Mar 13, 2015 2 min read

Success! Clinton Hill Library Is Getting A Children’s Librarian Following Lobby Efforts

More children's programming like this will be coming to the Clinton Hill Library. (Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Public Library. — More children’s programming like this will be coming to the Clinton Hill Library. (Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Public Library.

The Clinton Hill Library is getting a new children’s librarian! Emily Heath will be joining the library at 380 Washington Avenue in just over a week; her first day will be Monday, March 23.

Her arrival marks a successful end to a email-writing campaign and other lobbying efforts by library patrons and the Friends of Clinton Hill — an effort that picked up steam this February.

“My son is growing up in this library and literacy starts here,” said Adele Brice, referring to her five-year-old son. “It’s just a wonderful place to bring a young child, with board books and Toddler Time. Having a children’s librarian could help us with reading because they are specialists in authors and kids’ needs and interests.”

Shaniqua Garvin and her five-year-old son Dkqwan agreed, with Dkqwan saying he already likes the video games and books and Shaniqua noting that having a children’s librarian could help them find what they need for book reports and homework help.

“I usually go to the Central branch’s kids section when I really need help,” she said, adding that it would be convenient to have more resources and support closer to home.

Clinton Hill Library already offers kids-focused programming such as “Babies and Books,” “Toddler Time,” Preschool Storytime” and “Read, Play, Grow!” curriculum for babies and toddlers. Having Heath on staff will enable the library to continue — and expand — these programs.

“Ms. Heath will host visits from local daycare centers, pre-kindergarten classes and elementary schools, and in May will focus on reintroducing the library’s always-popular summer reading program,” said Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) spokesperson Madeline Kaye. “She will be an excellent addition to Clinton Hill Library and we are excited to bring her on board.”

BPL also expressed thanks to the Friends of Clinton Hill Library for “helping us to get ready for our big “Bike the Branches” event in May and sponsoring several children’s programs! We are happy to have their guidance and assistance to provide critical services to Brooklynites of every age.”