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Carroll Gardens Library Welcomes New Children's Librarian

By Heather Holland | August 30, 2012 12:58pm | Updated on August 30, 2012 1:06pm

CARROLL GARDENS — Carroll Gardens Library’s new children’s librarian hopes to bring programs that bring parents and children together through reading.

The Carroll Gardens Library, located at 396 Clinton St., was closed for roof repairs and masonry work in June, but is opening its doors again on Sept. 4.

Along with improvements to the library’s structure, the library is also welcoming a new children's librarian.

Brooklyn-born Juana Flores, 42, says she wants to bring children's programming to the library that gets people off their gadgets into the pages of a book.

She hopes to engage parents and caregivers in children's programs, and give them opportunities to read to and interact with their children.

“I emphasize this because as you know, we are now in the age of smart phones and other electronic devices that compete for the adult’s attention and keep them from interacting with their children,” said Flores, who grew up in Park Slope. “I stress the importance of making a connection with the child and putting down the electronic device.”

She also plans to incorporate dance theater and use a multisensory approach to the programming, Flores noted.

“My programming style is different from other librarians since I rely upon my background in theater dance and worked with children of all developmental capabilities,” Flores said. “I try to incorporate universal design of learning because not all children learn the same way.

"Reading and exploring should be a family and community affair.”

The library closed in June to replace a deteriorating roof and masonry work to get the building watertight, said Sasha Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Brooklyn Public Library. Water damage inside the library caused from previous water leakage was also repaired. The library will open up again at 1 p.m. on Sept. 4.