The Library for Arts & Culture is thrilled to welcome Historia y Movimiento (History and Motion) with Jose Ortiz, also known as Dr. Drum! Joined by members of BombaYo, Dr. Drum invites attendees to experience the vibrant music, movement, and cultural traditions of Puerto Rican Bomba. Participants will learn about the history and cultural roots behind this powerful Afro-Puerto Rican art form while exploring the rhythms and traditions that continue to connect generations and communities. Jose Ortiz, aka Dr. Drum, is recognized as one of the nation’s leading Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba artists. He is a nationally acclaimed professional performer and educator specializing in Pan-African, Caribbean, and Latin cultures. A self-taught percussionist, Dr. Drum has dedicated his work to the study and performance of Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Dr. Drum is currently the Co-Founder and Musical Director of BombaYo. Throughout his career, he has been affiliated with organizations including the Brooklyn Arts Council, the Bronx Council on the Arts, City Lore, and the Union Square Award Professional Development Program. Dr. Drum’s contributions to the arts and cultural community have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Proclamation Recognition Award from the Bronx Borough President, the Don Quijote Recognition Award from Brooklyn College, and numerous citation awards celebrating his immense cultural contributions.
Brooklyn Public Library
Attraction · Brooklyn
Location
10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238 · Get Directions
Brooklyn Public Library Videos
Colin Kaepernick brought 'The Perilous Fight' to Brooklyn Public Library for its national launch, joined by Nikole Hannah-Jones for an unforgettable conversation. 📚 ⭐ Thank you to everyone who came out to be part of this exciting evening.
250 years after the Battle of Brooklyn, we gathered at the historic site to read Walt Whitman's "The Centenarian's Story" and reflect on the legacy we carry forward today 🇺🇸 📜 FULL VIDEO OUT NOW on YouTube! Watch as Brooklynites connect past and present through the power of story • Thank you to our extraordinary volunteers that brought this project to life Mubtasim Hossain, Teen Council Hasina Islam, Supervising Librarian, Jamaica Bay Library Millie Rodriguez, Brooklyn Public Library Patron Dennis Nurske, Brooklyn poet laureate Ms. Kesha Morse, 2021 Fort Greene Community Hero Bill Kahn, Brooklyn Public Library Patron and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso Check it out today! 🔗 https://bklynlib.org/4h9ypcc 📸 @tryating
Have you visited us yet?! 👑 🎵 🎤 • Check out 'Machel Montano: Journey of a Soca King' 📆 August 22, 2026 to September 12, 2026 📍 Central Library
Join Brooklyn Public Library and the Machel Montano Foundation for Greatness for the Journey of a Soca King Exhibition opening, as we kick off an exhibition and celebration of the one and only Soca King. This exhibition opening will feature a presentation by both partners along with guided walking tour of the exhibit and listening session. This exhibition presents the Machel Montano Collection, a 40+ year archival collection, that was inscribed in 2024 on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register for Latin America and the Caribbean. View photographs from the artist’s tours and life, explore maps of the Soca King’s Trinidad & Tobago: The Land of the Hummingbird, as well as digital displays with live performances and music videos, lyric books box sets, art featuring the Soka King, and much more. We will also invite patrons to a listening station with a collection of the Soca King’s vinyl collection available. This will be the first time this collection is being presented Brooklyn, NY. Elizabeth “Lady” Montano is a distinguished cultural consultant, arts administrator, and educator with over five decades of experience spanning education, entertainment, artist management, and cultural development across Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. In October 2018, at the age of sixty-eight, she earned a Master of Philosophy Degree in Cultural Studies from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Her thesis, “The Making of MONK Monte: Creativity and Commodification in Trinidad and Tobago Popular Culture,” reflects her deep engagement with Caribbean cultural expression. She has devoted more than twenty years to the teaching profession, including guidance and counseling, before transitioning into the entertainment industry in 1982. There, she became a pivotal figure in artist management and cultural production, serving as Director of XTATIK Ltd. since 1992 and managing the career of internationally acclaimed soca artist Machel Montano. Mrs. Montano has also been instrumental in preserving Caribbean cultural heritage, having collected, documented, and curated over forty years of memorabilia chronicling the evolution of Machel Montano’s career. In 2022, at the age of seventy-two, she became a first-time author with the publication of “King of Soca: The Ultimate Insider,” a biographical work on Machel Montano. Her life’s work reflects a steadfast commitment to youth development, cultural preservation, and the advancement of the creative industries, alongside a deep dedication to her family, community, and nation.
