University Open Air, a collaborative effort of the Brooklyn Public Library and the Prospect Park Alliance, provides immigrant teachers and professors an opportunity to share their knowledge with the public by welcoming students from all walks of life to enjoy free classes. In September, classes take place under the trees in the grounds aorund the Prospect Park Boathouse, but for this Winter Residency 2023, we’re bringing class indoors and taking over space in the Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch at 10 Grand Army Plaza from Thursday, February 23 to Sunday, February 26th.
Your professors will be teachers, researchers, professionals, and academics educated at institutions around the globe, and they'll teach courses in the social sciences and humanities, as well as other disciplines. We aim to offer a platform for the talent and wisdom in the life stories of New York’s local immigrants who might not otherwise have the opportunity to teach in the US.
University Open Air is a space for you to gain knowledge and experience freely with others. Here, your desire to learn will be acknowledged and celebrated, regardless of immigration status.