Brooklyn Public Library

Filing Period

Jul 1, 2012 to Jun 30, 2013

Signed

Nov 15, 2013

Return Version

2012v2.3

Gross Receipts

$150,940,784

Mission

Major Activities

Activity 2

The Neighborhood Libraries provide free access to library services via 58 neighborhood locations throughout Brooklyn. There is a neighborhood library within a half-mile of nearly every Brooklyn resident. Library services include: use of Internet and PC software via 900+ public computers; browsing and borrowing privileges for 6 million+ books, DVD's, videos and CD's covering topics for all ages and interests; programs covering literary, technology instruction and cultural topics; readers advisory and references services. Library users can also access Library information and resources via the Library's website, and search for, request and renew library books and materials via its online catalog. In FY 2013 the Neighborhood Libraries generated 14.3 million circulation and renewals of library materials, down less than 1% from the previous year, and 2.8 million holdings. During this same period staff attended to 3.1 million reference inquiries from patrons and delivered 32,928 programs to 577,531 participants.

Activity 3

Special programs functions provide programs and services dedicated to certain groups of library users including: seniors, children with special needs, toddlers, pre-school and school age children. Children's services include story hour, homework assistance and reading clubs. Free adult literacy, ESOL and Pre-GED educational services are available in locations throughout Brooklyn. A Business library providing services to small businesses, entrepreneurs and the corporate community is located in downtown Brooklyn. The Programs and Exhibitions Department provides inspiring, thought provoking, and entertaining cultural and educational programs and events throughout all Library locations. The free public programs and events include poetry readings, author visits, literary discussions, concerts, films series, art exhibitions, and cultural and historic celebrations. As a result of the Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant, administered by the NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, the Brownsville, Bushwick, DeKalb, Macon, Marcy, Saratoga, Stone Avenue and Washington Irving libraries received a total of 95 laptop computers and additional staff to improve digital literacy and job readiness in the neighborhoods of Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville. During FY 2013, the eight BTOP branches provided 2,918 programs for 18,511 participants. Of those programs, 782 were career classes and job readiness one-on-one services, serving 2,024 participants. The remaining programs were 2,136 computer and multimedia skills programs, serving 16,487 participants. Funds from this grant were also used toward technology and furniture for Central Library's 3rd Floor Computer Center. Since the computer lab opened to the public, it has generated more than 400,000 public computer sessions. This grant has not only allowed us to provide increased access to technology, but even more importantly, the skills to use the technology to improve lives. In FY 2013 the Special Programs generated 188,239 circulation and renewals of library materials and 65,988 holdings. During this same period staff attended to 52,524 reference inquiries from patrons and delivered 5,058 programs to 80,196 participants

Filer

EIN

11-1904261