav Ghosh Discusses Gun Island with Elliott Holt
Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m.
Award-winning author Amitav Ghosh discusses his globetrotting, folkloric adventure novel about family and heritage. Gun Island is the story of a man whose faith in the world and the future is restored by two remarkable women.
Guided Meditation and Teaching
Friday, May 15 at 4 p.m. Registration required
Learn meditation, stress management, and mindfulness techniques with Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam through a guided series of meditation exercises and instruction.
Live Screening and Discussion: Spaceship Earth
Saturday, May 16 at 5 p.m.
This documentary film shares the adventure of eight visionaries who in 1991 spent two years quarantined inside of a self-engineered replica of Earth's ecosystem called BIOSPHERE 2. The screening will be followed by a Zoom discussion with Spaceship Earth producer Stacey Reiss and Director Matt Wolf.
28th Amendment Town Hall, moderated by Brynna Tucker
Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. Registration required
Through this series of online town hall forums, BPL invites people of all ages and backgrounds to propose their ideas for how the U.S. Constitution should be adapted to better reflect contemporary society. With the support of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), who act as the project’s legal advisors, ideas put forward during the virtual town halls will be pulled together into a new proposed Constitutional amendment on behalf of the people. While the result will not be a legal document, the amendment will reflect the aspirations and collective will of the people.
Drag Queen Story Hour with Miz Jade
Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m.
Enjoy Drag Queen Story Hour from the comfort of your own home as Miz Jade reads children's books, sings songs, and does movement activities for kids ages 3-8. Through storytelling and creativity, DQSH teaches children about gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable. View the broadcast on the Drag Queen Story Hour Facebook page.
Classical Interludes Live: Stanichka Dimitrova
Sunday, May 17 at 4 p.m.
"Alone but Never Lonely” A Solo Violin Recital Poignant and Light-hearted, Meditative and Wild, this program captures the wide variety of style and expression of the violin as seen through few of the staples in the Solo Violin repertoire.
Virtual Chess Workshop
Monday, May 18 at 4 p.m.
Enjoy a game of chess at BPL, led by qualified instructors, to improve your game or learn to play. Both beginners and advanced players are welcome.
Stomp, Clap & Sing with Suzi Shelton Tuesday, May 19 at 11 a.m.
Join local favorite family performer Suzi Shelton as she returns to the Brooklyn Public Library for a virtual fun-filled musical performance featuring songs from her recent award-winning album, "Hand In Hand," as well as old favorites. You can expect ladybugs, raindrops, firetrucks and even her lovable pal Cinnamon Bear to make an appearance. Suzi will be streaming the show live from her living room on her Facebook page. Geared for families with children ages 0-5 yrs. View the broadcast on the www.facebook.com/suzisheltonmusic
Rhythm and Sound in the Theater
Tuesday, May 19 at 3:30 p.m.
Jon Berger shares wisdom from his 35-year-career as a drummer and percussionist for Broadway shows, concerts, and in the recording studio. Participants will experience hands-on how percussive sound effects are used in the theater, TV, and movies to tell stories and enhance dance movement and stage action. They will stay involved with interactive activities, and even learn how to make instruments from items they have in their home. (all ages) Join the fun at the Urban Stages Facebook page.
Author Chang-Rae Lee in Conversation with Laurie Muchnick
Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m.
Chang-rae Lee, the award-winning novelist of Native Speaker and The Surrendered, reads from his new novel On Such a Full Sea, a provocative story of one woman’s shocking quest in a disturbing and vividly imagined future America. In conversation with Laurie Muchnick, writer, editor, and former president of the National Book Critics Circle.
Seeing Into Tomorrow
Wednesday, May 20 at 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate spring with haiku. Author/illustrator Nina Crews will read aloud Seeing Into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright. She'll talk about how she created her illustrations and show how you can make your own spring haiku collage.
Virtual Chess Workshop
Wednesday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a game of chess at BPL, led by qualified instructors, to improve your game or learn to play. Both beginners and advanced players are welcome.
Brooklyn by the Book: Author Paul Harding with Michele Filgate
Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m.
