interview for Go Green! BK by Ulrik Narcisse.
Say “Hello!” to Eco-Hero Alexa Orr, the new Head Librarian of the new Brooklyn Public Library in Greenpoint, expected to open this fall.
Alexa has been a staff member of the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) system for over 6 years, beginning in January 2013. Currently working at the Leonard Library, she originally worked a grant-funded job within the system, progressing to a regular staff position within the library network. Originally working in Brownsville and Bed Stuy, she provided – among other things – job interview training to people that needed it the most, often to lower-income individuals.
“The first couple of years doing job information resources, I looked at hundreds of resumes, and I learned that services I had available to me through friends and family, other people didn’t have. People would come in to see me after I prepared them for an interview to tell me that they got the job.” Often, people thought she was a volunteer.
The assistance was free for those library guests – she highlighted it often. This was just one of the many reasons Alexa continues to see the library as such an essential service for NYC and beyond.
Before this, Alexa was a photo research editor, working in publications and picture archives, taking courses to grow her knowledge in the field. The classes required frequenting libraries and their archives, and she found herself drawn to the municipality as a whole, ultimately leading her to her current position.
“One of the most amazing things about being a librarian is that every day is different,” says Alexa. And it seems that every day will become even more amazing, as soon as Alexa takes her position at the brand new Greenpoint Library!
“I’m very excited to work in a brand new building that the community has eagerly awaited,” says Alexa. “While it’s unfortunate that the conditions were an environmental disaster, I’m really glad to see that this community is going to get this new state-of-the-art building, along with its environmental center.”
Working as the neighborhood Library Supervisor, Alexa will serve the leading role in the branch, says she is looking forward to crafting a branch that will make way for the ideas and aspirations of the neighborhood.
“I’m really, really looking forward to developing programs that reflect the needs of the community, and I’m eager to hear people’s ideas. The library plays a critical role in not just providing cookie-cutter programs, but providing service that plays to the needs of the community.”
Open spaces are more than just green spaces. Referred back to her own experiences and a recent book by sociologist called Eric Klinenberg called Palaces for the People, she highlighted the significant role libraries play in everyday life. “They’re public spaces where everyone is welcome. You can come into any library and stay for the whole day if you want to. And you’re welcome — we want you there. There are few other public spaces where you just come and be, and not have to buy anything.”
Alexa was introduced to the community at the Greenpoint Library Community Advisory Committee meeting last month.
We are all eagerly waiting for the opening later this year. In the meantime, you can drop by the Leonard Library to meet Alexa. You can also get involved with Friends of Greenpoint Library by emailing friends@bklynlibrary.org and following them on Facebook! And be sure to meet the Greenpoint Public Library at Go Green BK Festival!