CRAFTING AND WRITING WORKSHOP: STITCHING COMMUNITY: TELLING STORIES THROUGH EMBROIDERY AND WRITING (FREE)

 Stitching Community:

Telling Stories

Through Embroidery and Writing 

Thursday, January 15th

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

From the Kensington Library:

In this workshop, participants will learn traditional kantha running stitch embroidery. Together, we will weave stories about home and belonging with our neighbors.

Embroidery instructor Farida Ruhul [member of the Bangladeshi Ladies Club] and writer Roohi Choudhry will guide us through the first half of the session stitching and chatting together. Afterwards, we will write and share stories. This is a bilingual program open to Bangla and English speakers.

Craft and writing supplies will be provided. All experience levels welcome. Please RSVP in advance!

For more information and to register, go to https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/stitching-community-kensington-library-20260115-0600pm.

 

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington 

https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonLibraryBPL

BOOK DISCUSSIONS: "ANOTHER COUNTRY" AND "I'M GLAD MY MOM DIED" (FREE)

 

Book Discussion: Another Country 

Tuesday, July 29th

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

From the Windsor Terrace Library:

Set in 1950s New York, Another Country explores love, race, and identity through the lives of friends grappling with grief, desire, and the pressures of societal expectations. Baldwin’s bold novel delves into interracial and same-sex relationships, offering a powerful look at human connection in a divided world. Please ask for a copy at the front desk.

Location

Windsor Terrace Library

160 E. 5th Street

between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

phone: (718) 686-9707

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/windsor-terrace

https://www.facebook.com/WindsorTerraceLibrary 

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Book Discussion: I'm Glad My Mom Died

Friday, August 8th

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

From the Kensington Library:

Join our book discussion group on "I'm glad my mom died" by Jennette Mccurdy! Share your thoughts on the book and get to know other readers in your community.  

"A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor--including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother--and how she retook control of her life"

Visit the branch to check it out. No need to finish the book beforehand. All are welcome!

Register in advance at https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/book-discussion-group-kensington-auditorium-20250808-0200pm. 

 

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington 

https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonLibraryBPL

FREE CRAFTING MEETUPS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AS OF NOVEMBER 10, 2024

 

Free Crafting Meetups

Kensington Library Storytime Room, 4207 18th Avenue:  Learn the basics of crocheting and knitting at the Crochet/Knit Club. All skill levels are welcome. Yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks are provided for the lesson, but you can bring your own supplies, if you prefer. Classes are held twice a month on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All ages are welcome.

 

Windsor Terrace Library Meeting Room, 160 E. 5th Street at Fort Hamilton Parkway: Work on your knitting, crocheting, sewing, and other fiber arts projects with your neighbors while sipping tea at Stitch 'n Sip: Knitting, Crocheting, & Sewing. Bring your own crafting materials. Formal instruction isn't provided. Stitch 'n Sip meets on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For ages 18+.

 

 

Windsor Terrace Library, 160 E. 5th Street: Virtual Knit, Crochet & Sew Together meets on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. This is a Zoom knitting/crocheting/sewing/fiber arts session to share your projects and hang out. All are welcome. Registration is required.

Windsor Terrace Library, 160 E. 5th Street:

Adult Beginner Knitting lessons are available on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Open to knitters at all levels.

 

Bad Therapy Bar, 1008 Cortelyou Road: The Craft Circle is an informal monthly meetup where people knit, crochet, and work on other crafts. It is for all levels; learners are welcome. The meetup is dog-friendly.

 

The Craft Salon, 625 Church Avenue: The knitting and crocheting meetup is for adults at all levels of competence, although teenagers are also welcome. Owner Dari Litchman is available to teach you how to knit or crochet. From time to time, yarn swapping takes place. The meetups are always on a Sunday but are not always on the fourth Sunday.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2805 Fort Hamilton Parkway: The sewing and crochet group meets on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. in the Marian Center in the rectory (next to the church). All are welcome.

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Informational

 

Kensington Knitting Group: The page offers information and announcements that are of interest to knitters, especially knitters in the neighborhood. https://www.facebook.com/groups/213963390120109/

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Fee-based Knitting Lessons

 

 

Two types of fee-based knitting lessons are available at Argyle Yarn Shop on Prospect Park West. They are "Beginning Knitting"--a two-part workshop--and "Open Forum Knitting--a two-hour, semi-private lesson. Read about them and register at  https://www.argyleyarnshop.com/classes.html.

