Brooklyn Public Library

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 180 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

Brooklyn Public Library is an iconic institution located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York City, and is a must-visit destination for tourists looking to explore the history and culture of the area. The library is known for its extensive collection of books, magazines, and other materials, as well as its beautiful architecture and rich history. One of the primary reasons a tourist would want to visit the Brooklyn Public Library is to explore its vast collection of books and other materials. With over 2.5 million items, including books, e-books, audio books, and more, the library is a treasure trove of information and entertainment for visitors of all ages and interests. In addition to its impressive collection, the Brooklyn Public Library is also known for its stunning architecture. The main branch of the library, located in the Grand Army Plaza, is a landmark building that features ornate Beaux-Arts architecture, marble columns, and a majestic entrance. The library also has several other branches throughout the borough, each with its unique architecture and design.

10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238 Get Directions





Brooklyn Public Library Videos

Presented by Bridges: A Pan-Afrikan ARTS Movement with Wéma Ragophala, Kai Diata Giovanni, and Malcolm Melendez

Let's sing together! This favorite with fun accompanying gestures offers a great opportunity to bond with and nurture little ones. Through singing, babies learn individual sounds and get ready for reading. Bigger children also learn new words, letters and sounds when you sing together so they will be easier to recognize and understand as they start to read. So, let’s sing often and have lots of fun! *** About Book World: Brooklyn Public Library Book World is a new children’s video series where you can join us for wacky adventures at the library and discover a fun-filled world of learning, music, and books, books, books! For kids ages 2-7 and their grownups, who will discover how to encourage early literacy and make learning a joy! *** Learn more about Book World at bklynlib.org/bookworld Learn more about programs for children: bklynlibrary.org/learn/kids

Scientists, it's time to shine! In this Shine Time episode your neighbors and librarians show that science truly is everywhere. They share fun science experiments, books and everyday activities that they think you'll enjoy. Find instructions for more science fun at bklynlib.org/bookworld. *** About Book World: Brooklyn Public Library Book World is a new children’s video series where you can join us for wacky adventures at the library and discover a fun-filled world of learning, music, and books, books, books! For kids ages 2-7 and their grownups, who will discover how to encourage early literacy and make learning a joy! *** Learn more about Book World at bklynlib.org/bookworld Learn more about programs for children: bklynlibrary.org/learn/kids

Our fantastic Book Stars and Brooklyn neighbors are excited to recommend books that explore science. Wondering, experimenting and sharing discoveries are all a part of doing science. Sheneatha tries her hand, and feet, at doing an experiment and discovers that science can be slippery! Find instructions for fun science activities at bklynlib.org/bookworld. *** About Book World: Brooklyn Public Library Book World is a new children’s video series where you can join us for wacky adventures at the library and discover a fun-filled world of learning, music, and books, books, books! For kids ages 2-7 and their grownups, who will discover how to encourage early literacy and make learning a joy! *** Learn more about Book World at bklynlib.org/bookworld Learn more about programs for children: bklynlibrary.org/learn/kids

It's Summer@BPL! In this special episode of Book World, librarians, teens and children share about great books and all of the fun happening this summer at Brooklyn Public Library. Stop by your local library to get your gameboard and giveaways! Summer@BPL: June 8 - August 31 https://www.bklynlibrary.org/summer-reading *** Kids and Teens: Stop by your local library this Summer and choose a book to keep as BPL’s gift to you. While supplies last, selection may vary. *** About Book World: Brooklyn Public Library Book World is a new children’s video series where you can join us for wacky adventures at the library and discover a fun-filled world of learning, music, and books, books, books! For kids ages 2-7 and their grownups, who will discover how to encourage early literacy and make learning a joy! *** Learn more about Book World at bklynlib.org/bookworld Learn more about programs for children: bklynlibrary.org/learn/kids

Join us for a special evening with world-renowned cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins and his partner James Ellis Deakins (“Team Deakins”) and filmmaker Matthew Heineman as they immerse us in a visual journey of Deakins’ early photographs collected in the monograph Byways (published by Damiani). While his work as a filmmaker has been enjoyed by wide audiences, Byways shares Deakins’ singular eye in the medium of still photography. An eloquent visual travelogue of stolen moments from 1971 to the present, the collection of images captures a year of life in rural North Devon and a vanished post-War Britain. The journey of the eye continues in New Zealand, Australia, Berlin, Budapest, New Mexico and Scotland. Together, Team Deakins and Heineman will share images, discuss filmmaking and photography, and the sensibilities that drive a remarkable vision.

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Brooklyn Public Library News

THE SNOWY DAY and THE NUTCRACKER Come to the Polka Theatre

The Polka Theatre has announced further plans for the festive season 2024: playing alongside the previously announced The Nutcracker in the Main Theatre, will be a brand-new dance adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats' award-winning picture book The Snowy Day.

Sundog Theatre Announces Plays and Creatives for SCENES FROM THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY 2024

Six new and original one-act plays will be staged for Sundog Theatre's annual presentation, SCENES FROM THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY 2024.

Nadina Hassan, Steven Telsey, & More To Star In THANKSGIVING Industry Presentation

Join Nadina Hassan, Steven Telsey, and more in the premiere staged reading of THANKSGIVING, a new musical play by Julian Henry Lowenfeld. Presented by Yonder Window Productions, this industry presentation showcases promising talent in New York's theatre scene.

Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble Will Perform in Concert at Huntington's Heckscher Museum of Art

The acclaimed Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble will present a concert of music for flute, strings and harp, on Friday, December 1 @ 7 PM at Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Avenue in Huntington, NY.

MAKE MUSIC WINTER To Include A Dozen Musical Parades Across NYC

Make Music Winter — the free, outdoor musical celebration with exuberant and participatory processions and performances throughout New York City — has announced the lineup for its winter solstice programs on Thursday, December 21.

Book Event With Author Joe Sexton And NY1 News Anchor Errol T. Louis Announced At The Center For Brooklyn History

Join Brooklyn-born Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Joe Sexton for an in-person conversation with NY1 Political Anchor and host of 'Inside City Hall' 

Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble to Perform Flute, Strings, and Harp Concert at Cold Spring Harbor Library

Join Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble for an Afternoon of Flute, Strings, and Harp Music at Cold Spring Harbor Library

Stefanie Nelson Dancegroup and David Shenk to Present THE MOVING MEMORY PROJECT: FILL IN THE BLANK Next Month

Stefanie Nelson Dancegroup and David Shenk present the Moving Memory project: fill in the blank on October 6. Get event and ticket information here!

Stefanie Nelson Dancegroup And David Shenk Present THE MOVING MEMORY PROJECT: FILL IN THE BLANK

Stefanie Nelson Dancegroup and David Shenk present the Moving Memory project: fill in the blank, a festival devoted to memory and forgetting. The festival features original dance works, visual art installation, and live music.

Carnegie Hall Citywide Announces 2023-2024 Season With Free Performances Across NYC

The Carnegie Hall Citywide free concert series continues throughout the Hall's 2023–2024 season with a wide-ranging lineup of performances in celebrated community venues across New York City.

West Harlem Art Fund Joins Fall Art Season With A New Exhibition

West Harlem Art Fund will present their fall art exhibition UNDAUNTED: We Are Still Here on Governors Island in Nolan Park, Building 10B (NP10). Opening September 9th, six artists will show paintings of urban scenes, graffiti, collage, and mixed media works.

ImageNation's 21st Annual IMAGENATION OUTDOORS Film And Music Festival Returns For An Epic Summer Of Entertainment

ImageNation's 21st annual IMAGENATION OUTDOORS Film and Music Festival is happening July 7th to October 21st. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Events include an Eastside and Westside Open Streets Movie series, Drive-In Movie series, New York City Parks screenings, a Black Anime Series, a Great Day Harlem Food & Music Festival and a Soul Train Tribute to Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary.

BLAST OFF! (TO SPACE) THE SHOW Comes To The Brooklyn Children's Museum For A Limited Run

You've just been promoted to a space shuttle crew member! Get ready to travel to space and encounter aliens in writer/performer Mélissa Smith's new interactive theatre piece BLAST OFF! (to space) The Show.

Summer Dance Lineup Unveiled At The Plaza At 300 Ashland

Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) has announced a lineup of dance performances and workshops at The Plaza at 300 Ashland. This summer, The Plaza will host the popular dance and fitness series Movement Mondays, the Emmy Award-winning PBS show Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, and a series of dance parties to celebrate hip-hop's 50th Anniversary, reflecting Brooklyn's rich cultural fabric while bringing Downtown Brooklyn residents and New Yorkers together as a community.

The Bushwick Starr Breaks Ground On Their New Theater June 2, 2023

The Bushwick Starr has announced its Groundbreaking event to celebrate the start of construction on its permanent new home in Bushwick.


Brooklyn Public Library Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Brooklyn Public Library

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.


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