BPL Presents will continue a virtual weekly programming schedule of archived events, such as author talks, including Message from the Library and lectures from the Night of Philosophy and Ideas, as well as concerts and programs for children.
All BPL Presents programs at the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Cultural Center at Central Library are free of charge (unless otherwise noted) and reservations are required for most adult programs. Patrons with reservations will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Unclaimed reservations will be released fifteen minutes before the start of an event; we recommend arriving early. Patrons without reservations will be seated as capacity allows.
Reservations can be made 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week on our website by visiting the program’s calendar entry at bklynlibrary.org/bplpresents or by phone at 718.230.2200 (please see our phone reservation policy for hours and additional details). Reservations can be made up to approximately one hour before the scheduled program start time. The maximum number of seats that can be reserved per event is 3.
The Dweck Center is an accessible venue. To request additional information regarding accessibility or accommodations at the event, please contact Margie Cook: [email protected].
Reservations for adult programs can be made with a BPL representative Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. For weekend events, reservations must be made by 4 pm on the Friday before the event takes place. Any reservations received after 4pm will not be processed. If leaving a message, please slowly and clearly state your first and last name, your phone number, the name and date of the program you would like to attend, and the number of seats you are requesting (maximum of 3).
Upcoming
POSTPONED Summer Reading: Mime Over Matter with Bill Bowers
Today's concert is postponed to observe "Blackout Tuesday," a music industry action to postpone all music events, calling for people to reconnect with their community and to reflect on racial...
28th Amendment Town Hall, moderated by Craig Manbauman
BPL Presents, the programming team of Brooklyn Public Library, started the 28th Amendment Project earlier this year and, continuing the project, now invites the public online to help to draft the...
Summer Reading: Hurry Up!
We've all been forced to slow down a bit. In Neal's latest book with the late Kate Dopirak, we learn that a moment of mindfulness can be fun. A busy boy and his dog learn to slow down and enjoy...
Summer Reading: New York International Children’s Film Festival – Short Takes
UKA (All Ages), 3 min.
By Valle Comba, NYICFF 2017
Watch: https://vimeo.com/247026939
Life for Uka is grey and dull until she finds a way of changing how she sees the world...
Summer Reading: Yoga for Kids
Ms. Corinne uses her imagination, storytelling, songs and help from her audience to travel through space and time! We’ll learn about different yoga techniques that teach us to be present, creative...
Classical Interludes: Carlos Almeida
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, guitarist/vocalist Carlos Almeida has been living in New York since 1987. During his career, he has played with major Brazilian stars, including Beth Carvalho,...
Summer Reading: Mil’s Trills
Mil's Trills is performing a *special online concert* to help kids and families cope with being stuck at home due to the coronavirus crisis. Tune in, connect, and engage with original playful...
Summer Reading: Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Gustafer Yellowgold
Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show is a funny and touching multimedia performance of music, colored pencil animations and storytelling. The music and ‘moving art’ shows are performed by two-time Grammy-...
Summer Reading: Drag Queen Story Hour Livestream
Enjoy songs and stories for kids age 3-8 during a livestream Drag Queen Story Hour. This event is presented in partnership with New York City Council Member Laurie Cumbo and Brooklyn Public...
Green Series: The Condor and the Eagle Screening
The June Green Series presented by Brooklyn Public Library's BPL Presents features a screening and discussion of The Condor & the Eagle.
The Condor and the Eagle documents the...
28th Amendment Town Hall, moderated by Brynna Tucker
BPL Presents, the programming team of Brooklyn Public Library, started the 28th Amendment Project earlier this year and, continuing the project, now invites the public online to help to draft the...
Science Edutainment
Welcome to the laboratory of Bill Louden Science! “Brainy Bill” amazes and amuses crowds of all ages and sizes with his incredible live science demonstrations.
View the broadcast on Zoom...
Summer Reading: In My Garden
Join Phil C. Stead as he discusses the making of his new book, IN MY GARDEN, written by Charlotte Zolotow. Philip will do a live demonstration of a technique he used to make the illustrations....
