New York Liberty and Google Honored at Annual Event
Hosted by Sports Broadcaster Ros Gold-Onwude and NBA, WNBA and Liberty Analyst
BPL’s Teen Techie Internship Program Recognized for 20 Years of Service to the Borough
Special Appearances by Ana Gasteyer and Jacqueline Woodson
Images Here. (Photo Credit: Gregg Richards)
Brooklyn, NY–-Supporters of Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) gathered last week at Central Library for a fundraising gala. More than $1.4 million was raised to support the Library’s collections and programs.
As part of the evening’s celebration, the Library recognized organizations working to improve the lives of every day New Yorkers with the Brooklyn Public Library Gala Award. This year’s recipients were the New York Liberty and Google.
“In addition to raising funds to support our collections and programs, the gala provides Brooklyn Public Library the opportunity to recognize organizations that improve the lives of everyday New Yorkers. Google’s support of the Library’s Teen Tech Center, paid technology internships, and workforce education programs is a critical step in reducing the digital divide,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “And our 2024 WNBA champions, the New York Liberty, are role models on and off the court, promoting literacy and community throughout the borough. Both of these organizations truly understand and champion the work of the Library.”
In honor of the New York Liberty’s ongoing commitment to championing the community, New York Liberty CEO, Keia Clarke, accepted the award on behalf of the team, which was presented by author Jacqueline Woodson. The New York Liberty and BPL recently announced their collaboration to issue 100,000 special edition library cards featuring the 2024 WNBA Champion, New York Liberty, and Liberty mascot, Ellie the Elephant. This summer, the Liberty and BPL will also partner through Brooklyn Basketball to support Summer at the Library programming, inspiring students to find the joy in reading in every Brooklyn neighborhood.
“Brooklyn is the heartbeat of the New York Liberty—it is where we play, where we live, and where we draw inspiration. Our partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library means so much, and the special edition Liberty library cards are a testament to our shared commitment to foster curiosity, open doors, and help our community discover the joy of learning. As we continue to grow our presence in Brooklyn and beyond, we’re reminded of what’s possible when we invest deeply in the people around us. Because when you lead with purpose—and build with passion—there are no limits. Only possibilities," said Keia Clarke, New York Liberty CEO.
Omar Cobas, a software engineer at Google and alumnus of BPL’s Teen Techie internship program, presented the award to William Floyd, Senior Director of US State and Local Government Affairs and Public Policy for Google. During the program, Google—a long-time supporter of the Library’s technology programs, including workforce education, Teen Techies and the Crown Heights Teen Tech Center— announced $1 million in funding to help address the growing need for AI literacy and job-relevant digital skills in the borough. Google’s support will include free access to Google’s AI Essentials courses for the public through the Library's Business & Career Center.
“AI presents extraordinary opportunities – whether it be in increasing access to high quality educational material or creating pathways to well-paying jobs – but there is still a significant knowledge gap when it comes to using this transformative technology. With these funds, the Brooklyn Public Library will bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive AI training program for its staff and Grow with Google’s AI and Prompting Essentials courses, reaching around 5000 New Yorkers. This two-pronged approach will directly address the growing gap in AI literacy and the critical need for job-relevant digital skills among Brooklyn residents,” said William Floyd, Senior Director of US State and Local Government Affairs and Public Policy for Google.
The Gala also recognized a major milestone: the 20th anniversary of Teen Techies, the Library’s flagship internship program. Over the past two decades, more than 2,000 teens have participated in the program, gaining hands-on work experience and STEM training that has launched careers and shaped futures.
Ros Gold-Onwude, sports broadcaster, NBA & WNBA analyst and New York Liberty analyst, served as host for the evening with help from Ellie the Elephant, the New York Liberty’s mascot and the Timeless Torches, the Liberty’s senior dance team. Comedic actress Ana Gasteyer entertained the 380 people gathered in the grand lobby of Central Library.
The Library offers tens of thousands of free programs a year for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, students preparing for college, older adults seeking companionship, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, and people of all ages exploring arts and culture. Brooklyn Public Library is a nationally recognized leader in the fight against censorship and a safe space here at home where Brooklynites can enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions—the discovery of a good book—without ever having to pay a fine.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library’s online catalog. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.