CM James Urges NYS To Reject DOE Request to Waive Minimum Requirements

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
AUGUST 19, 2013

Contact: Barbara Sherman (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Urges New York State To Reject DOE Request to Waive Minimum Requirements
Renews Call for DOE to Meet New York State Standards Requiring Librarians In Public Schools

(New York, NY)— In May 2013, following a City Council Committee on Education hearing, Council Member Letitia James called on the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to reach compliance with New York State regarding the number of librarians in public schools. According to data provided by the DOE, there were only 306 librarians employed by the agency citywide at the time. The breakdown included 33 librarians placed in elementary schools, 95 in middle schools, and 178 librarians in public high schools.

Last week, the DOE asked for New York State to grant them a waiver so schools are no longer required to have librarians. Already, more than half of the City’s high schools are in violation of State regulations that requires a specific number of librarians in schools, and the quantity of librarians in our schools have been in a steady decline.

“We cannot lose our school librarians, who are so instrumental to our children’s education and their future success,” said Council Member Letitia James. “College-preparation and career-readiness will be more difficult for students who do not have access to school libraries that teach them invaluable research skills. In light of the DOE’s recent standardized test scores, it would seem the department would work harder to meet this basic standard for student achievement.”

For the Department of Education to be in compliance with State regulations, the DOE would have to hire approximately 280 librarians for placement in middle and high schools at a cost of $24 million. According to the administration’s FY14 Budget, library services for public schools remain flat, while charter school funding will increase by approximately $70 million for the fiscal year.

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CM James on the Need to Preserve NYC Public Libraries

Council Member Letitia James and Steve Levin speak on the need to preserve New York City public libraries.

CM James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South; BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JUNE 18, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South Project
BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition

(New York, NY)— On June 17, 2013, Council Member Letitia James voted to approve the development of BAM South, the planned 32-story tower next to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) being developed by Two Trees Management Company. The project was approved by a New York City Council.

In addition to the BAM South site, the City holds two additional sites in the Cultural District. The three development sites are expected to include approximately 900 apartments. Upon completion, 30% of two residential buildings will consist of affordable housing— an increase from the traditional 80/20 housing structure. BAM South, which represents a $135 million investment, will consist of a 32-story building containing approximately 300 residential units.

When completed, BAM South will also include a new public library, an extension of BAM’s cinema, and multiple performance spaces for cultural organizations. Additionally, the project will create a 16,000 square-foot publicly accessible plaza along Lafayette Avenue, and 22,800 square feet of ground floor retail and commercial space.

In a separate agreement with the administration, the Brooklyn Public Library’s Pacific Street branch was spared from sale to a private developer. The administration has committed to working with elected officials and community stakeholders to formulate a plan for service through an open process. A potential future change regarding the status of the library would require City Council approval. Additionally, Two Trees committed to including union workers in their construction bidding process

“I am pleased to again offer my support to BAM South, a project which will offer significant affordable housing to the Fort Greene community," said Council Member Letitia James. "I have always supported Two Trees’ vision for the project, and I believe it was important to ensure the project included significant community benefits such as increased affordable housing, maintaining the Pacific Street library, a commitment that cultural organizations utilizing the space will reflect the diversity of this community, and assurance that future utilization of the open space includes the input of all stakeholders.”

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A Message from Council Member Letitia James: Regarding BAM South

“Affordable housing and good-paying jobs for our community remain my top priorities as deliberations on the BAM South project continue. I remain concerned about the closure of a nearby historic library, and feel strongly that the project must address this unfortunate loss of public and community space.

Contrary to certain reports, I’ve never backed down from supporting the vision of BAM South, but I believe the project must deliver additional affordable housing units and jobs that middle-class and working-class New Yorkers can live with. These are not new demands, though they have received particular notice as the project vote draws near.

I feel strongly that all developments in the 35th District should seek to meet the unique needs of our diverse, growing community, and I believe that this project when finalized will do so.”

 - Council Member Letitia James

Bike The Branches; 5/11; BK Central Library

Bike the Branches is a one-day bike ride to help raise critical funds for Brooklyn Public Library

On Saturday, May 11, follow one exciting route. Be sure to visit as many branches as you can, and get your official “passport” stamped at each location.

WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 2013
5:00- 7:00PM

Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

Friends of Clinton Hill Library Book and Bake Sale!

Friends of Clinton Hill Library Book and Bake Sale!
Saturday, December 8th 10 AM—4 PM

• Raise funds for programs and materials at the Clinton Hill branch.
• FREE tattoos for kids!

