Extralibrary Loan - Incite at Columbia University

Twice a month, they gather over Chinese food at the Sunset Park branch of the Brooklyn Public Library: a romance book editor, a photographer, an environmental activist, tech workers, high school students, retirees. They are the co-creators of the Library Newsroom. Teens bring their friends. Parents invite their adult children. Some days more than twenty people show up. Drawing inspiration from tenant newsletters and community noticeboards, they assess the neighborhood’s needs, map its landmarks, study its governing bodies and civic institutions, and discuss journalistic ethics and skills. 1 They ask, what are we curious about? Then, how can we learn more?

“At the Library Newsroom, neighbors ask, what are we curious about? Then, how can we learn more?”

Soon they publish the first issue of the Sunset Park Sun, with a welcome message in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Judith C.’s investigative piece on renovations to the local rec center is accompanied by a list of resources she used in her reporting. There is an explainer on ranked-choice voting, a summary of new trash and composting rules, a guide to the Newsroom’s methods and standards, and an invitation to attend future meetings. 2 In later issues, Diana M. recounts childhood memories of the library, and Ciel J.P. introduces a community archive initiative. Other writers profile local businesses, compile resources for immigrants, and review a photo exhibit on the lives of street vendors.

Read more at Places.