Fame is Magic ✨ 🪄 Clip taken from Molly Jong-Fast Discusses How to Lose Your Mother, with Meghan O'Rourke • Check out the full talk online! 🔗 https://bklynlib.org/4fAZSUM
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Brooklyn Public Library News
The New American Play Series and More Set for Urban Stages 43rd Season
Urban Stages revealed its 2026-27 season, featuring the inaugural New American Play Series, the return of Winter Rhythms festival, and over 1,300 free outreach programs citywide.
Dua Lipa's SERVICE95 Book Club Selects MARTYR! by Kaveh Akbar
Dua Lipa's Service95 Book Club named Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar its latest monthly read, with exclusive content and a podcast interview between Lipa and the author now available.
SHUFFLE ALONG Reunion Concert and More Set for Lincoln Center’s 26/27 Season
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has revealed its upcoming Fall/Spring season, including a reunion concert of the 2016 Broadway production of Shuffle Along, plus more.
FROM ROOT TO BLOOM Mural by Singha Hon Now on View at Marcus Garvey Park Gates
Artist Singha Hon's 'From Root to Bloom,' created through DCLA's Public Artist in Residence program, is now on view at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, with a companion installation at MOERJ's Manhattan offices.
Best Free Outdoor Summer Concerts June 15-21 – Juneteenth, Pride Celebrations & More
See some of the top outdoor concerts across NYC's five boroughs next week with Pride celebrations, plenty of festive Juneteenth celebrations and more!
Eight Ways to Celebrate Juneenth in NYC Through Music, Comedy and Dance
We gathered eight of our top picks for you to celebrate Juneteenth, spanning everything from free outdoor dance parties and children's events to a showcase of NYC’s best all-black improv and sketch teams!
BAM Unveils DANCEAFRICA Festival 2026 Lineup and Events
BAM’s annual DanceAfrica Festival will return to Brooklyn from May 16-28, 2026. The long-running celebration of African and diasporic dance and culture will feature performances, films, dance classes, and community events across the BAM campus.
DENAMIS and Sasco Team Up for Poetry Album 'Depletion Halos'
Electronic hip hop producer and composer Sascois is collaborating with poet DENAMIS (aka Dena Igusti) on an upcoming documentary poetry album titled 'Depletion Halos.'
BAM BALL To Honor Robert Wilson And Gabriel Pizzi
BAM announced its annual BAM Ball will honor director Robert Wilson in memoriam and Endowment Trust Chair Gabriel Pizzi on April 29, featuring the New York premiere of Wilson's MOBY DICK at the Peter Jay Sharp Building in Brooklyn.
AKA Welcomes Ellison Abbott as Head of Brand and Talent Partnerships
AKA announced that Ellison Abbott has joined the agency as Head of Brand and Talent Partnerships, a new role designed to create, lead, and scale a talent integrated brand partnership offering at the agency.
Carnegie Hall’s Early Childhood Programs Reach Thousands Of Families Across The Globe This Season
Carnegie Hall will present a series of early childhood programs aimed at engaging families worldwide, enhancing musical and developmental learning. These initiatives are set to impact thousands globally, fostering early cultural and educational experiences.
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company 2026 Year Of The Horse At Carmine Carro Community Center In Marine Park
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will present a free Lunar New Year celebration at Carmine Carro Community Center, Brooklyn, featuring interactive dance and cultural activities.
IN EXCHANGE FOR FLESH To Make New York Premiere At DANCES WITH FILMS NY
The documentary short In Exchange for Flesh will make its New York premiere on Thursday, January 15, as part of the fourth edition of Dances With Films NY. The screening will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Regal Union Square, where the film will be featured in Shorts Block 2.
Cast Set for Molière in the Park's DON JUAN Part of Winter Reading Series
Molière in the Park has revealed the next presentation in its winter reading series of Don Juan. The reading is translated and adapted by Stephen Wadsworth and directed by Founding Artistic Director Lucie Tiberghien.
Molière In The Park To Present Winter Reading Series of DON JUAN
Molière in the Park has announced the cast for its Winter Reading Series presentation of DON JUAN, translated and adapted by Stephen Wadsworth. The free public reading will take place at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library and is directed by Lucie Tiberghien.
Brooklyn Public Library Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the closest subway stops to Brooklyn Public Library?
