Greenpoint’s New Library and Environmental Education Center Opens

In a sign that NYC is moving ahead, the long-awaited reopening of the Greenpoint Library in Brooklyn opened Tuesday (October 20th). The Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center (GEEC) (107 Norman Avenue) is a well thought out and exquisitely designed community space that serves the neighborhood and the causes that help build a strong community.

Designed by Marble Fairbanks, I was simply in awe of every part of this library. As a resident who has visited this library with my children as a Saturday ritual, the transformation is gorgeous and showcases its love for Brooklyn, the earth, and the patrons visiting this library.

Now 15,00 square feet, the library is twice its size from the former and will serve as a space for education, activism, environment teachings, and yes, checking out books!

For now, due to COVID, there is a grab-and-go lobby service allowed. If you wish to pick up, you can reserve your book and pick up, and take a glimpse at the space while you practice social distancing!

Psst…Looking for fall books for your little ones? Check out Fall Books for Kids: Your Go-To Roundup for All Reading Levels

Here is what library patrons have to look forward to:

Special design touches are part of what makes this library exquisite. This cut-in will perfectly align with the light when the equinox comes in. Photo: Donna Duarte-Ladd

The kids’ area is spacious and with bookcases on level for the smallest of readers. Photo: Donna Duarte-Ladd

The rug was custom made using illustrations by Mary Mattingly, which represent nature (and insects) in the Greenpoint area. Photo: Donna Duarte-Ladd

This cistern on the second floor will capture rainwater and be used for lab experiments, and water the garden! Photo: Donna Duarte-Ladd

Custom-designed wallpaper greets you at the elevator. Photo: Donna Duarte-Ladd

Asphalt Green

Asphalt Green&rsquo;s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level. As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green&rsquo;s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"