Gearing Up for the Greenpoint Library Opening

Written by Abby Tilly

Greenpoint Library Outreach table at SummerStarz Storytelling last Friday 8/9

The coming of the fall season is something every New Yorker dreams about. The trees in the parks changing colors, the crisp weather that is much preferred to the sweltering heat, the smell of autumnal candles and coffees swirling in the air that almost mask the smell of the city. While Halloween and pumpkins are exciting and something to look forward to, those in Greenpoint are anxiously anticipating the reopening of the beloved Greenpoint Library. Having closed its doors in July of 2017, it took over two long years of planning, rebuilding, and fundraising to make sure the new library would be something no one would ever consider shutting down again. The Greenpoint Library will open its doors once more to Greenpoint towards the end of October this year, with much support and love from the residents who can’t wait to see their beloved corner of Brooklyn filled with the joys of a library again.

Before the much yearned for day arrives, there is still plenty of work to be done. The Greenpoint Library and The Friends of the Greenpoint Library have been working tirelessly to make sure the Library has everything it needs to successfully reopen. Whether this is fundraising, getting the public hyped, or just general support, The Friends have been there through it all. This past summer has been no exception to their work. They have been promoting the library and planning fundraisers, all while solidifying a love of reading and learning in the hearts of many who stop by. 

Sharon Kim President of the Friends of Greenpoint Library, and Kevin LaCherra at Summerstarz Storytelling on Friday 8/2.

A major way that they have been spreading the news and gaining support is through the Summerstarz family movie series, offered by Town Square. The popular  weekly event screens a fun family film in beautiful Transmitter Park on the Greenpoint waterfront.Recently, The Greenpoint Library and The Friends of the Greenpoint Library added a storytime before the movie for our neighborhood children. SummerStarz Storytelling has been a resounding success and has helped spread the word about the library and the work that The Friends do. 

Elena, Greenpoint Children’s Librarian, reading a book to the onlooking children before the movie begins.

The Friends of the Greenpoint Library do not only cater to a young audience. This Thursday, August 17th, they will host a Books and Brews night at Threes (Franklin and Kent). Come and find a new book to read and meet some new friends with similar passions.. When you raise your glass, you’ll celebrate the new and improved Library and the brand new environmental educational center that it will house, and help raise funds for the new programming at this vital community center. 

Like a phoenix, the Greenpoint Library re-emerges

A Library is a central part of any neighborhood or city; it is also a central part of the community and families around it. Libraries bring people together in a bond of shared love of books and learning, and the Greenpoint Library is promised to do that and more. The fundraising, that has been done already, is impressive and proves that the community desperately wants the Library to become a central part of Greenpoint again. But the work  isn’t done. Stop by a SummerStarz Storytelling event. Or make your way to the book exchange this Thursday for fellowship and fun. Either way support your local Library in whatever way you can. 

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GO GREEN BK’S PREVIOUS POSTS ON THE GREENPOINT LIBRARY:

OTHER RESOURCES

Brooklyn Public Library’s New Greenpoint Library information page

Marble Fairbanks’ Greenpoint Library & Environmental Center