Passport Office Is 3rd in BPL System, Joining Central, Kings Highway
Adult Learners to Benefit from New ESOL Writing, Pre-HSE Mathematics Classes Funded Through Council's Adult Literacy Initiative
Brooklyn, NY—Council Member Rafael Espinal and State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan joined Brooklyn Public Library leadership and patrons today to celebrate the opening of the new passport application center at Arlington Library and announce a pair of new adult learning classes at the branch. Arlington joins Central and Kings Highway libraries as locations at which patrons can acquire new passport books or cards. To date, BPL has accepted nearly 90,000 passport applications and processed more than 30,000 photos.
“Arlington Library, one of the most elegant and stately of Brooklyn’s Carnegie branches, has served the residents of East New York for more than one hundred years,” said Brooklyn Public Library President & CEO Linda E. Johnson. “Thanks to Council Member Espinal and BPL’s partners in DDC and DCAS, 2015 has been a renaissance year for Arlington, and we are proud to have greatly improved the branch for the patrons who rely on its programs and collections.”
Council Member Espinal is funding advanced ESOL writing and pre-HSE mathematics classes to be offered in Arlington's Adult Learning Center. The classes will provide adult learners with quality instruction, collaborative learning experiences and access to technology.
“In an effort to further expand programming in the library, I’m excited to announce that Arlington Library will be offering adult literacy classes made possible through an Adult Literacy Initiative I was able to secure for the district. As a former adult literacy teacher, I know these classes can truly change lives, especially in lower-income, immigrant communities like East New York. For many participants it will help to give them the education they need to secure higher paying jobs. Furthermore, the partnering of this program with the library's new passport office will help ESL learners who have recently become US citizens. I’m happy to partner with the Brooklyn Public Library in this effort and look forward to seeing the program in action here at the Arlington Library,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal.
“The impact adult learning programs has had on generations of New Yorkers is undeniable. These programs open up a whole new world to people by helping to break through language barriers. They also offer advanced instruction in writing and mathematics that prove invaluable in today’s workforce. I applaud Council Member Espinal for preserving these programs and fighting to keep them in our communities,” said State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan.
Arlington Library reopened earlier this year after extensive improvements, including a new roof, an improved drainage system, newly painted interiors and other critical infrastructure improvements. The project was funded by the City and managed by the NYC Department of Design and Construction, with energy-efficient lighting provided by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services.
“We are proud to have partnered with the Brooklyn Public Library, our elected officials and our community stakeholders to upgrade the Arlington Library,” said Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora, Commissioner of the Department of Design & Construction. “During construction, our team worked very hard to identify and strategize solutions to preserve the historical parts of this monumental library. In continuing Mayor Bill de Blasio's vision for a healthy, sustainable city, we are committed to providing well-designed, safe environments that enhance our communities and contribute to the City’s growth.”
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About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org.