Brooklyn Public Library is inviting community members to participate in the Bars & Books Planning Collective, a group of collaborators helping shape the future of hip-hop programming within the library.
Bars & Books is an emerging program series that brings hip-hop into the library as a space for listening, learning, and cultural exchange. Through guided listening sessions and thoughtful discussion, the program explores hip-hop not only as music, but as storytelling, cultural history, visual art, and social commentary.
As the program grows, the library is bringing together a group of people who are passionate about hip-hop and interested in helping imagine how this programming can evolve. The Planning Collective will gather to exchange ideas, discuss possibilities, and help inform the development of ongoing programming connected to Bars & Books.
Who Are We Looking For?
We welcome individuals who are interested in hip-hop culture and excited about contributing ideas to collaborative programming.
Ideal participants would be folks who are:
- Engaged Hip-hop listeners
- Journalists, Writers & scholars
- Cultural Workers
- Cultural Critics
- Historians, Archivists
- DJs, artists & producers
- People interested in music listening clubs or cultural discussion
- Individuals interested in partnering with the library on music and culture programming rooted in hip-hop
- Community members passionate about arts, culture, and dialogue
We are especially excited to work with people who are:
- Hyped about engaging with the large array of BPL’s collections, multi-media, archive material, resources and staff
- Exploring and integrating BPL’s existing initiatives, strategic goals, and programs to the expand reach of impact for our communities
- Teaching and setting up frameworks to document, preserve and celebrate the significance of Hip-Hop as a foundation.
- Interested in thoughtful conversation and collaboration
- Open to sharing ideas and perspectives
- Curious about how libraries can support music culture and creative expression
What Does Participation Involve?
Participants will take part in an initial planning and discussion session focused on the growth and implementation of the Bars & Books initiative.
Conversations may explore:
- Expanding hip-hop listening programs
- Developing cultural discussions around music
- Building partnerships with artists, DJs, scholars, and cultural organizations
- Exploring new formats for hip-hop programming in library spaces
Planning Session Logistics
Preference will be given to participants who are able to gather in Brooklyn for in-person discussion, as this session will benefit from shared conversation and collaboration.
However, accommodations may be possible for those enthusiastic about contributing who may not be able to attend every session in person.
For More Information
Please reach out to:
Alanna Lauter
Brooklyn Public Library
alauter@bklynlibrary.org
You are also be invited to complete a short interest form below to share more about your background and interest in the program.
Brooklyn Public Library looks forward to bringing together a group of thoughtful voices to help shape how hip-hop can continue to live, grow, and be explored within the library!