Tons of writers, poets, journalists, storytellers and academics live all across the neighborhoods of Brooklyn. That's why Brooklyn boasts a robust calendar of readings, literary gatherings, and storytelling.
Venues in Brooklyn that celebrate the written and spoken word include independent bookstores, bars and cafes, libraries, museums, and college lecture halls.
And, because Brooklyn is diverse and multicultural, you can expect to find literary events not only in English, but in Spanish, French and Russian, too.
If you're looking to attend or give a reading, or curl up and listen to a story check out these following leading venues.
1. Ongoing: Poetry and Fiction Reading Series at Pacific Standard
Image compliments of Pacific Standard Bar
New York Magazine dubbed this quintessential Brooklyn bar the "Best New Literary Event of 2008," and Pacific Standard continues to host poetry and fiction readings that make the trip to Park Slope well worth it.
Pacific Standard also takes pride in offering an equally interesting, and varied, selection of on-tap brews. So, whet your whistle, while enjoying spring and autumn poetry readings on the last two Thursdays of the month, as well as regular story telling events, usually on the second Monday of the month.
Where: 82 Fourth Avenue, between St. Marks and Bergen Streets (Boerum Hill)
Nearest Subways: Atlantic/Pacific stations namely, the 2, 3, 4, 5, D, N, Q, and R, as well as the Long Island Railroad
Official Website: http://pacificstandardbrooklyn.com/index.html
2. Pete's Candy Store Readings (Alternate Thursdays)
Pete's, with its charming retro style, is a bar, cafe, music venue — and a stop on Brooklyn's increasingly prestigious literary circuit.
People who've read here: Jonathan Ames, Emily Barton, Tom Beller, Susan Choi, Jonathan Dee, Edward Falco, David Gates, Francisco Goldman, Fran Gordon, Ben Greenman, Evan Handler, Ann Hood, Gabe Hudson, Marlon James, Julie Klam, David Lehman, Sam Lipsyte, Colum McCann, Honor Moore, Sigrid Nunez, Robert Polito, Julie Powell, David Rees, Said Sayrafiezadeh, Dani Shapiro, Matthew Sharpe, Dana Spiotta, Amanda Stern, Sufjan Stevens, Lynne Tillman, Colm Toibin, Hannah Tinti, Jocko Weyland and...
Where: 709 Lorimer Street (Williamsburg)
Official Website: www.petescandystore.com
3. Brooklyn Historical Society
The Brooklyn Historical Society, in Brooklyn Heights, runs wonderful programs in an impressive mansion on Pierrepont Street. Check their listings to see what rewadings or lectures might be held here. Check the "events" section of the calendar on their website.
Where: 128 Pierrepont Street at Clinton Street (Brooklyn Heights)
Phone: (718) 222-4111
Nearest Subways: 4, 5, 2, 3 trains to Borough Hall, A,C,F to Jay St/Borough Hall, or M,R to Court Street
Official Website: http://brooklynhistory.org/exhibitions/current.html
4. Brooklyn Public Library—Branches and Central Library's Dweck Center
Every month, the Brooklyn Public Library hosts dozens of readings, movies, lectures, and performances. Check the schedule for lectures and storytelling with the BPL's online calendar of events. Story telling for kids is a favorite at most Brookyln Public Library branches.
Where: Brooklyn Central Library, Dweck Center at Grand Army Plaza (Park Slope)
Nearest Subway: 2, 3 trains to Grand Army Plaza
Official Website: http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
5. Poetry at Goodbye Blue Monday
Goodbye Blue Monday is a meeting place, bar, performance space for live music, book club venue, and a nerve center for Bushwick, Brooklyn. Oh, there's also a lot of curios, collectibles, antiques, somewhat indifferent bar food, and enough talent to have attracted reviews from all major New York media. But it draws an eclectic, young, talented crowd. And, Goodbye Blue Monday often hosts poetry readings.
Where: 1087 Broadway (Bushwick)
Contact: (718) 453-6343
Nearest Subway: J train to Kosciusko Street
6. Brooklyn Museum of Art "Talks"
The Brooklyn Museum of Art is anything but stuffy. Dance parties, hip hop music, and provocative exhibits draw crowds to the BMA's giant building tucked between Park Slope and Crown Heights.
BMA hosts a lively calendar of guest speakers, too.
Where: 200 Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum
Nearest Subway: 2, 3 trains to Grand Army Plaza
7. BAM: Brooklyn Academy of Music
BAM is best known for its theater, dance and film series. But BAM also hosts a range of teriffic lectures and story telling. Check out their artists Talks, book brunches, dinners and readings, storytelling, and readings with film and music.
Where: 30 Lafayette Avenue off Flatbush Avenue (Fort Greene)
Contact: (718) 636-4100
Nearest Subway: All trains to Atlantic Avenue
Official Website: http://www.bam.org/
8. February 21: Story SLAM at Southpaw
Join the fun as ten different people tell their stories to audiences and judges at Moth StorySLAM. (The Moth is a popular non-profit storytelling organization that operates in several cities.) Come prepared to laugh, cry, listen—and vote.
When & Where: February 21, Southpaw (Park Slope)
