Caribbean Literary & Cultural Center

Location

Hours of Service

Background

1995- The Library began exploring the feasibility of designing specialized outreach programs and services that supported specific needs observed in the community that the branch library served The 2 ideas were merged to form The Caribbean Literary and Cultural Center, a specialized outreach model.

Mission Statement

Preserve and present the histories and cultures of the peoples of the Caribbean

Increase public awareness and promote intercultural understanding and dialogue

Provide a meeting place for discussion and debate, community planning, exhibitions, art education, business education, consumer education, cultural programs and special events

Assist Caribbean immigrants in adjusting to and navigating their new homeland

Enrich the lives of all residents in the Borough of Brooklyn

General Description

• A special circulating collection of library materials for all ages and in all formats, featuring recent and historical writings, both fiction and non-fiction
• A small reference collection focusing on the history and culture of the Caribbean region
• A variety of electronic databases

This collection will represent the entire Caribbean area: Anglo, Franco / Haitian Creole, Hispanic, East Indian and Dutch

Programming

The Center features:

• A regular schedule of programs for all ages
• Author, artist talks and book discussions - quarterly
• A creative arts workshop - annually
• Musical performances - celebrate anniversaries
• Art exhibitions -3 per year
• Bi-annual film festival
• Semi-annual lectures and workshops by leading Caribbean thinkers.

Artist-in-residence / scholar-in-residence program

• Provide free studio space for an 8-month period to an artist / scholar whose work enhances public understanding of the development and diversity of Caribbean culture, both in the United States and the Caribbean