Carroll Gardens Library Gets the (Summer Reading) Party Started

The public schools are closed this Thursday for Chancellor's Day, but the library will be open!

From 2 - 4 p.m., the hosts its . The multicultural themed event features various tables filled with art projects and activities.

With the school year coming to a close, this is the ideal time for kids to sign up for the library’s summer reading program while learning about other cultures at this fun-filled party. And it's all free!

When my kids were young, I used to take them to the story time and we’ve spent many days browsing the shelves in the children’s section. With the threat of citywide budget cuts, I worried that there might be cutbacks at our local branch. 

One concerned neighborhood mom, Nina Guralnick, founded the group, , which raised thousands of dollars for the library at their . The group is helping with the upcoming multicultural party. When I met with Guralnick and Adriana Mitchell, the children’s librarian, and heard them discuss the planning for this Thursday’s Summer Reading Kickoff, I felt inspired and hopeful for the library’s future.

"The event is going to be a fun, activity-filled afternoon," said Guralnick. "Since it is a day off from school, we hope all of the kids in Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill will stop by to sign up for the summer reading program and join in the multicultural activities.”

The party will take place downstairs in the auditorium. Kathleen Henderson, who runs art activities in Carroll Park, will be leading craft projects at the party and snacks will be provided by . What a great and economical way to end a day off with the kids.

While other libraries are cutting programs, because of the Friends group, the Carroll Gardens branch is increasing afterschool and other free classes. The library now hosts a for people age 10 and up on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. They also invite folks to host classes and to get involved in the Friends of Carroll Gardens group. The group’s next meeting is Wednesday June 15 at 6:30 p.m.

If you’re looking for another fun library activity to fill up your morning, the Central Branch at Grand Army Plaza is hosting a Summer Reading Kickoff Block Party from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Thursday.  This party also has a multicultural theme and will host musical performances, balloon sculptures, sidewalk drawing and other activities. If you have sports fans at home, be sure to stop by at 11 a.m. when Avery Johnson, head coach of the NETS, will read for kids.

With these fun free activities at the library, kids can celebrate the start of summer reading, while hopefully developing a lasting relationship with their local library.