BANNED BOOKS WEEK: LETTER WRITING, BUTTON MAKING, AND TRIVIA AT KENSINGTON LIBRARY

Posted by Kensington Library

Banned Books Week: Letter Writing

Monday, September 23rd

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This week is Banned Book Week, an annual event which highlights the value of free and open access to information.

As part of this, we are offering a chance to write letters to politicians asking them to oppose attempts to ban books (and access to information in general).

We will provide the stationery, envelopes, stamps, addresses for local and national politicians, and a template for letters (if you want one) and will collect your completed letters and mail them off (or you can send them yourself, if you desire).

All you have to do is express why you are opposed to book banning and censorship. 

All ages can participate, and we will have supplies available at the front desk starting Monday, September 23, until they run out (and even then, we'll be happy to give you a template and addresses for your own letters).

 

Banned Books Week: Button Making

Tuesday, September 24th

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Teens and tweens! As part of Banned Book Week (an annual event which highlights the value of free and open access to information), we will be making buttons to show support for keeping books unbanned.

Come down to the Kensington Community Room from 3:30 to 4:30 and make buttons expressing your support for books and your opposition to censorship.

You can make your own original design, and we will also have some ready-made designs for you to use if, that's what you prefer.

Banned Books Trivia

Friday, September 27th

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Come play a game of Banned Books Trivia at Kensington Library! Learn about the history and trends of book banning and what you can do to stop them! All are welcome.

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington 

 

FREE PERSONAL FINANCE WORKSHOP: "DISCUSSING STOCKS"

 

Personal Finance Workshops 

Thursday, July 11th and 18th

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 16th and 23rd

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Come take charge of your personal finances and learn about investing in stocks with The Kensington Stewards. This is a two-part workshop. All are welcome.

 

Attend a free two-part personal finance workshop on "Discussing Stocks" at the Kensington Library on July 11th and 18th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the Windsor Terrace Library on July 16th and 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

The workshops will be presented by Peter Gomori, retired St. Francis College professor, with The Kensington Stewards.

 

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington 

 

Windsor Terrace Library

160 E. 5th Street

between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

phone: (718) 686-9707

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/windsor-terrace

PRIDE MONTH EVENTS AT THE KENSINGTON LIBRARY

 

Pride Month Events

at the Kensington Library

 

Button making for PRIDE month

Tuesday, June 11th

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

"Celebrate LGBTQIA+ PRIDE Month at Kensington Library! We will be designing and making buttons. All are welcome!"

 

Registration https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/button-making-for-pride-kensington-library-20240611-0300pm

 

Kids Create: PRIDE Rainbows

 Thursday, June 13th

2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

"Get crafty and celebrate PRIDE month by making a vibrant rainbow. Children 3+ are welcome with a caregiver."

Movie Night at the Library

Tuesday, June 25th

5:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

 

"Join us for an evening of film at Kensington Library! We will be watching And Then We Danced and coloring!

All are welcome!"

 

In Georgian with English subtitles.

"And Then We Danced is one of the most intimate, devastating and euphoric love stories ever told on screen. But in Georgia, it’s also the most controversial film to ever hit theaters." https://www.gq.com/story/how-and-then-we-danced-became-2020s-most-controversial-movie

 

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington

LIBRARY OPEN ON SUNDAYS IN BOROUGH PARK

Recent cuts to New York City's budget led to seven-day-a-week service being cut to six days a week in New York City's three library systems (New York, Brooklyn, and Queens).

 

Weekend service was limited to Saturdays at all Brooklyn branches, including the Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Cortelyou, and Borough Park branches.

 

However, after discussions between Brooklyn Public Library president Linda Johnson and elected officials representing Borough Park, the weekend day that the Borough Park branch is open has been changed from Saturday to Sunday.

 

All other branches are still open on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.

 

The branch is fully accessible.

 

To prevent additional budget cuts to libraries for the upcoming fiscal year, please sign a form addressed to Mayor Adams, City Council Speaker Adams, Council Majority Leader Farías, Committee on Libraries Chair Rivera, Council Finance Chair Brannan, and your City Councilmember.

