Discover Fictional Homes of Your Favorite Characters, the Real Apartments Where Authors Once Lived and the Libraries Where They Found Inspiration
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BROOKLYN—Brooklyn Public Library launched a new self-guided walking tour today designed to introduce users to some of Brooklyn’s many literary landmarks including the fictional places where novels are set, the apartments where authors once lived and the libraries from which they drew their inspiration. Powered by Otocast, the tour can be downloaded on a mobile phone and covers roughly eight miles, from Fort Greene to Bushwick.
Each stops includes audio narration, text and an image. Users will get to know a wide range of contemporary writers along with favorites from previous generations including: Marianne Moore, Richard Wright, Patti Smith, Naima Coster, Tanwi Nandini Islam, Biggie Smalls, Jason Reynolds, Tiffany D. Jackson, Paule Marshall, Bridgett Davis, Kaitlyn Greenidge, Alfred Kazin, Pauli Murray, Howard Zinn, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jenny Zhang.
“On every block, Brooklyn’s literary heritage is on display—from the streets of Bed-Stuy to the paths of Prospect Park. The BPL Literary walking tour will help you learn about the poets, novelists and memoirists for whom the borough has been both home and inspiration,” said Chief Librarian Nick Higgins. “Not only is the fall weather perfect for a walk or a stroll, you can discover the books from your favorite stops when your visit your local library where our doors are wide open.”
Self-guided and entirely outdoors, users can safely enjoy the tour which is estimated to take three hours. Designed to start anywhere, you can visit as few or as many stops as you like.
The tour also includes Clinton Hill, Macon, Brownsville, and Washington Irving Libraries, all of which played an important role in the lives of the featured authors. Patrons can stop in and ask a librarian for any of the books discussed on the tour.
The tour is powered by Otocast, an app used nationwide for museums, historic sites, murals, landmarks, architecture, monuments and more. Otocast has developed 4300 points of interest and delivered over 100,000 audio clips.
To learn more, including how to download the tour to your smart device, click here.
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 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 60,000 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.