Brooklyn Public Library, Assemblymember Joe Lentol, Brooklyn Assembly Delegation Unveil New Technology for All BPL Branches

Assemblymembers Provide All Brooklyn Libraries with Laptops, Televisions, A/V, Game Consoles and Other Equipment

Brooklyn, NY—Assemblyman Joe Lentol, chair of the Brooklyn Delegation of the New York State Assembly, and other Brooklyn Assemblymembers joined Brooklyn Public Library today to celebrate the delivery of new technology and equipment to every public library in the borough. The Assemblymembers’ secured $3 million to provide BPL with televisions, video game consoles, Apple and Microsoft laptops, Lego Robotics and Little Bits kits, portable sound systems and more.

“Thanks to the Assembly’s investment in Brooklyn Public Library, our librarians will be able to host more technology programs for their patrons, and thousands of Brooklynites will have free use of equipment to which they might not have access at home or in school,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “We are grateful to the Assemblymembers for establishing a baseline level of technology at each of our branches, allowing us to offer new, sophisticated equipment to every neighborhood we serve.”

“The Brooklyn Delegation and I are pleased to bring these important technological upgrades to Brooklyn Public Libraries,” said Assemblymember Lentol. “While it is true that nothing will ever replace the value of a good book, we must also make sure that our libraries keep up with the times in our ever-changing technological world.”

The delivery of the new technology is particularly timely given that BPL, with increased funding from the City of New York, has expanded its STEM programming and assigned at least one technology resource specialist to every branch. The TRSes, as they are known, helped choose which equipment would be purchased with the Assembly’s funds and will now help patrons access the technology.

“I am so pleased to join BPL president Linda Johnson and my colleagues from the legislature in Brooklyn in celebrating our collaboration to add $3 million in new technology to the Library system,” said Assemblymember James Brennan. “In the past year, my office also designated funds for both the Windsor Terrace and Cortelyou branches for vital new improvements, and it was my pleasure to do so.”

"I'm pleased to support Brooklyn Public Library in its mission to serve as a current and vital resource for patrons of all ages,” said Assemblymember Steven  Cymbrowitz. “New technology is an essential tool that will allow BPL to better serve our residents, whether they're students doing research, adults seeking to further their careers or seniors looking to acquire new skills and remain engaged with family and the community."

“Brooklyn’s future depends on an educated public,” said Assistant Speaker Felix W. Ortiz. ”I am excited that Brooklyn Public Library will be receiving $3 million in new technology and equipment for the branch libraries. Our adults, families and children will immensely benefit  through greater computer access.”

“I am pleased that the Brooklyn Delegation has been able to provide new technology to support the mission of Brooklyn Public Library to provide greater literacy and information for the residents of Brooklyn,” said Assemblymember Annette Robinson.

“The 55th Assembly district is a broadband desert. Most of our residents are only able to receive internet access through their cellphones,” said Assemblymember Latrice Walker. “This improvement to our local public libraries allows our residents the same ease of access to faster broadband service, and brand-new, state-of-the-art equipment made available to other Brooklyn residents.”

“I am extremely proud to be partnering with such a revered institution as Brooklyn Public Library,” said Assemblymember Helene Weinstein. “This grant will ensure patrons of the library, young and old, have access to the latest technology and equipment at branches throughout the borough, but specifically those sites which serve my constituents.”

The equipment to be received by each branch includes:

  • Video game console: Xbox, PS4, or Wii
  • Portable PA system (for the 2/3 of our branches who do not already have)
  • 5 iPad Airs 2
  • MacBook Pro
  • Windows Laptop
  • Flatscreen TV 50 - 55"
  • Lego Robotics kits
  • Little Bits kits

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About Brooklyn Public Library

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org.