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Bed-Stuy Library Seeking Locals to Revive Advocacy Group

By Camille Bautista | January 4, 2017 3:46pm
 Macon Library is searching for members to join the Friends of Macon Library, an advocacy group to help support the branch.
Macon Library is searching for members to join the Friends of Macon Library, an advocacy group to help support the branch.
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DNAinfo/Paul DeBenedetto

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Bookworms can help make an impact at their library with the revival of a local advocacy group.

Bedford-Stuyvesant’s library on Lewis Avenue is seeking members to join the Friends of Macon Library, an organization looking to make a comeback this year, according to children’s librarian Ellen Weaver.

“This is their library — the staff members, we may come and go — but I just want to establish this group simply for the fact that they are the ones living in this community,” Weaver said.

“If you want to have a say, you can.”

Participants volunteer their ideas about programming for the branch, books they’d like to see on the shelves or improvements they’d like to see at the location.

Members would also take on projects and fundraisers for the library, at 361 Lewis Ave. near Macon Street, and support the larger Brooklyn Public Library system.

The Bed-Stuy branch previously had an active advocacy group, but the organization has been defunct over the past year-and-a-half, Weaver said.

“I know people have the interest, but there was no venue for them,” she added. “It’s been something I was interested in starting back up again to plug people in.”

The librarian hopes to get a multi-generational mix of volunteers, who will be able to give input on changes at the location.

Patrons have expressed interest in increased children’s programming, and Weaver said she would like to see a mural added to building’s interior.

“Just something really nice for the community to see, and have a beautiful piece of art for all to enjoy, little things like that to beautify the branch.”

Macon Library opened in 1907 and still boasts the building’s original fireplaces and oak paneling, as well as being home to an African-American Heritage Center.

The branch was frequented by notable figures like Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and author John Steptoe.

Friends of Macon Library will hold its first informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the library’s African American Heritage Center.

For more information, email Ellen Weaver at EWeaver@bklynlibrary.org.