Summer Reading: New York International Children’s Film Festival – Short Takes
Eagle Blue (all ages), 4 min.
By Will Rose
A bold palette and a swaying beat bolster Eagle Blue high above the mountaintop, but she must swoop in and provide a proper meal...
A Zoom Discussion on Poet Joseph Brodsky
Join translators Ann Kjellberg and Glyn Maxwell for a Zoom discussion of the Selected Works from the Nobel Laureate Joseph Brodsky.
Joseph Brodsky spent his life advocating for the...
The King Lear Project
The King Lear Project presents streamlined readings of scenes from Shakespeare’s King Lear to engage diverse audiences—including older adults, caregivers, and family members—in open, healing,...
Summer Reading: Opera Soup
Opera Soup is an imaginative and interactive performance that explores the basic “ingredients” it takes to make an opera. This engaging show, performed by professional opera singer Dr. Lori...
Classical Interludes: Ahmed Alom
Cuban-born Ahmed Alom is a uniquely versatile, classically trained pianist who since his arrival in New York City has become one of the leading young figures in piano performance. He has won a...
Summer Reading: Los tres cochinitos/The Three Little Pigs by Scaramouches Puppet Theatre
The Three Little Pigs is a fable about three pigs who build three houses of different materials. A Big Bad Wolf blows down the first two piggies houses, made of straw and sticks respectively, but...
Reggae, Calypso/Soca & Folk Music with Conroy Warren
Feeling the beat! Enjoy the power and pleasure of Jazz, Calypso and Reggae through singing and dancing in this interactive performance with versatile entertainer Conroy Warren. It’s fun! It’s...
Summer Reading: Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Josh Lovelace
Josh Lovelace, Knoxville, Tennessee native and member of the Grammy-nominated rock band NEEDTOBREATHE performs joyous and heartfelt family style Americana. His warm-hearted songwriting and rich...
True Play Improv
Using the tools of our current reality, this Facebook Live session will get us playing together, even...
Science Edutainment
Welcome to the laboratory of Bill Louden Science! “Brainy Bill” amazes and amuses crowds of all ages and sizes with his incredible live science demonstrations.
View the broadcast on Zoom...
Summer Reading: Author/Illustrator Javaka Steptoe
Javaka Steptoe, award winning author and illustrator, will host an interactive book reading and arts & crafts workshop for children.
Summer Reading: Virtual Ballet with Angelina Ballerina
Take your first (or second...or hundredth!) ballet class along with Angelina Ballerina! We'll meet ballet’s favorite mouse, Angelina Ballerina, in one of her books, and then join in on the fun....
Summer Reading: Drag Queen Story Hour
Join Miz Jade for Drag Queen Story Hour and enjoy stories and songs for kids ages 3-8. Watch live on Drag Queen Story Hour NYC's Instagram, or afterward on Brooklyn Public Library's Instagram page...
Classical Interludes: Christos Rafalides
Born and raised in Greece, Christos came to the United States to complete his musical studies, and today is regarded as one of the stellar voices among vibraphonists. Together with his quartet,...
Summer Reading: Joanie Leeds
NYC based singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds has won 1st place in the USA Songwriting Competition, an Independent Music Award, a Gold Parents' Choice Award, NAPPA Gold Award, Family Choice Award and...
Summer Reading: Drag Queen Story Hour Livestream
Enjoy songs and stories for kids age 3-8 during a livestream Drag Queen Story Hour. This event is presented in partnership with New York City Council Member Laurie Cumbo and Brooklyn Public...
Summer Reading: Dear Beast
Join Dori Hillestad Butler as she discusses her new chapter book series, DEAR BEAST, illustrated by Kevan Atteberry. She will share some behind-the-book fun facts about the series, her inspiration...
Summer Reading: New York International Children’s Film Festival – Short Takes
Luminaris
Recommended ages: All Ages
Argentina
Animation, Juan Pablo Zaramella, 2010, 7 min.
If you’ve been sitting around your house, staring at the ceiling...
