Spotlight on Libraries
Whether it’s big or small, rural or urban, no two libraries are quite the same. Here we interview library workers to find out what programs, services and activities they are proud to provide.
DARIEN LIBRARY
What is your library’s best program or event?
My personal favorite is a home brewing workshop where we actually made our own beer. The brew masters served it at their store and named it “Library Lager.” That was kind of a wacky program that I worried no one would register for, but we filled up.
What books are you reading right now?
I’m currently reading “How to be a Woman” by Caitlin Moran, and it’s hilarious. I rarely laugh out loud while reading books, but this one had me roaring on the subway this morning. I’ve been recommending it to patrons who enjoyed Tina Fey’s “Bossypants” or Mindy Kahling’s “Is Everybody Hanging out without Me?”
How do you use movie programming in your library?
We have a weekly Friday Night Feature program that has grown so much in popularity that we now play each film at both 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. I love this format because the earlier time is a little better for seniors and the later time is better for commuters and people who want to go out to dinner first and make it to date night.
CRESWELL LIBRARY
What is your library’s best program or event?
The biggest impact our library has had on the community was when we started a weekly farmer’s market in our “backyard.” We never had one in the community, and it’s still running after five years! The most creative program was the “One-hour Art Show” that we hosted with a local gallery. The artists brought their art and traveled by bus from nearby Eugene, then walked a block to the library where we welcomed them with a reception. They loved meeting the people of Creswell and having an outing together. It has become their favorite event of the year!
What books are you reading right now?
I just finished “Prince of Heaven” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, “Odd Apocalypse” by Dean Koontz, and “My Lobotomy” by Howard Dully. I’m currently reading “Don’t Look Back” by Karin Fossum and “Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English” by Natasha Solomons.
How do you use movie programming in your library?
We offer kids’ movies, family movies and a new series for adults called “Movies for Grownups.”
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
What was your best program or event?
We just concluded, “Drawn in Brooklyn” (DIB), one of our largest exhibitions ever here at our Central Library. The exhibition of children’s book illustrations featured over 100 works by 34 of the borough’s talented artists. This showcase of original works, along with the accompanying “meet the author” and “art workshops,” was a huge success.
How does your library create community?
Brooklyn Public Library is in every neighborhood in Brooklyn. Our 60 locations not only serve as places for people to check out books and DVDs, but more importantly they serve as community centers that provide programs, critical services and a “space” for people to discover new things and new friends.
How do you receive funding?
The bulk of our funding comes from the City of New York. A small portion comes from Federal and State sources, as well as private funds.