Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein joined with the leadership of Brooklyn Public Library to unveil hundreds of new books, including many culturally sensitive publications, which will be added to the collections in each of the three Brooklyn Public Library locations throughout Assemblyman Eichenstein’s district.

During the passage of last year’s state budget, Assemblyman Eichenstein secured the inclusion of funding for all three libraries within his district. As a result, Assemblyman Eichenstein allocated $75,000 to our local Midwood, Borough Park and Mapleton public library branches, to update their collections of books. This new funding is being used to enhance a wide range of divisions within the library, including a significant increase to the library’s culturally sensitive sections that many children and adults throughout our local neighborhoods are familiar with.

The Brooklyn Public Library has added thousands of books from publishers like Artscroll-Mesorah Publications and Feldheim Publishers. For children, the library purchased tried and true reader's favorites like Miriam Stark Zakon's Gemarakup Super Sleuth series and Shmuel Blitz titles as well as newer popular picks like Eda Schottenstein's Sarah Dreamer. For older readers, the library enhanced its collections with more mystery/suspense novels, cookbooks, biographies, and histories. New additions include bestselling titles like Broken Promises by Libby Lazewnik, All for the Boss by Ruchama Shain, and Avner Gold's Scandal in Amsterdam.

“Reading is a fundamental skill that all children must master, but that will only happen when reading material is appropriate to meet the needs of all our local communities. It is imperative that we have a wide selection of culturally sensitive publications so our neighbors from a wide range of diverse backgrounds can enjoy the benefits of our local public libraries” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “This brand-new collection will ensure that all our kids will enjoy visiting their local public library and look forward to reading new titles they can relate to which are intriguing, educational, and inspiring. I am proud to have secured funding for this purpose.”

The new books have been delivered and are already generating enthusiasm at all three branches of the Brooklyn Public Library. “As a representative of all people in our district,” said Assemblyman Eichenstein, “it is my honor and privilege to recognize and meet the diverse needs of my constituents.”

 “Reading provides us with a greater understanding of ourselves and each other,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “As a public library, we strive to provide a broad range of titles that are reflective of the wonderfully diverse borough we call home. Thank you to Assemblyman Eichenstein for his generous support as we work to ensure that all Brooklynites feel seen and represented in our collection— whether they are revisiting old favorites or discovering new titles for the very first time.”