Summer Reading: Sing-a-long with Folktales from Around the World
Last year, Jono Waldman was performing in a national tour of a musical he wrote, but now he's stuck in his living room just like you! Join him for a sing-along, followed by storytelling...
Classical Interludes: Marcos Ariel plays the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim
Born in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval, pianist Marcos Ariel has Rio in his blood, but these days he divides his time between Brazil and the United States. Renowned in both countries as a...
Summer Reading: Stomp, Clap & Sing with Aly Sunshine from Funkytown Playground
Join Aly from Funkytown Playground to jump and jam with shakers & tambourines. Get on board a magical safari or silly farm.
Summer Reading: African Dancing and Folktales Workshop
Participants become the storytellers in a series of African folktales as our facilitator guides them through an African Dance workshop. Accompanied by live percussion music.
View the...
Summer Reading: Bubbles the Clown
Have fun with the antics of Bubbles the Silly Entertainer. She will have you and your entire family, dancing and moving and groving.
View the broadcast on Zoom at 2 PM.
Summer Reading: Rock N Lolo - Learn Spanish through Music
Rock N Lolo, "Where kids learn Spanish through Original Music.
Rock N Lolo continue sharing love and bringing joy to each little one’s home.
30 minutes long full of singing and...
Summer Reading: Magic of Amore
Amore delights audiences with his magic show, full of side-splitting comedy and audience participation. For kids ages 7 & up.
View the broadcast on Zoom at 11 AM.
Meeting ID:...
Summer Reading: Pourquoi Stories - How and Why Tales From Around the World
Before there was science, people told stories to answer questions such as: Why is the sky so far away? How did the leopard get its spots? Why are there mosquitoes? Find out WHY with storyteller...
Summer Reading: Louie Miranda
Louie Miranda has been dazzling the hearts of children, parents & teachers everywhere he goes. He is unique, original & loved by an ever-growing population across the country! He has...
Summer Reading: Science Edutainment
Welcome to the laboratory of Bill Louden Science! “Brainy Bill” amazes and amuses crowds of all ages and sizes with his incredible live science demonstrations.
View the broadcast on Zoom...
Summer Reading: VAMOS TODOS Music Garden: Spring Celebration!
When international artists The Agents of Jam accept a mission to celebrate Spring around the world, they don't need a map ... they just "follow the tunes!" This lively show -- aimed at kids ages 2...
Summer Reading: Spin, Pop, Boom
Are you ready for some fun science?
Witness amazing feats of chemistry as we explore all sorts of spectacular reactions. Mad Science is a group that is on a mission to spark the...
Summer Reading: Silly Jazz and Camille!
Come dance along to “silly jazz” with comedian and jazz singer, Camille Harris. Popular songs include: “The Monster Under My Bed,” “Muffin Man,” and “Chopsticks.”
View the broadcast on...
Summer Reading: Stewzo Musical Puppet Show
Kids love this unique show as Stewzo performs funny songs with his guitar and comedy routines with his cast of wacky ventriloquist puppets and characters. Lots of surprises, magic, and audience...
Summer Reading: Anansi The Spider: A West African Folktale
A Celebration of West African Folktales performed by Nadine Grisar. Puppetry in Practice uses the creative arts to enhance literacy, spark curiosity and imagination, and engage in cultural...
Summer Reading: The Magician's Workshop
Introduces children to the fascinating world of magic and magicians.
View the broadcast on Zoom at 2 PM.
Meeting ID: 830 2699 7080
Password: 384244
Summer Reading: Stories From Latin America
This collection of stories involves sneaky characters who use wit and humor to trick their often bigger and scarier opponents.
View the broadcast on Facebook Live at 2 PM.
Summer Reading: Cara's Caterpillars
Clap, dance, sing, and party along with Cara Samantha and her magical musicians as they crawl their way into your hearts with a variety of pop, Motown, Disney, and family favorite song.
...
Summer Reading: African Jewelry Making
Participants will design and create African jewelry while listening to some ethnic beats for inspiration.
