Brooklyn Public Library Gets $3 Million Grant To Bring An Xbox To Every Branch

A group shot of Assemblymembers and library staff at a funding celebration at the Central Library this morning. (Photo by Gregg Richards)

New York State Assemblymembers have determined bringing video game consoles (and other technology) to every Brooklyn Public Library branch is a high priority, and have secured $3 million in state funds to see their vision through.

According to a press release, “the equipment will help BPL establish a baseline level of technology in each branch and customize digital offerings to meet the unique needs of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods.”

While it is difficult to understand how these digital offerings are in any way customized, new technology will obviously be hugely beneficial to local libraries, which have ubiquitously outdated computers, a heavily used resource.

Library staff members helped choose the equipment and will aid in the effort to show library patrons how to use it. The technology will also augment STEM programming currently offered at each library.

The equipment to be received by each branch includes:

Video game console: Xbox, PS4, or Wii
Portable PA system (for the 2/3 of our branches who do not already have)
5 iPad Airs 2
MacBook Pro
Windows Laptop
Flatscreen TV 50 – 55″
Lego Robotics kits
Little Bits kits

What do you think, is this a good use of state money, or could this cash would be better funneled towards public transit, or rapidly aging infrastructure? Or dangerously potholed roads?

Just earlier this month, BPL president and CEO Linda Johnson noted at the reopening of the New Utrecht Library branch that the New Utrecht Library alone requires “$5 million in projects”, including extensive exterior work, to be “what it needs to be.”