To help staff the sale or to donate baked goods, please call 718-398- 8713 during library hours.

Clinton Hill Branch,  380 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
M/Tu/Th/Fri 10-6
Wed 1-8
Sat 10-5

Cat TNR Workshop in Clinton Hill; 10/15; CH Library

Neighborhood Cats is hosting a free trap-neuter-release (TNR) workshop in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Participants will learn how to become TNR certified, get access to low-cost cat spays/neutering, be able to borrow free traps.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011
1:15PM- 5:00PM

WHERE: Clinton Hill Library
380 Washington Avenue (at Lafayette Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11238

To register, please email lois@nycferalcat.org (subject line- Brooklyn TNR Workshop),
or call 212-662-5761.

Job Opportunity- Heart of BK Commercial Revitalization Associate

Heart of Brooklyn- a partnership of the leading cultural institutions located in central Brooklyn- is hiring a Commercial Revitalization Associate.

Hours: Part­‐Time (15 hours, 2­‐3 days a week)
Location: 789 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Hourly Rate: $12/h

Applicants should be highly motivated and have a demonstrated interest in economic development, community outreach, and the not­‐for­‐profit field. This position reports to Heart of Brooklyn's Commercial Revitalization Manager. The Commercial Revitalization Associate will assist several areas of HOB programming, including research and analysis, marketing, and community outreach, with a focus on economic development.

Work includes:
• Promoting small businesses; working closely with local Prospect Heights merchants
• Drafting and maintaining website content
• Social media marketing
• Business database maintenance
• Assisting with the coordination of monthly meetings
• Assisting with the editing and publishing of a quarterly newsletter
• Assisting with Rolling Up the Gates business attraction events
• Supporting tourism initiatives such as The HOB Connection free shuttle
• General administrative duties as needed

This position is ideal for someone who is interested in gaining experience in non­‐profit work, community affairs, and the wonderful borough of Brooklyn. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

To apply:
Please e­‐mail a letter of interest and resume to Rebeca Ramirez at rramirez@heartofbrooklyn.org (subject line: “Commercial Revitalization Associate”) or fax to (718) 638­‐7740.

ATTENTION: BPL Offers Expanded Hours

The Brooklyn Public Library is launching a expansion beginning September 10, 2011. Branches borough-wide will open their doors for 21% longer.

The updated hours for local branches are as follows--

Clinton Hill Library
380 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
M- 10AM-6PM
T- 10AM-6PM
W- 1PM-8PM
Th- 10AM-6PM
F- 10AM-6PM
Sa- 10AM-5PM

Washington Irving Library
360 Irving Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
M- 10AM-6PM
T- 10AM-6PM
W- 10AM-6PM
Th- 1PM-8PM
F- 10AM-6PM

Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY
M- 9AM-9PM
T- 9AM-9PM
W- 9AM-9PM
Th- 9AM-9PM
F- 10AM-6PM
Sa- 10AM-6PM
Su- 1PM-5PM

See coverage at the FG/CH Patch.

ATTENTION: Heart of Brooklyn Cultural Institutions Open Free 8/7!

Heart of Brooklyn- a partnership of the leading cultural institutions located in central Brooklyn- is sponsoring a special day of FREE admission, contests and prizes in celebration of their 10th anniversary. For the first time, all six HOB attractions (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park and Prospect Park Zoo) will be open to the public free of charge on Sunday, August 7!

Please read more here: http://www.heartofbrooklyn.org/free

ATTENTION: NYC Imagination Library

The NYC Imagination Library is an initiative of the NYC Department of Education and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The goal is to promote the development of emergent literacy and language skills that are important for every child's success in school by encouraging all NYC parents to read aloud to their children from birth until age five.

Just enroll your preschool-aged child (age 0- 5 yrs) in the NYC Imagination Library- through filling out the application on the link below- and a new, age-appropriate book will be mailed each month in your child's name directly to your home. Books will begin arriving at your home six to eight weeks after your registration form has been received, and will continue every month until your child turns five.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/downloads/pdf/NYC_Imagination_Library_application.pdf

Your child will be eligible for this program as long as you live within the five boroughs of NYC. To reach the NYC Imagination Library program, please call (718) 642-5791 or email imaginationlibrary@schools.nyc.gov.

Council Member James Comments on Proposed Cuts to BPL, NYPL

"As you likely already know, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) faces a $25.2M reduction in City funding that would result in the closure of libraries, and a drastic reduction in hours of service across the borough. Similarly, the New York Public Library (NYPL) faces a $39.8M reduction— which puts at-risk an estimated 12 NYPL locations, would limit service to 4-days-per-week, eliminate 687 positions, and reduce by 14,200 various career-counseling classes.

Public libraries provide a vital community resource that offer many New Yorkers the only career and research services they readily have access to. As the City Council faces harsh budget cuts this fiscal year, it is imperative that we as a body advocate for the restoration of funds to our public libraries. The New York City Council has a record of support for public institutions, and I will continue to do my part to back the continued support of the Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Public Library."

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

ATTENTION: Environmental Assessment on Admiral's Row Property Transfer Available

The Section 106 Process is an important tool that ensures private citizens and state, tribal, and local governments have a voice in Federal decisions that impact historic properties.

The National Guard Bureau, in alliance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, is complying with all Federal regulations pertaining to the transfer of the Admiral's Row section of the former Brooklyn Navy Yard. Located in the Fort Greene/ Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, New York, Admiral's Row will be transferred from the Federal Government's ownership to the City of New York as per Public Law 100-202.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) provides detailed analysis of two proposed alternatives for transferring the 6.07 acre property from Army ownership and control. The EA will be available for public review and comment from April 24, 2011 to May 10, 2011 both electronically and at select Brooklyn Public library locations.

The electronic version may be viewed here: http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/business/buslinks/admiral/pdf/DraftEA21Apr11.pdf

Additionally, the National Guard Bureau will host a public review and comment meeting on May 4, 2011 at—

Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209
5:00PM- 8:00 PM

Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James for more information at 212-788-7081.

ATTENTION: Comptroller John Liu Hosts Audit Info Event; 1/26; Prospect Heights

NYC Comptroller John Liu invites you to "The Power of an Audit: A Town Hall Meeting" to learn about the who, what, when, where, and why of audits.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 26, 2011
6:00PM- 8:00PM
Brooklyn Public Library
Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture
10 Grand Army Plaza (at Eastern Parkway)
Brooklyn, NY 11238

You can also share your ideas about audits to save the City money, increase revenues or improve agency efficiency, please see "Open Audit" here: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/mymoneynyc/openaudit/

WORLD AIDS Day 2010: BPL; TODAY (12/1)

WORLD AIDS Day 2010

This day is to mark Awareness, Education & Remembrance

On Wednesday, December 1st 2010 [12:30pm- 8.00pm] at the Brooklyn Central Library, Dweck Center Auditorium & Lobby, the Brooklyn Public Library and CAMBA will commemorate World AIDS Day.

Activities include:

-Awareness Cafe (Information and Resources)- from 1:30pm-3:45pm
-Afterschool Workshops & Presentations- from 4pm-5:30pm
-"An Evening of Awareness, Rememberance, and Inspiration"- from 5:30pm-8pm

-HIV Testing (free and confidential, same-day results)- ALL DAY

FREE Reading and Writing Program for Adults

The Brooklyn Public Library Central Learning Center is offering a FREE reading and writing program for adults 17 and older.

The Learning Center is open days, Monday through Sunday, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Grand Army Plaza, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, New York, 11238.

For additional information please call (718) 230-2191.

Brooklyn Public Library Launches "Party With A Purpose!"

To combat the proposed 17% budget cut, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) has begun a "Support Our Shelves" campaign meant to put the power of re-invigorating the BPL back into the hands of Brooklynites. The "Brooklyn Vanguard", the BPL's young professionals crowd, is hosting a party (with a purpose!) at the Franklin Park Bar and Beer Garden with this goal in mind.

The details are as follows:
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Franklin Park Bar and Beer Garden
618 Saint Johns Place (near Franklin Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Please consider attending, and invite your friends. You can get further information here and here.

Central Library- Sunday Services Eliminated

As many of you are likely aware, the Sunday service at the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights have been eliminated as of January 4, 2009.

Programs held in the Dweck Center will continue to be scheduled.

The service cuts are due to the City’s financial state, and cuts to the Brooklyn Public Library’s (BPL) budget for fiscal year 2009-2010. According to the Executive Director, the BPL expenses will be cut by $800,000 annually due to cutting Sunday services.

We hope that alternative budget proposals are implemented in the interest of lessening the budget cuts to NYC services like those provided by the BPL, and that any service cuts are temporary. We will post further information if we receive it.

For the notice from Brooklyn’s Central Library, see here:
(http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/branch_library_detail.jsp?branchpageid=265)