Flatbush readers who may be running behind on returning their books to their local library now have a new convenient location to drop them off: Kings County Hospital.
The Brooklyn Public Library celebrated on Friday the installation of a book drop at the hospital, which will be accessible for patients, staff and the larger community to return books and materials.
The location is the newest addition to a series of BPL's literacy initiatives which includes volunteers and library staff who, equipped with rolling suitcases full of books, read to pediatric patients and give them books to keep. The library also provides storytellers and other programs to pediatric patients, and early literacy kits for expecting and new mothers which include free books, growth charts and tips for helping children learn and grow.
"Today we mark another milestone in our longstanding partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County," said Linda E. Johnson, BPL's president and CEO. "For almost 20 years, volunteers have been bringing suitcases full of books for patients and their families. We are delighted to add materials for expectant parents, story times and now a book drop for the entire community."
A local daycare joined the celebration for a special story time session. The young guests gathered for read-a-loud with author Charles R. Smith, arts and crafts with Bweela Steptoe, daughter of notary author John Steptoe, a musical performance, face painting, books give-a-way and the Kidsmobile, a children's library on wheels.
"We are fortunate for partnerships that allow us to provide additional services to our patients that support their healing and overall wellbeing," said Lee Waldman, director of Service of Pediatrics at Kings County Hospital.
Visitors and patients can find the book drop in the lobby of the hospital's "E" building for ambulatory care.