 

Hours
Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

Location
Borough Park Library
lower level
1265 43rd Street
between 12th and 13th avenues
Borough Park, Brooklyn

(718) 437-4085 

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/borough-park

 

FREE PERSONAL FINANCE WORKSHOPS IN KENSINGTON

Introduction to Personal Finance Workshop

Tuesdays, March 5th, 12th, and 19th

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A free three-part series, "Introduction to Personal Finance: Forms of Loans and Investing in Fixed Income," will be offered on three Tuesdays in March--the 5th, the 12th, and the 19th--from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The series, presented by The Kensington Stewards, will be held in the meeting room of the Kensington Library. Wearing a mask in the library is optional, but it is strongly encouraged. 

Topics may include banking, various forms of indebtedness (e.g., credit cards, car loans, and mortgages), and investment in fixed income instruments.

Participants will be encouraged to ask questions during the workshops.

Peter Gomori, a member of the all-volunteer civic group The Kensington Stewards, will lead the workshops. A retired St. Francis College faculty member, he taught courses in finance there for thirty-five years. Guest speakers may also be invited to speak on special topics.

The library has a limited amount of seating, so pre-registration is required (https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/free-personal-finance-kensington-library-20240305).

If you would like to ask Peter Gomori any questions about the series, send an e-mail to him at peter.gomori@gmail.com.

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington 

FREE PERSONAL FINANCE COURSES

 

From The Kensington Stewards:

 

The Kensington Stewards invite you to attend "Personal Finance: Forms of Loans and Investing in Fixed Income," a free two-part course on borrowing and lending.

 

The first session will cover consumer borrowing (mortgages, student loans, car loans, and credit cards). The second one will cover fixed income investing (bank CDs, bonds, fixed income funds, such as ETFs, and Mutual Funds).

 

The course will be held on Thursday, February 8th, and Thursday, February 15th, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

A free three-part series, "Introduction to Personal Finance Workshop," will be offered at the Kensington Library on Tuesday nights in March from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Additional details are not yet available.

 

Peter Gomori, retired St. Francis College professor, will lead all of the courses. 

 

Location

Windsor Terrace Library

160 E. 5th Street

corner of Fort Hamilton Parkway

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

phone: (718) 686-9707

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/windsor-terrace

MEET THE AUTHORS OF "AN ASIAN AMERICAN A TO Z: A CHILDREN'S GUIDE TO OUR HISTORY"

Meet the Authors! An Asian American A to Z

Thursday, May 11th, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

 

Meet Cathy Linh Che and Kyle Lucia Wu, the authors of An Asian American A to Z: A Children's Guide to Our History, at Kensington Library on Thursday, May 11th, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

From Brooklyn Public Library:

Join us for a special storytime in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and meet the authors!

A comprehensive and spirited exploration of Asian American history—its movements, cultures, and key figures—beautifully illustrated and compellingly told for readers of all ages.

Co-authors Cathy Linh Che and Kyle Lucia Wu take us on a journey through stories of celebration and resistance: the Third World Liberation Front, the Muslim Ban, Japanese American incarceration camps, Padma Lakshmi, Rashida Tlaib, Sunisa Lee, and more. It is a history of struggle, but also one of great triumph, brought to life with colorful and dynamic illustrations by Kavita Ramchandran.

Written by the directors of Kundiman—an organization dedicated to nurturing Asian American writers—An Asian American A to Z is a book for children of all backgrounds and a vital resource for tomorrow's organizers. Asian American identity formation is expansive yet under-taught, and this book is a necessary intervention that will ground readers in joy, history, and solidarity.

Limited copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 3rd Street and Seton Place

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington 

 

SONGWRITING WORKSHOP FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS (FREE)

 

Songwriter’s Studio with Community-Word Project

Thursday, July 28th, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Teens and young adults ages eleven and up can learn the art of songwriting in a free workshop at Kensington Library on Thursday, July 28th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Craft a fully produced song from scratch using Soundtrap, a free online digital audio workstation that empowers each participant to craft a musical landscape and record vocal melodies. Using the tools provided, create meaningful lyrics, compose common pop music song structures, and complete a song by the end of the lesson.

Kensington Library is fully accessible.

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington

https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonLibraryBPL/

MASKING AND PROGRAMMING NEWS FOR BROOKLYN'S CENTRAL LIBRARY AND THE BRANCHES

Starting today, March 14th, wearing a mask is no longer required in Brooklyn Public Library's Central Library and the branches, but continuing to wear them is encouraged.