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The closest subway stops to the Brooklyn Public Library at 10 Grand Army Plaza are the 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains at the Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum station, and the B and Q trains at the 7th Avenue station. Both stations are just a short walk away from the library.
If you're planning to visit the library, I would also recommend checking out the nearby Brooklyn Museum. It's located right next to the library and houses an impressive collection of art and cultural artifacts. You can easily spend a few hours exploring its galleries.
For subway updates and real-time information, I recommend visiting the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info/. This website provides the latest updates on subway schedules, service changes, and any disruptions that may affect your travel plans.
Enjoy your visit to the Brooklyn Public Library and the surrounding area!
- What's the best way to get to Brooklyn Public Library by bus?
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The closest bus stops to the Brooklyn Public Library at 10 Grand Army Plaza are located on Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway. Here are the bus routes that serve these stops:
1. B41: This bus route stops at Flatbush Avenue/Eastern Parkway, just a short walk from the library. You can check for updates on the MTA website: MTA Bus Updates.
2. B69: This bus route also stops at Flatbush Avenue/Eastern Parkway, providing another convenient option for reaching the library. For the latest information on this bus route, visit the MTA website: MTA Bus Updates.
Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your trip.
- How much time should I plan to spend at Brooklyn Public Library?
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The ideal length of time to plan to spend at the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City really depends on your interests and how much time you have available. If you're a book lover or a history enthusiast, you could easily spend several hours exploring the library's extensive collection and exhibits. On the other hand, if you're just looking to visit for a quick browse or to check out a specific book, you could be in and out in less than an hour.
To make the most of your visit, I recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours if you have the time. This will give you a chance to explore the various sections of the library, browse the shelves, and maybe even find a cozy spot to sit and read. Additionally, the library often hosts events, workshops, and exhibitions, so you might want to check their schedule in advance and plan your visit accordingly.
Remember, the Brooklyn Public Library is not just a place to borrow books, but also a cultural hub with beautiful architecture and engaging programs. So, take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy your visit!
- Can I bring food and drinks into Brooklyn Public Library?
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The Brooklyn Public Library in New York City allows visitors to bring in their own food and drinks, as long as they are consumed in designated areas. However, it's important to be mindful of others and keep the library clean and quiet while enjoying your refreshments. Additionally, please note that alcoholic beverages are not permitted. So feel free to grab a snack or a drink to enjoy while you browse through the library's extensive collection or relax in one of their cozy reading areas.
- Does Brooklyn Public Library offer luggage storage?
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The Brooklyn Public Library in New York City does not offer luggage storage facilities. However, there are several other options available for storing your luggage while visiting the city. Many hotels offer luggage storage services for their guests, even if you have already checked out. Additionally, there are several companies that provide luggage storage services, often located near major transportation hubs such as Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal. These services typically charge a small fee per bag and offer secure storage for your belongings. It's always a good idea to check their operating hours and any restrictions they may have before dropping off your luggage.
- Is Brooklyn Public Library a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?
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Yes, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is a fantastic resource for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. BPL is committed to serving a diverse community, and they offer a wide range of services and resources to accommodate visitors from all backgrounds.
For non-English speakers, BPL provides materials in various languages, including books, magazines, and newspapers. They also have a vast collection of foreign language films and music, making it a great place to explore and immerse yourself in different cultures.
Additionally, BPL offers language learning resources, such as language classes and conversation groups, which can be beneficial for visitors looking to improve their English skills or learn a new language.
The library's staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always ready to assist visitors with any questions or needs they may have. Whether you need help finding a specific book or navigating the library's resources, the staff is there to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
In addition to their language resources, BPL also hosts various cultural events and programs throughout the year, including author talks, film screenings, and art exhibitions. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community and learn more about New York City's vibrant cultural scene.
Overall, the Brooklyn Public Library is a welcoming and inclusive space that caters to visitors from all over the world. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to read, access to foreign language materials, or a chance to connect with the local community, BPL is definitely worth a visit during your time in New York City.
- What ages are appropriate for Brooklyn Public Library?
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The Brooklyn Public Library in New York City welcomes visitors of all ages! While it is a great resource for adults looking for books, research materials, and quiet study spaces, it also offers a variety of programs and services specifically designed for children and teenagers. From storytime sessions for toddlers to homework help for middle and high school students, the library has something for everyone. So whether you're a parent looking to introduce your child to the joy of reading or a student in need of a quiet place to study, the Brooklyn Public Library is a fantastic destination for all ages.