February 2011 Events Announced For Brooklyn Public Library
By: Gabrielle Sierra Jan. 05, 2011
February is Black History Month. Celebrate the rich culture and contributions of the African American with free programs the entire family will enjoy. As always, all events are free and open to the public; because times are subject to change, we recommend calling ahead or checking the website when planning your next visit.
Featured Black History Month EventsSouth Africa in Focus: Film & Discussion Series: The New Generation
This documentary, the third in the seven-part series Have You Heard from Johannesburg?, is about the Soweto Uprising, led by a younger generation, and the international response it inspired.
Thursday, Feb 1, 6:30 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100Dwecklectic: Kaïssa
Kaïssa sings a unique blend of African, reggae, jazz, R&B, makossa and Brazilian fusion in a performance that also incorporates elements of traditional and contemporary African music and dance.
Thursday, Feb 3, 7 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100The Enduring Importance of W.E.B. Du Bois
Dr. MaryNell Morgan-Brown discusses the life and work of W.E.B. Du Bois in his multiple roles as an educator and a scholar-activist. The audience will be encouraged to participate through questions and comments and through singing some of the "Sorrow Songs" in his most popular book, The Souls of Black Folk (1903).
Sunday, February 6, 1:30PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
This documentary, the fourth in the seven-part series Have You Heard from Johannesburg?, is about the refusal of African teams to compete in the Olympics with South Africa's all-white teams. Scholar Grace Davie leads a discussion after the film.
Tuesday, Feb 8, 6:30 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100Author Talk: Tanya Wright
Wright, best known as Deputy Kenya Jones on HBO's True Blood, reads from Butterfly Rising, her debut novel about two brokenhearted women embarking on a momentous road trip.
Thursday, Feb 10, 7 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Song Book of Love
Just in time for Valentine's Day, The Bushwick Book Club presents an afternoon of literary love songs. Featuring Alyson Greenfield, Brook Pridemore, Corn Mo, Dan Costello and Rachel Devlin, Jonathan Vincent, Laura Brenneman, Matthew Varvil, Natti Vogel, Phoebe Kreutz, and Sweet Soubrette. Susan Hwang of The Debutante Hour hosts.
Saturday, February 12, 4:00PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
David Levering Lewis, a Pulitzer Prize winner and Julius Silver University Professor at New York University, considers the legacy of Du Bois in the era of America's first African American president.
Sunday, Feb 13, 1:30 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100South Africa in Focus: Film & Discussion Series: From Selma to Soweto
This documentary, the fifth in the seven-part series Have You Heard from Johannesburg?, is about African Americans' push for economic sanctions against South Africa, despite President Reagan's opposition.
Tuesday, Feb 15, 6:30 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100African American Works in MoMA's Collection
Explore artwork by African American artists-including Elizabeth Catlett, Ellen Gallagher, David Hammons and others-and discuss their social and political context. Fill out a survey after the lecture to receive a free family pass to the Museum of Modern Art.
Thursday, Feb 17, 7 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100 The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates
Moore, a Rhodes Scholar who learned of a similarly named man who was prison-bound, discusses the factors and choices that led two African American men, raised in similar surroundings, down different roads.
Saturday, Feb 19, 4 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100South Africa in Focus: Film & Discussion Series: The Bottom Line
This documentary, the sixth in the seven-part series Have You Heard from Johannesburg?, is about the worldwide pressure employees and consumers have placed on corporate giants to divest from South Africa.
Tuesday, Feb 22, 6:30 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100Die Free: A Heroic Family History
NY1 News Anchor Cheryl Wills reads from her memoir about her search to learn more about her ancestors, including her great-great-grandfather who was a runaway slave during the Civil War.
Thursday, Feb 24, 7 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100 Du Bois's Vision and Pan-Africanism Today
This discussion will look at W.E.B. Du Bois's efforts to realize African unity and consider the relevance of this idea of Pan-Africanism today. Horace G. Campbel is the author of Pan Africanism, Pan Africanists and African Liberation in the 21st century and Rasta and Resistance from Marcus Garvey to Walter Rodney, among others. Carina Ray teaches African History at Fordham University and writes for New African magazine, the oldest Pan-African monthly magazine in print.
Sunday, February 27, 1:30PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Adults
Computer Basics Class
Learn basic skills. No experience necessary.
Tuesday, Feb 1, 1 PM
Central Library, Room 216, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Friday, Feb 4, 11 AM
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792
Monday, Feb 7, 11 AM
Gerritsend Beach Library, 2808 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435
Tuesday, Feb 8, 1 PM
Flatlands Library, 2065 Flatbush Avenue, 718.253.4409
Tuesday, Feb 8, 1 PM
Rugby Library, 1000 Utica Avenue, 718.566.0054
Tuesday, Feb 22, 1:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159
Thursdays, 1:30 PM
Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East Fifth Street, 718.686.9707
Computer & Internet Basics Class in Spanish
Learn basic skills. No experience necessary.
Tuesday, Feb 1, 1 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Computer Basics & Email Class
Get an introduction to computers and email.
Wednesday, Feb 2, 1 PM
Registration required
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Get the information you need to increase your savings, plan for retirement and secure your future.
Thursday, Feb 3, 6 PM
Business Library, 280 Cadman Plaza West 718.623.7000
Tuesday, Feb 15, 6 PM
New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street, 718.236.4086
Philosophy Discussion Group
Discuss topics chosen by members of the group.
Fridays, Feb 4 & 18, 3:30 PM
New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street, 718.236.4086
Enjoy this free screening.
Monday, Feb 7, 2 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917Microsoft Word Class in Spanish
Learn to create documents. Basic computer knowledge required.
Tuesday, Feb 8, 12 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806Microsoft Word Class
Learn to create documents. Basic computer knowledge required.
Tuesday, Feb 8, 1:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159
Wednesday, Feb 9, 1 PM
Registration required
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Thursday, Feb 17, 2 PM
Central Library, Room 216, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100 Email Class
Learn the basics of email. Basic computer knowledge required.
Wednesday, Feb 9, 1 PM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117
Wednesday, Feb 9, 7 PM
Central Library, Room 216, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Poetry Fun
Practice poetry writing techniques.
Wednesday, Feb 9, 2:15 PM
Gerritsend Beach Library, 2808 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435
Growing Dollars and Sense: Financial Workshops & Counseling
Attend this interactive workshop on retirement planning and get one-on-one assistance with your finances. No reservations are necessary.
Wednesday, Feb 9, 5:30 PM
Thursday, Feb 10, 5:30 PM
Business Library
Wednesday, Feb 16, 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Feb 22, 5:30 PM
New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street, 718.236.4086
Please be advised you must bring your own materials: a size 8 knitting needle or a crochet hook, as well as acrylic worsted weight yarn.
Mondays, Feb 14 & 28, 4 PM
Registration required
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792
Book Discussion
Call for this session's title.
Monday, Feb 14, 6:30 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Thursday, Feb 17, 1:30 PM
Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East Fifth Street, 718.686.9707
Thursday, Feb 24, 2 PM
Central Library, Second Floor Meeting Room, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Email Class in Spanish
Learn the basics of email. Basic computer knowledge required.
Tuesday, Feb 15, 12 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Art Exhibition Opening Reception
Tuesday, Feb 15, 6 PM
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792
Finding Health & Medical Information Online
Wednesday, Feb 16, 1 PM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117
Microsoft PowerPoint Class
Learn to create presentations. Basic computer knowledge required.
Wednesday, Feb 16, 1 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Tuesday, Feb 22, 7 PM
Central Library, Room 216, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Talking Circle
Share your stories and experiences with others.
Wednesday, Feb 16, 2 PM
Gravesend Library, 303 Avenue X, 718.382.5792
Movie
Enjoy a free film screening.
Thursday, Feb 17, 2:30 PM
New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street, 718.236.4086
Advanced Internet Searching
This class is for those familiar with internet basics.
Wednesday, Feb 23, 1 PM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117
Movie: Shirley Temple: The Biggest Little Star in Hollywood: Vol. 2
Enjoy this free screening.
Monday, Feb 28, 2 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917
Enjoy free film screenings.
Mondays, 1:30 PM
Homecrest Library, 2525 Coney Island Avenue, 718.382.5924 Scrabble
Enjoy a friendly game with other local word lovers.
Tuesdays, 11 AM
Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East Fifth Street, 718.686.9707
Knitting Workshop
Learn or perfect this skill. All skill levels welcome.
Tuesdays, 2 PM
Cypress Hills Library, 1197 Sutter Avenue, 718.277.6004
Fridays, 3:30 PM
Rugby Library, 1000 Utica Avenue, 718.566.0054
Fridays, 3:30 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Chess
Tuesdays, 3:30 PM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117
Wednesdays, 3 PM
Dyker Library, 8202 13th Avenue, 718.748.6261
Crocheting Circle
Work on current or new projects with others.
Tuesdays, 4 PM
Cypress Hills Library, 1197 Sutter Avenue, 718.277.6004
Thursdays, 2 PM
Midwood Library, 975 East 16th Street, 718.252.0967
Introduction to Computer Programs
Explore everything from Microsoft programs to email to Google Docs. Please call for each class subject.
Wednesdays, 1:30 PM
Fridays, 10:30 AM
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, 718.693.7763
Work on current or new projects with others.
Wednesdays, 5 PM
Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue, 718.623.2134
English Conversation Group
Improve your English.
Wednesdays, 6 PM
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, 718.693.7763
Thursdays, 6 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Call for this session's title.
Fridays, 12 PM
Gerritsend Beach Library, 2808 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435
Art, Music and Culture
Russian Literary Series: Russian Literary Series: Otar Iosseliani
Iosseliani is a renowned Georgian-French filmmaker whose films were censored of his films by the Soviet government. His films Pastorale and There Once Was a Singing Blackbird are classics of independent cinema. This event is in Russian. Please RSVP by calling 718.230.2222. Limit two tickets per person.
Saturday, Feb 5, 4 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
This string quartet fuses Latin, classical, jazz and improvisational forms in genre-blurring original compositions and arrangements, as well as contemporary works by Latin American composers.
Sunday, Feb 6, 4:00 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100Classical Interludes: Angelina Gadeliya*
This Ukrainian pianist performs an emotionally gripping program of works by Leoš Janá?ek, Valentin Silvestrov, Levko Revutsky and Alfred Schnittke.
Sunday, Feb 13, 4 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100Russian Film Series: A Film about Anna Akhmatova
This documentary follows the tragic life of Akhmatova, one of the most important female poets of the twentieth century. This film is in Russian with English subtitles.
Wednesday, Feb 16, 7 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100 Classical Interludes: Music Off the Shelves*
The Brooklyn Philharmonic plays a program of music in dialogue with the writing of Matthea Harvey, a Brooklyn poet whose most recent book is Modern Life.
Sunday, Feb 27, 4 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100Babies and Toddlers Events
Toddler Time with FirstRIF
Engage in interactive play and enjoy stories with toddlers, 18 to 36 months. Also earn free books by reading! See your librarian for details.
Tuesdays, Feb 1 & 15, 10:30 AM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Wednesdays, 1:30 PM
Brooklyn Heights Library, 280 Cadman Plaza West, 718.623.7000
Fridays, 11 AM
Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington Avenue, 718.398.8713
Story Play with FirstRIF
Play with toys and hear stories with babies and toddlers, birth to age 5. Also earn free books by reading! See your librarian for details.
Tuesdays, Feb 1 & 8, 11 AM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117
Tuesdays, 2 PM
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531
Fridays, 11:30 AM
Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Avenue, 718.773.1180
Fridays, 2 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159
Babies & Books with FirstRIF
Enjoy books, songs and rhymes with babies, birth to 18 months. Also earn free books by reading! See your librarian for details.
Fridays, Feb 4 & 18, 10:30 AM
Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East Fifth Street, 718.686.9707
Mondays, Feb 7, 14 & 28, 11 AM
Gerritsend Beach Library, 2808 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435
Tuesdays, 1:30 PM
Brooklyn Heights Library, 280 Cadman Plaza West, 718.623.7000
Tuesdays, 4:15 PM
Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington Avenue, 718.398.8713
Babies & Books
Enjoy books, songs and rhymes with babies, birth to 18 months.
Tuesdays, Feb 8 & 22, 10:30 AM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
Wednesdays, 3:30 PM
Flatlands Library, 2065 Flatbush Avenue, 718.253.4409
Fridays, 10:30 AM
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, 718.693.7763
Engage in interactive play and enjoy stories with toddlers, 18 to 36 months.
Mondays, 10:30 AM
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531
Fridays, 11 AM
Flatlands Library, 2065 Flatbush Avenue, 718.253.4409
Preschool Story Time
Enjoy classic books and songs with others, ages 3 to 5.
Fridays, 10:30 AM
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531
Chinese New Year Arts & Crafts
Wednesday, Feb 2, 4 PM
Homecrest Library, 2525 Coney Island Avenue, 718.382.5924
Thursday, Feb 3, 3:45 PM
Kensington Library, 410 Ditmas Avenue, 718.435.9431
Movie
Enjoy a free film screening.
Friday, Feb 4, 3:30 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917
Friday, Feb 18, 4 PM
For ages birth to 12
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531
Chinese New Year
Celebrate the year of the rabbit!
Saturday, Feb 5, 1 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Friday, Feb 11, 4 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917
Friday, Feb 11, 4 PM
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, 718.693.7763
Friday, Feb 11, 4 PM
Gerritsend Beach Library, 2808 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435
Fridays, 4 PM
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531
CarnegieKids Presents the Itty Biddies
The Itty Biddies take you on a journey around and outside America through storytelling and song.
Saturday, Feb 12, 1 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100
Master storyteller Caren Calder brings traditional African folktales to life with movement, song, the beat of a live percussionist and lessons in African dance techniques.
Saturday, Feb 19, 1 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100Sleeping Beauty
In this performance, the evil Trollarina plots revenge against the royal family by sending Princess Melisande into an everlasting sleep, but is challenged by an enchanted faun.
Saturday, Feb 26, 1 PM
Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100Origami
Friday, Feb 25, 4 PM
Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road, 718.946.2917
Games
Wednesdays, 3:30 PM
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531
After-School Homework Help
Get free help from trained adult volunteers.
Thursdays, 3:30 PM
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, 718.693.7763
Story Craft
Listen to a story and create art projects based on it.
Thursdays, 3:30 PM
Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue, 718.638.1531
Hang out and enjoy books, games and music.
Thursdays, 4 PM
Mapleton Library, 1702 60th Street, 718.256.2117PlayStation Gaming
Join your friends and meet new ones while playing video games.
Fridays, 3:30 PM
Homecrest Library, 2525 Coney Island Avenue, 718.382.5924
Tutoring by B.U.P.H.
Get free tutoring, provided by Black United and Proud of Our Heritage. For children ages 8 to12 in grades 1 to 6. Please register at the Reference Desk.
Saturdays, 2:30 PM
Rugby Library, 1000 Utica Avenue, 718.566.0054
Teen Events
PlayStation Gaming
Join your friends and meet new ones while playing video games.
Wednesday, Feb 2, 3:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159
Thursdays, 3:30 PM
Flatlands Library, 2065 Flatbush Avenue, 718.253.4409
Thursdays, 4 PM
Gerritsend Beach Library, 2808 Gerritsen Avenue, 718.368.1435
Join your friends and meet new ones while playing these games. For tweens and teens.
Thursdays, Feb 3 & 17, 3:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159
Anime & Manga
Enjoy fun activities and screenings of cool anime features.
Fridays, Feb 4 & 18, 3:30 PM
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, 718.693.7763
Black History Month Reading Circle
Bring your favorite poem, play, novel or speech by an African American to read out loud and discuss. You are also welcome to share your own writings.
Tuesday, Feb 15, 4 PM
Spring Creek Library, 12143 Flatlands Avenue, 718.257.6571
Learn how to search online for grants, scholarships and other financial assistance for college.
Wednesday, Feb 16, 1:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159Wii Gaming
Join your friends and meet new ones while playing video games.
Wednesdays, Feb 16 & 23, 3:30 PM
Clarendon Library, 2035 Nostrand Avenue, 718.421.1159
Arts & Crafts
Thursday, Feb 24, 3:30 PM
Rugby Library, 1000 Utica Avenue, 718.566.0054
Chess
Wednesdays, 3:30 PM
Homecrest Library, 2525 Coney Island Avenue, 718.382.5924
Tween & Teen Time
Hang out and enjoy books, games and music. Ages 11 to 17.
Fridays, 3:30 PM
Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue, 718.567.2806
All exhibitions run February 8, 2011- April 9, 2011 at Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718.230.2100ATTITUDE: Brooklyn Portraits by Brooklyn Photographers ? by Michael Scott Berman, Joe Delano, Walker Esner, Lauren Fleishman and Nora Herting
Photos of the diverse faces of Brooklynites who tell it like it is.
Grand LobbyUninterested Europeans ? by Erin Beaver
Paintings and sculptures inspired by David Clark's Superstars, which mentions a spectacular new star that even "uninterested" Europeans could not ignore in AD 1006.
Foyer CasesBehind the Rain ? by Takayo Seto
Minimalistic oil paintings that explore the idea of another space behind the rain or underneath the cleft.
Foyer CasesDrivers, Dancers, Mice & Moon: Children's Book Art ? by Brian Floca
Illustrations and sketches by this award-winning author and illustrator, including work from The Racecar Alphabet, Ballet for Martha, Poppy, Moonshot, Lightship and The Hinky-Pink.
Youth WingLetters from Wallsend ? by John Spinks
Mixed-media collage/paintings using actual handwritten letters sent by the artist's father from Wallsend, a small town in northern England.
Second Floor Balcony CasesThe Life of a Book of a Life ? by Suzanne Coley
The artist's original sketchbooks, as well as the final book, relief prints and lithographs that were created from her sketches, poems, photographs and drawings.
Second Floor Balcony CasesBrooklyn 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. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a huge selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, job search help, literacy programs, public computers and the largest WiFi network in the borough. BPL's eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, as well as catalog information, are available to customers 24 hours a day at our website: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.
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