View the broadcast at 2 PM.
Summer Reading: Zumba for Kids
It is a perfect combination of fun and fitness, featuring international rhythms and dancing.
View the broadcast on Facebook Live at 2 PM.
Summer Reading: Hopalong Andrew
Hopalong Andrew is an American Western and Folk music singer and humorist who revisions classic cowboy and folk songs to playfully reflect city life for urban cowpokes.
View the broadcast...
Summer Reading: Funkytown Playground YOGA
Follow along as Aly Sunshine leads a fun and family-friendly introduction to yoga. You’ll get to warm up, practice breathing and poses, and relax into a power down.
View the broadcast on...
Summer Reading: Yo-Yo Mania!
Part workshop, part performance, Artist Brian Klimowski shows you the basics of yo-yo so you can put on your very own yo-yo show in your home! Stick around to the end to be wowed by the amazing...
Summer Reading: Music with Marc: Around the World and Back Again!
Marc Evan Diaz is an accomplished Urban Music Educator and Music Producer who has produced 16 international children’s albums representing songs from different countries, styles, and time periods...
Summer Reading: Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats
Multi-award winning children's artist, Lucy Kalantari, brings delightful jazz age inspired music everyone can enjoy! Kids and families will love the interactive jazz-scat-along play, while singing...
Summer Reading: Myron the Magnificent
Myron the Magnificent - with secrets passed down from his grandfather Mervyn the Magnificent and his father Marvin the Magnificent - will present a program of miracles that will entertain the...
Summer Reading: Monkey Monkey Music: At Home with Merry
Come sing along with Merry in her special space created just for child viewers. Explore Merry's handmade world while she entertains children with familiar favorites and classic Monkey Monkey Music...
Summer Reading: Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Esther Crow
Esther Crow is an award-winning singer, songwriter and teacher. Her online show experience is an eclectic mix of original acoustic guitar songs, and backing tracks of Thunder & Sunshine songs...
Summer Reading: Dance Advance: Educational Dance Party
Last summer, Marc Herstein aka Mr. Marc brought his Dance Advance: Educational Dance Party program to 12 BPL branches and had everyone moving their feet and letting lose! This summer Mr. Marc is...
Summer Reading: Puppet Making
Make a puppet out of an envelope!
Hear the story Too Much Noise while making a puppet with me to represent one of the animals that are brought into the house. It's a perfect story during...
Summer Reading: Parallel Exit
A vaudeville show for the entire family, with juggling, magic, and music. Fun-loving physical comedians present a wide range of old-fashioned family entertainment, and you get to join in the fun!...
Summer Reading: Star Stories
For millennia, people have gazed at the night sky and told themselves stories about the pictures they see there. These same stars and constellations also allowed sailors to find their way back to...
Summer Reading: Calpulli Youth Dance
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s mission is to celebrate the rich diversity of Mexican and Mexican-American cultural heritage through dance-based programming. Join us for a festive celebration of...
Summer Reading: Conroy Warren
Feeling the beat! Enjoy the power and pleasure of Jazz, Calypso and Reggae through singing and dancing in this interactive performance with versatile entertainer Conroy Warren. It’s fun! It’s...
Summer Reading: The Jolly Lollies
Liz Corwin and Holly Johnson are both singer-songwriters who teamed up to create Liz, Holly, & The Jolly Lollies. Based in Charlotte, NC they are known around the Queen City for teaching early...
Summer Reading: Gary the Great
Magician Gary the Great presents his high-energy blast of magic, comedy, and juggling.
This hilarious tour through the world of magic gets everyone involved!
View the broadcast on...
Summer Reading: Shine and the Moonbeams
Shine and the Moonbeams - create a soulful musical extravaganza that captures the sweetness, uncertainty and simplicity of youth. Guitarist John Heagle currently plays with the faux French garage-...
Summer Reading: Folktales from Around the World
Every country from Albania to Zaire has it's own tales - in this program we will hear stories from all over the globe that are filled with wonder and fun!
View the broadcast on Zoom at 2...
Stomp, Clap and Sing with Cara Samantha
Clap, dance, sing, and party along with Cara Samantha and her magical musicians as they crawl their way into your hearts with a variety of pop, Motown, Disney, and family favorite songs.
...
Summer Reading: Become a Mermaid, Neptune, or Pirate
Join Author/Illustrator Melanie Hope Greenberg and become a mermaid or any sea creature you can imagine. Create your own Mermaid or Neptune Crown. Based on her book Mermaids on Parade.
...
Summer Reading: Jewelry Making
Learn to make the kind of jewelry worn by celebrities!
View the broadcast on Instagram Live at 2 PM.
Summer Reading: Big Jeff
Big Jeff is an award winning children’s singer/ songwriter. Show includes movement, children’s songs, interactive fun, musical story time, and learning through music.
View the broadcast on...
Summer Reading: The Lion and the Mouse
Can a Mouse save a Lion?
He can…as you will find out from this classic folktale told with a giant pop-up book. No one can be so small as to be ignored.
View the broadcast on Zoom...
Summer Reading: Lunar Landers
What might be difficult about landing on the moon? Explore Intrepid's connection to the Space Race and analyze the result of the engineering design process that made landing on the moon possible...
Summer Reading: Children's Zumba Class
Join a rockin', high-energy dance party packed with kid-friendly routines. Elaine breaks down steps, adds games and activities with an emphasis on feeling fearless on the dance floor.
View...
Summer Reading: Meet the Author/Illustrator: Gabriel Gale
Lions, tigers, and bears?... not quite. Fairies, dragons, and underground rock kings?... that’s more like it! Gabriel Gale, the creator and writer of Ages of Oz, will tell you about his new...
Summer Reading: Misterios de la máscara: Lucha Libre Mask Making
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a luchador? Join us for a brand new maskmaking workshop where we jump into the world of Lucha Libre. Come learn about the history of Mexican wrestling...
Summer Reading Closing Celebration: 123 Andrés
Andrés Salguero, better known as 123 Andrés, is one of the most exciting new voices on the family music scene in the US and Latin America, “A rockstar for little language learners” according...
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Events for Youth and Families
Looking for BPL’s signature events for families, including author signings, theatrical performances and workshops? Explore our top picks for family events.
Contact Us
BPL Presents
Brooklyn Public Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
[email protected]
718.230.2200
Past Events
Theater of War: Hercules in Brooklyn, November 2016
Oliver Stone and Ben Wizner, September 2016
Edwidge Danticat and Jacqueline Woodson, April 2016
Alash, January 2016
Slavoj Žižek and Hari Kunzru, November 2016
The Night of the Cookers, February 2016
Viet Thanh Nguyen and Vu Tran, April 2016
Night of Philosophy. January 2017
Salman Rushdie with Joel Whitney, October 2015
John Irving, November 2015
SYBARITE5, February 2016
Yaa Gyasi, June 2016
Brooklyn Public Library gratefully acknowledges the many donors who have provided generous support for BPL Presents programs, including: Cheryl and George Haywood Endowment for Cultural Diversity, The Kahn Endowment for Humanities Programs, Dr. Beverly S. Jacobs, Janet Anderson, Todd Ferguson, The Miriam Katowitz and Arthur Radin Fund, Los Blancos, Mapleton Endowment, New York State Council on the Arts, Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Sandra and Peter Schubert Endowment Fund, Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, The Weissman Family Foundation, Inc., Cultural Services of the French Embassy, City Point, WarnerMedia, the Estate of Pearl S. Reuillard in memory of her parents Yetta and Louis Schwartz and many other generous supporters.
Programs are also supported by Brooklyn Public Library’s Fund for the Humanities which was established through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, The Hearst Foundation, Inc., Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, The Starr Foundation, the Leon and Muriel Gilbert Charitable Trust, Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, Inc. and a gift in memory of Samuel and Pauline Wine.
WNYC is a media partner of the 2020 BPL Presents Season.