Paul Harding, the Pulitzer-Prize winning author of Tinkers, reads from his 2013 novel, ENON, a story about the consequences of loss and personal tragedy in a small New England town. He speaks with writer and Community Bookstore bookseller Michele Filgate.
Philosophy in the Library
Wednesday, May 20 at 12 p.m.
The May Philosophy in the Library will feature Dr. Jennifer Scuro, who discusses "The Burdens of Labor and Imagining Future Care Communities." How do we value labor today? How are our labors distributed and can we "escape" from the burdens of labor? Who is most burdened by invisible labor? How do new technologies and the use of the natural world make our lives less burdensome, and how do they make our labor more exploitative and precarious? Zoom registration information will be available on the BPL Presents events page.
New York International Children’s Film Festival – Short Take
Thursday, May 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Dogtor Animation, Rhea Dadoo, 2016, 3 min. It’s about friendship and reflecting on personal journeys. Also, dogs!
Irish Dance Friday,
May 22 at 10 a.m.
Patricia McManus, Irish dancer extraordinaire, leads participants through the world of Irish Dancing. Participants learn new steps, listen to Irish music, and discover the joy of this classic style. Join the fun at the Urban Stages Facebook page.
Guided Meditation and Teaching
Friday, May 22 at 4 p.m. Registration required
Learn meditation, stress management, and mindfulness techniques with Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam through a guided series of meditation exercises and instruction.
June Jordan on her Life and Activism
Saturday, May 23 at 4 p.m.
The Center for Black Literature, in partnership with the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College and Brooklyn Public Library, celebrate the life and works of June Jordan (1936–2002), a poet, playwright, and essayist who was one of the most widely published and highly acclaimed African-American writers of her generation. The program will focus on Jordan’s works, how she represents a life of activism, and the ways today’s artists continue the tradition of literary activism. Poet and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller and biographer and scholar Valerie Kinloch, author of June Jordan: Her Life and Letters, will participate in a conversation on Jordan’s work and life of activism. Attorney and justice activist Joan Gibbs will join the conversation as a respondent.
Virtual Chess Workshop
Monday, May 25 at 4 p.m.
Enjoy a game of chess at BPL, led by qualified instructors, to improve your game or learn to play. Both beginners and advanced players are welcome.
Dr. Vishakha Desai on Rising China: What it Means for the World Tuesday
May 26 at 7 p.m. Former president of Asia Society Dr. Vishakha Desai and leaders in politics, arts, and culture from around the globe investigate current events and consider Eastern and Western approaches to the 21st century realities.
Virtual Chess Workshop
Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a game of chess at BPL, led by qualified instructors, to improve your game or learn to play. Both beginners and advanced players are welcome.
Message from the Library: David Grossman
Wednesday, May 27 at 7 p.m.
In the inaugural BPL-commissioned Message from the Library, 2017 Man Booker International Prizewinning Israeli author David Grossman discusses his early love of books and considers the potential of storytelling to create understanding amid the deep and sometimes dangerous political divides here and around the globe.
Live on Zoom: Brooklyn Poets Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m.
In this live reading, Brooklyn Poets Reading Series present poets Rick Barot, Aria Aber, and José Olivarez via Zoom.
Spanish Song and Story Time
Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. Time to dive into the Spanish language! Through songs, dancing, body percussion, and fun cultural facts, our facilitator will introduce new Spanish words and phrases. You and your toddler will sing, rhyme, and clap along, all while expanding your Spanish vocabulary. Age 2-6. Join the fun at the Urban Stages Facebook page.
Jacqueline Woodson Discusses Red at the Bone: A Novel with Glory Edim
Saturday, May 30 at 4 p.m.
Jacqueline Woodson—bestselling author and winner of the National Book Award—will discuss her extraordinary novel titled Red at the Bone, in which two families from different social classes are joined together by an unexpected pregnancy and the child that it produces. Moving forward and backward in time, the book uncovers the role that history and community have played in the experiences, decisions, and relationships of these families, and in the life of this child.
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: