Since Brooklyn Public Library offers free job search help, materials in over 50 languages, computer classes and cultural events, it’s obvious that BPL is about more than just books. But while the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn are taking advantage of free classes and events, we know that many of you still want book suggestions.

Enter our What To Read web page. It’s full of books in different categories such as NY Times bestsellers, crime titles, books for kids and timely topics. Visit our site for this info, or have it emailed to you.

Before you travel home for the holidays, take a look at some of the books we recommend from our Book Notes from the Underground list:

- Clinton's Secret Wars: The Evolution of a Commander in Chief

- Feminista

- The First Fall Classic: The Red Sox, the Giants and the Cast of Players, Pugs and Politicos Who Re-Invented the World Series in 1912

- Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home

It may not be time to roast chestnuts on the open fire but Thanksgiving has long been considered the start of the holiday season. This joyous occasion marks a time of peace, love and food. Yup, you read correctly, food! 

What would Thanksgiving be without a sweet treat to end the perfect meal of turkey with all the fixings?
If you’re in the neighborhood and in search of a great bakery, check out some of BPL’s favorites:

Cake Man Raven on Fulton Street in Fort Greene
Cousin John’s Bakery on 7th Avenue in Park Slope
Villabate on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst
Lords Bakery on Nostrand Avenue in Flatbush
 
And for the kitchen divas out there that that prefer home baked goods, Sweet Melissa’s has a recipe that’s sure to please.

We all have that one book that takes us right back to our childhood. You know the one. It was the book you read every night—the one with the worn-out cover, the folded pages marking your favorite parts, and the images that fueled your imagination for years. Every kid should have that one book, and now we’re giving you the chance to help make that happen. 

With Adopt-a-Book, you can help us purchase the children’s books that we need the most at our libraries. Simply search our registry of titles and make a donation to help buy some of your favorites. You’ll find everything from the classics, such as The Cat in the Hat, to the current, such as The Wizards of Waverly Place. Or, if you’d like to make a general contribution toward children’s books, we’ll pick the titles for you.  

This is a great way to give back during the upcoming holiday season. Thanks for your support!

As you may know, Governor Paterson has called the New York State Legislature into Special Session Tuesday, November 10, at noon to consider his proposed $3 billion mid-year State Budget cuts. Included in the governor’s Deficit Reduction Program (DRP) is a 10%, or $3.4 million, cut in library aid.

Libraries across the state have already sustained an $8 million reduction in funding imposed at the start of the Fiscal Year 2009-2010, and a $3 million reduction in 2008-2009. Should the Governor’s proposal be adopted, funding to New York State’s libraries would drop to $88 million, the same level as in 1998. 

In the current State fiscal year, BPL has already sustained a $539,000 (or 7%) reduction in funding over the previous year. And, in 2008-2009, BPL sustained a $215,000 (or 3%) cut in State funding. 

Please take a brief moment to contact your state legislators to urge them to reject the governor's proposed cuts to library aid. The New York Library Association has created an online advocacy center that allows you to conveniently send a fax or an email directly to your representatives in Albany asking them to reject the governor’s proposal. 

Thank you for your advocacy and support.

Need something imaginative to do with the family this weekend? This Saturday, come to our Sesame Street Family Day, in honor of the opening of Central Library’s newest exhibition, Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street. The day starts at 11 AM and keeps the fun going all afternoon with activities for kids of all ages.

• Get your big chance to meet and greet walkaround Elmo!
• Make your own Sesame Street-inspired crafts, such as paper bag puppets.
• Take home a balloon sculpture made by Ray Santana, “the Balloon Guy.”
• See a screening of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland.
• Enjoy readings of Sesame Street books. 
• View this exciting new exhibition, featuring Sesame Street Muppets, storybook art, photos and other show memorabilia. 

Visit our website to find out more.

This exhibition is made possible in part by The Jim Henson Company and The Jim Henson Legacy.

"Sesame Workshop"®, "Sesame Street"®, and associated characters, trademarks, and design elements are owned and licensed by Sesame Workshop. ©2009 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved.