This post was written by Emily Chao, who is completing a marketing internship at Brooklyn Public Library.
The summer is off to a sweltering start, but don’t let the heat stop your fun. If you’re looking for a place to cool off and enjoy eclectic activities from fitness classes to live performances, be sure to check out Brooklyn Public Library!
Live Performances
BPL hosts great artists all summer long, and the performances are free for everyone! Enjoy outdoor evening shows with BPL Presents on Central Library’s Plaza, including musical performances like the charismatic music and dance of Bahia, Brazil at Brasil Summerfest led by Maestro Hugo Sanbone on July 24 and the innovative sounds of Caribbean and reggae music brought to you by DJ Max Glazer on August 22.
The Jack and Friends Summer Concert Series at Park Slope Library has family-friendly performances including the bilingual music band Moozika!, children’s musical artist Suzi Shelton, and folk and western musician Hopalong Andrew.
Check out the BPL website for more performances across the branches that include jazz, R&B, calypso, and more.
Knitting and Crocheting Groups
Did you know that knitting and crocheting can reduce stress and sharpen your focus? Several BPL branches host weekly group sessions for all experience levels to join. From crocheting animal plushies to knitting summer tops, you can learn the basics and explore various patterns and designs with other crafting enthusiasts.
Arts and Crafts
Bring back summer camp arts and crafts nostalgia with Friendship Bracelets at Cypress Hills Library, Chinese Paper Cutting Art Workshop at Kings Bay Library, Button Making at Sunset Park Library, and many more!
Creativebug
Want to explore more crafts on your own time? Check out Creativebug, a video-learning site that teaches various crafts including ceramics, sewing, and jewelry making. Patrons with a Brooklyn Public Library card have free access to stream classes, download patterns and recipes, and connect with others through community forums.
Board Games
Not only can you borrow board games at BPL, you can also join table-top and board game events. Join Bushwick Library on Tuesday nights for games and puzzles, learn how to play mahjong on Wednesdays at Mill Basin Library, or play bingo to win prizes every Monday at Sheepshead Bay Library.
Movies at the Library
Nothing beats the shared movie experience of collectively laughing at outrageously funny scenes or seeing others tear up at heartbreaking moments. Join a watch party at a neighborhood library to rewatch classics and explore cinema that’s new to you.
Fitness Classes
Challenge yourself this summer to join workout and dance classes to stay active and fit. Throughout the week, there are numerous options of low-to-high intensity workouts to increase your flexibility and gain strength, including yoga, dance, chair aerobics, and total body fitness classes.
Gardening
Patrons who don’t mind the heat can soak up sunlight alongside the plants at the Library's gardens. There’s something for everyone: watering plants at Gravesend Library, enjoying the scenery during Open Garden Hours at Greenpoint Library’s rooftop garden, and planting seeds and gardening at Midwood Library’s Branches in Bloom: Horticulture Club.
Summer Reads and Book Clubs
This list wouldn’t be complete without book recommendations. Check out some of today’s most popular titles or join a book club at a local branch to delve into in-depth discussions with your neighbors.
Summer is the time of year that I get to read the most, so here are some of the books I’m reading or planning to read this summer:
Happy City: Transforming Out Live Through Urban Design by Charles Montgomery.
A nonfiction book for those interested in urbanism, city design, and its impacts on the wellbeing and happiness of its city dwellers. As a New Yorker, it’s a fascinating read on how much is at play in the intersection of urban design and building communities.
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum.
An English translation of the Korean contemporary novel about Yeong-ju, a burnt-out corporate worker who leaves behind her old life to open a bookstore, which becomes a special place for many of its visitors. As a sucker for stories about found family and third spaces, this is a healing, slice-of-life book I’m excited to pick up this summer!
Still not sure what to read? Try out BPL’s BookMatch service to get a customized reading list based on the answers you provide in the form.
Whether you try one or try all of these activities, have a great summer and stay cool from the heat!
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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