All Of It: Brooklyn’s Hottest Nightlife Spot This Weekend – The Library

Host: Alison Stewart
Episode Release Date: March 5, 2025
Duration: Approximately 17 minutes

Introduction: Expanding the Role of Libraries

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the multifaceted role of modern libraries, focusing on the Brooklyn Public Library's (BPL) innovative approaches to community engagement and cultural enrichment. The episode centers around the upcoming "Night in the Library" event, highlighting how libraries have evolved into vibrant cultural hubs offering much more than just books.

Spotlight on "Night in the Library"

[00:31] Alison Stewart introduces the “Night in the Library” event, emphasizing its significance beyond traditional library activities. She sets the stage for an engaging conversation with Adjoa Adousi, the manager of BPL's new Library for Arts and Culture.

[02:20] Adjoa Adousi expresses enthusiasm about the event:
“It's been going on, like you said, it's like in its 10th year, and it's a way for people to sort of see behind the curtains.”
This annual event transforms the library into a lively nighttime venue, fostering face-to-face interactions and creative expression among patrons.

Breaking Down the Event Theme

The theme for this year’s event is "The Sky Above Brooklyn, the Philosophy of the Sublime." Alison Stewart probes into the meaning behind this theme.

[03:01] Adjoa Adousi explains:
“It's definitely about sort of unwinding and unhooking from our devices and meeting one another face to face in the library.”
The event aims to create an environment where attendees can disconnect from digital distractions and engage in meaningful, in-person interactions through various artistic and cultural activities.

Diverse Activities and Artistic Expressions

The Night in the Library event offers a plethora of activities, including music, dance, talks, poetry, psychotherapy sessions, clothing mending, and even recreating bird sounds. Adjoa highlights the integration of art and community well-being:

[04:07] Adjoa Adousi shares her excitement about artist Katie Mertz's contributions:
“She's also done the murals at the New Library for Arts and Culture. So I'm excited to see what she brings out for night at the library.”
Additionally, there will be ER doctors from Amandi conducting storytime sessions focused on care and healing, underscoring the library's commitment to holistic community support.

Listener Participation and Community Engagement

Alison Stewart invites listeners to share their experiences with non-book library items, fostering a sense of community involvement. Several callers participate, showcasing the library's extensive resources:

• Charles from Merrick, Long Island discusses borrowing DVDs and Blu-rays for educational and family events.
• Robin from Irvington mentions accessing museum passes and reciprocal museum visits through the library.
• Stephanie from Southampton highlights borrowing unique items like lawn signs and backyard games.

These interactions illustrate the library’s role as a comprehensive resource center catering to diverse interests and needs.

Innovative Library Resources Beyond Books

The episode delves into various innovative services offered by BPL:

Musical Instrument Lending Library

[06:35] Adjoa Adousi introduces the Musical Instrument Lending Library, available at Central Library, Grand Army Plaza:

“We have string instruments, some percussive instruments, mostly things that are small and that you can carry with you.”
Patrons can borrow instruments for up to three weeks, promoting musical education and creativity within the community.

Recording Studios

BPL's recording studios provide a space for aspiring musicians and podcasters to create content. Adjoa notes:

“You can just walk in and talk to the people at the front desk.”
Accessible to all library cardholders, the studios support a wide range of creative projects.

Public Song Project

The Public Song Project encourages community members to create songs based on public domain materials. Adjoa elaborates on available resources:

“Sheet music from artists like Bessie Smith or Louis Armstrong. Those are documents that are also available within our catalog.”
This project fosters cultural preservation and artistic expression by utilizing the library's rich collection.

Library for Arts and Culture: A New Collaborative Space

The conversation shifts to the recently opened Library for Arts and Culture at the Elton Arts Cultural Center in downtown Brooklyn. Adjoa Adousi describes it as a pioneering space where multiple cultural institutions collaborate:

“It's the first first of its kind where four cultural institutions are coming together under one roof to put on programming.”
Partnering with the Mokada Museum, 651 Arts, and BAM, this library serves as a central hub for 20th and 21st-century art, music, film, and fine arts.

Adjoa expresses excitement about the library's adaptability and responsiveness to community needs:

“It's been about seeing how people are reacting when they come in and learning about not holes in our collection, but ways in which we can grow our collection.”

Expanding Access and Inclusivity

Callers like Yesha, a children's librarian, emphasize the library's inclusive services, such as borrowing board games and accessing museum passes. Yesha passionately advocates for giving Brooklyn Public Library the recognition it deserves alongside New York Public Library.

[16:25] Adjoa Adousi wraps up with a powerful statement on the library’s universal appeal:
“The library is a great place because everyone is welcome there. Period. Full stop. And it's absolutely free.”

Conclusion: Libraries as Cultural Epicenters

This episode of All Of It effectively showcases the Brooklyn Public Library's transformation into a dynamic cultural epicenter. Through events like "Night in the Library," innovative lending programs, and collaborative spaces like the Library for Arts and Culture, BPL exemplifies how modern libraries serve as vital community hubs fostering creativity, education, and inclusivity.

Listeners are encouraged to explore these diverse offerings, participate in community-driven projects, and recognize the library's pivotal role in enriching New York City's vibrant cultural landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Adjoa Adousi [03:01]: “It's definitely about sort of unwinding and unhooking from our devices and meeting one another face to face in the library.”

• Adjoa Adousi [04:07]: “She's also done the murals at the New Library for Arts and Culture. So I'm excited to see what she brings out for night at the library.”

• Adjoa Adousi [06:35]: “We have string instruments, some percussive instruments, mostly things that are small and that you can carry with you.”

• Adjoa Adousi [16:25]: “The library is a great place because everyone is welcome there. Period. Full stop. And it's absolutely free.”

Additional Resources:

• Event Information: Visit bklynlibrary.org for more details on the Night in the Library event.
• Library for Arts and Culture: Explore collaborative programming at the new library space in downtown Brooklyn.
• Public Song Project: Learn how to participate at wnyc.org/publicsongproject.

This summary encapsulates the rich discussions and insights shared in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those interested in the evolving role of libraries in modern culture.