All BPL libraries are open, except for any that are closed for renovations or routine maintenance. Patrons can browse, use computers and printing services, attend in-person programs for teens and adults, and get assistance at the service desk

Indoor programming has resumed in some branches for adults and teenagers but not for children. The calendar of all events at Central Library and all branches, virtual and in person, is posted at https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/list. The calendar of just virtual programming is at https://www.bklynlibrary.org/event-series/virtual-programming.

Complete COVID-19-related information about Central Library and the branches is posted at https://www.bklynlibrary.org/coronavirus.

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue near E. 2nd Street

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington

 

Windsor Terrace Library

160 E. 5th Street at Fort Hamilton Parkway

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/windsor-terrace

 

BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR'S WEEKEND PLUS STAFF SHORTAGES

 

All Brooklyn Public Library locations will close for New Year's weekend at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 30th. They'll be closed on Friday, December 31st, Saturday, January 1st, and Sunday, January 2nd (as usual). They'll reopen on Monday, January 3rd, at their usual Monday opening times.

In addition, COVID-19  has caused staff shortages at some branches. This has affected their hours of operation so that some have delayed openings and some are not open at all. Before you visit a branch, look at the Brooklyn Public Library locations map at https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations to check its current hours and its status.

 

All indoor Brooklyn Public Library events are on hold until further notice. 

 

You must wear a mask when you're in a library.

 

SAVE LIVES BY DONATING BLOOD AT THE KENSINGTON LIBRARY

Blood Drive

Tuesday, April 21st, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Blood donors are needed to make the Kensington Library's first blood drive for the New York Blood Center a success. The New York Blood Center, opened in 1964, is one of the largest, independent, community-based non-profit blood collection and distribution centers in the United States.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with written consent from a parent or legal guardian), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.

Age requirements:

"You may donate if you are at least 17 years old (16 years old with written consent from parent or legal guardian), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.

• Donors age 16-18 are also subject to additional height/weight restrictions.

• Donors age 76 and older can continue to donate blood if they meet all eligibility criteria and present a physician's letter allowing them to donate, once at the first donation after reaching their 76th birthday.  In the absence of a letter from their physician, they must be cleared by an NYBC medical director at each donation."

A fuller description of who is and who isn't eligible is posted here.

If you're eligible to donate blood, pre-register at the library or sign up online at https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/275488.

Donations of whole blood by at least fifty people are needed for this event, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21st, between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Donations of platelets aren't being requested at this time.

Location
Kensington Library
4207 18th Avenue
between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
Kensington, Brooklyn
(718) 436-0545
https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington

FREE SCREENING OF "AMERICAN MUSLIM: A FILM ABOUT BEING MUSLIM IN THE AGE OF TRUMP"

"American Muslim: a Film about Being Muslim in the Age of Trump"

Tuesday, March 31st, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A free screening of the documentary film "American Muslim: a Film about Being Muslim in the Age of Trump" will be offered at the Kensington Library on Tuesday, March 31st, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The film's director/producer/cinematographer/editor, Adam Zucker, is expected to attend.

Shot in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, this film introduces the realities of five American Muslims—immigrants from five different countries who are now naturalized citizens—in the wake of the Muslim Ban in the United States. The ban went into effect through an executive order that suspended entry into the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Main characters Kobir, Aber, Mohamed, Debbie, and Imam allow director Adam Zucker into their homes, mosques, protests, and perspectives.

"American Muslim" exposes the impact the ban has had in Muslim communities, and it highlights how interfaith relationships have stood in solidarity.

Director's Statement

"I recognized that my Muslim neighbors were on the absolute front line in this new era of sanctioned bigotry. I felt it was truly urgent to capture what was happening in a documentary—my path was clearly laid out for me.

For the next year and a half, I followed the trajectory and pushback against the Muslim ban. At the same time, I became increasingly engaged in the lives and stories of Shamsi, Debbie, Mohamed, Aber and Kobir.

I continued filming until the Supreme Court decision about the ban in June, 2018."

Release date: July 22, 2019
Running time: 1 hour, 22 minutes
Not rated 

Location
Kensington Library
4207 18th Avenue
between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
Kensington, Brooklyn
(718) 436-0545
https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington