The Red Hook Public Library (7 Wolcott St.) closed this March as the building will undergo major renovations. The library is expected to re-open in early 2025.
“We’re going to be bigger, safer, more energy efficient, and serve the community better,” said managing librarian, Joyce Kowpak.
In the meantime, there will be in-person programs and services. There will be a Bookmobile (a truck with thousands of books) and a Techmobile with computers and laptops on Tuesdays outside of the library.
Additionally, Comics with Mr. Nick will take place at Pioneer Works (159 Pioneer St.) on Mondays at 3 pm starting on April 3. Storytime will take place at Red Hook Initiative (767 Hicks St.) on Wednesdays at 11 am starting April 5. Resume and Cover Letter Writing assistance will also begin on April 5 and will take place on Wednesdays from noon to 3 pm at RHI.
There will be a Friends of Red Hook Library meeting over Zoom on Tuesday, April 25. To RSVP for the Zoom link, go to bklynlibrary.org/calendar/friends-red-hook-library-virtual-20230425.
In addition to Red Hook, the Carroll Gardens Library is also going to be closed for renovations starting soon.
“A specific date has not been set for closure, but we anticipate it will be sometime this summer,” said Damaris Olivo, Brooklyn Public Library director of communications.
In 2016, a $350,000 project to add a new teen space was voted on by local residents as part of participatory budgeting. As part of the upcoming renovation, the library will get the new and improved teen room. However, the library is expected to be closed for well over one year and that doesn’t take into account potential delays.
Plans for a Bookmobile, Techmobile etc., at the Carroll Gardens Library are not set yet. However, both Kowpak and Olivo promise monthly updates on the progress at the libraries throughout this long process.
NYC PARKS ISSUES REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO ACTIVATE ANCHORAGE PLAZA DOWNTOWN
NYC Parks announced that a Request for Expressions of Interest (“RFEI”) has been issued for the temporary and seasonal implementation of programming, amenities, events, and development at Anchorage Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn.
Anchorage Plaza is surrounded by a busy and dynamic section of the Brooklyn Bridge, bound by Old Fulton, Front, York, Washington, and Prospect Streets with views of the Manhattan skyline. It is located between the vibrant and frequently visited historic districts of Brooklyn Heights and Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (“DUMBO”) neighborhoods of Brooklyn.
“Formerly a parking lot and construction staging area, Anchorage Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn has tremendous potential as a public space with seasonal amenities,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “With its stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, Anchorage Plaza is a prime location for creative activations.”
Prior to 2009, a portion of the plaza was a parking concession. In 2009, the City of New York’s Department of Transportation (“DOT”) started to occupy the site to inspect and make needed repairs to the Brooklyn Bridge. As DOT decreases their footprint at the site, Parks is seeking public input for a creative activation of this space for temporary and seasonal uses.
If upon review by Parks, a new concession idea appears to be feasible, appropriate and advantageous to the City, Parks will then consider beginning the concession solicitation process through the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP).
All proposals for this RFEI must be submitted no later than April 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.
The RFEI is available for download on Parks’ website. To download the RFEI, visit www.nyc.gov/parks/businessopportunities and, after logging in, click on the “download” link that appears adjacent to the RFEI’s description.
For more information, prospective proposers may contact Barbara Huang, Project Manager, at (212) 360-3490 or at Barbara.Huang@parks.nyc.gov.
Last year’s GALA FUNDRAISER for RHAP an absolute success!!!!
by Tiffiney Davis
It was a night of fun and community building and Red Hook showed up for our youth and families! With your support, we turned a moment into incredible memories and raised over $32,000.
What did we do with your generous support?
Sustained the operational needs of our studio. Continued our arts, music, mutual aid, academic support and stress management youth programs
Created paid opportunities for our teaching artists and alumni mentors
Supported our student’s popup store and gallery I am thrilled to share with you that our Second Annual RHAP Party Gala Fundraiser and After Party will be held at Hometown Bar-b-Que on Monday, May 22nd from 6-9 pm – and this year we’ve added an After Party, 9-11 pm! You don’t want to miss Red Hook’s hottest party!
Your community will come together for a night of amazing food and drinks to support the youth and families of Red Hook, sustain our safe and creative community hub, and uplift voices! Our leaders, educators and volunteers are on a mission to provide our students with the tools, guidance and opportunities they require to see themselves as both artists and leaders. May 22nd is your night to support that mission.
Become a sponsor! Buy a ticket! Invite your neighbors and friends!
Donate an item to the silent auction! Join a committee!
RHAP is a grassroots movement, and we need everyone to show up for this important night. We are at 291 Van Brunt Street, phone is 347-889-4098.
REGINA OPERA PRESENTS A 53rd ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT
Date: Sunday April 30, 2023
Time: 3PM – 5PM
Place: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, 5902 6th Avenue, Brooklyn.
On Sunday April 30, 2023 at 3PM, Regina Opera will celebrate its 53rd Anniversary with a 2-hour concert in its accessible venue, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, 5902 6th Avenue, Brooklyn.
Featured will be several instrumental selections by pianist/composer Julian Villanueva Raheb, played by a sextet of members of Regina Opera Orchestra. A Park Slope resident, 17-year old Julian Villanueva Raheb, is an award-winning composer and classical pianist. Julian has been playing classical piano selections in Regina Opera’s ticketed and free concerts at least once a season for about 8 years. Regina Opera has also been featuring Julian’s own classical compositions in many of our concerts. His compositions have also been played by many other groups such as NY Youth Symphony, American Composers Orchestra, and NY Philharmonic Very Young Composers.
Also on the program will be popular opera selections performed by Regina Opera’s leading role singers: soprano Brooke Schooley, soprano Tate Chu, tenor Paolo Buffagni, tenor Percy Martinez, baritone Brian Montgomery, accompanied by pianist Catherine Miller and flutist Richard Paratley.
Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. Face masks are strongly suggested.
For more info: check our website: http://reginaopera.org/sundayconcert4.htm or e-mail reginaopera@yahoo.com or call 718-259-2772
