Carroll Gardens Library's New Look.

We checked out the "new and improved" Carroll Gardens Library yesterday.  You may remember that back in June/July they were getting a facelift of sorts.  We reported on it and we did get one thing wrong.  We heard, and were psyched, about them getting a book return slot.  We thought it would be outside but actually it's inside so, unfortunately, there is still no way to return books when the library is closed.  Other than that they got a brand new reference desk and new do-it-yourself check out computers, which you can see in the above pic.

Library Reopening Soon!

The Carroll Garden's Branch Library has been missed, especially by those with kids who need a fun thing to do on a hot day.  After being closed for about a month it will be opening back up this weekend, July 6th.  Phew!  They'll have some improvements.  One of our favorites of the bunch is a long overdue book return slot (we meant the slot was overdue not the books, although hey, let's face it, those are probably overdue too). 

Carroll Gardens Branch Library Closure Dates.

The Carroll Gardens Library posted a notice on their facebook page that they'll be closing for a month this summer for some upgrading.  The renovations they are making sound like it's going to make the place more efficient.  They are adding a book slot so folks can return books during their "closed" hours (finally!). Below is the post with all the other changes they are making and the dates they'll be making them.

Notice to the community: The Carroll Gardens library will be closed from Saturday June 8-Sunday July 7, re-opening on Monday July 8 at 10 AM. The closure is for the installation of self-check out machines, a slot for quick return of books, and reconfiguring of the circulation desk and some other areas of the main floor.

Carroll Gardens Library Upcoming Events.

Here are a couple of cool events we spotted that are coming up at the Carroll Gardens Library.  This first one below is actually Brooklyn Public Library but we spotted this sign at CGL. 

It's on May 11th and it's a bike ride, where you get to choose your route and ride from branch to branch, and raise funds for Brooklyn Public Library.  Great idea! Click here for more info.
  
This event below is coming up very soon, next Tuesday April 23rd 6:30-7:30pm.  It's a family night geared towards younger children (it says they have Kindergarten kits for kids to learn math and science).  This event is on the main floor of CGL.

Carroll Gardens Library Events.

There are some great weekly kids events at Carroll Gardens Branch library.  They have their story time for babies on Monday mornings 10:30, Toddler Time Wednesday mornings at 10:30, and for the older kids they have Book Adventures (below).  They also have art programs.  The last Monday of the month is an all ages drop-in session between 2 and 5pm and every Friday at 1pm they have a 2 year old and up art class.  These are all very popular, especially in the winter. The most popular, Toddler Time, has parents and caregivers going to the library as early at 10 AM to get tickets, any later and you're out of luck.  We were told by the relatively new children's librarian, Juana Flores, that she has been trying to expand the children's programs and we can expect an extra Toddler Time added to the schedule Wednesdays at 1pm. 

Rock Event at Library.

Here's a strange event we saw a flier for the other day. Apparently the Brooklyn Public Library (Carroll Gardens Branch) on Union Street and Clinton is having a lecture?? or a class?? about the British rock band Faces. This band started in 1969 and lasted until the mid-seventies. The two well known members were Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood. This is definitely a unique event going on but we don't really know the details about what it's going to entail. The flier just says it's a program and says "learn about the Faces Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart" and "Rock Out at Carroll Gardens with the Faces". We're assuming a listening session and informational lecture? Go check it out if you're interested though. It's on August 18th from 4-5:15pm at 396 Clinton. Call 718-596-6972 if you have any further questions.

Summer fun for kids!

Schools are letting out for summer vacation this week and kids will be running the streets wild, bored out of their minds. Good thing for summer school and other community programs to keep the kids at bay. One program worth mentioning, (because it's fun, educational, and free!) is the Carroll Gardens Library summer reading program. They have great activities every week between Tuesdays and Saturdays (they're closed Mondays and Sundays). They show movies, teach arts and crafts, and have storytelling (of course). A complete schedule is listed below.

Tuesdays Knitting $ Crocheting Circle 4pm-4:45 Ages 9 & Up

Wednesdays Chess Club 6pm-7:30pm All ages & Movie and play 3:30-4:30 Ages 0-5

Thursdays Drawing Time 4-5pm All ages

Fridays Babies and books 10:30-11 am 0-18 months
Toddler time 11:15 am-12pm 18 months-3
Arts and Crafts 4-5pm All ages

Saturdays Board games for kids 10am-12pm ages 4 and Up

Library Reminder

We just wanted to give you a friendly reminder that you have two more days to return any overdue books to your local Library without getting charged a fine. If you hadn't heard before April has been amnesty month for the Brooklyn Public Library and they are accepting any overdue items, except those in bad shape, until April 30th and waiving any fees you may have incurred. Basically the library doesn't want to pay to replace the books that have been collecting dust under your bed somewhere. So seek them out, bring them back, and all is forgiven. The only hitch is that you have to return the items to the front desk and possibly face a scowl of the librarian you return them to. Nothing's that easy!

Library Chess Club

A few weeks ago the Brooklyn Public Library Carroll Gardens Branch, located on the corner of Clinton and Union Street, started a chess club. Every Wednesday night you can go get your chess on with National Chess Master, Manuel Ugarte. This sounds like a very interesting and unique thing to do on a weekday evening and, because all ages are welcome, a fun thing to do with children or teens. This event is for all levels as well so if you're pretty decent at chess Manuel can improve your game and if you don't even know how to play you can learn.

If anyone is interested it's from 6-7pm every Wednesday at the Carroll Garden library, which is located at 396 Clinton Street.