Brooklyn Public Library - Central Branch — Attraction in New York

The Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch is currently hosting a whimsical and nostalgic exhibition: “Tove Jansson and the Moomins.” It’s a charming celebration of the Finnish author-illustrator Tove Jansson, who created the Moomins those round, hippo-like characters who’ve enchanted generations through books, comics, films, and TV series since the 1940s.

Walking into the exhibition, you’re greeted by a vibrant teal display featuring Moomin characters with umbrellas, setting the tone for the playful yet deeply artistic world Jansson built. The exhibit stretches across multiple sections, with a sign pointing visitors to continue upstairs for the full experience.

Inside the display cases, you’ll find an eclectic collection of Moomin memorabilia and media: figurines of Moomintroll, Snorkmaiden, Little My, and others; playful mugs and plates; Finnair promotional items (a nod to Moomins’ cultural significance in Finland, where they’re national icons); and even VHS tapes, books, and DVDs showcasing the many adaptations of the Moomin stories across decades and countries.

What makes this exhibition special is how it highlights the breadth of the Moomin universe. Beyond being children’s literature, the Moomins reflect Jansson’s own artistic and philosophical sensibilities stories about family, freedom, kindness, melancholy, and the beauty of nature. The tales often balance lighthearted whimsy with deeper themes, which is why they continue to resonate with both children and adults around the world.

The Central Branch does a beautiful job of contextualizing the Moomins not just as characters, but as cultural icons. You see their global journey: from Finnish forests to Japanese anime, from comic strips in British newspapers to collectible toys and global fandom.

If you’re in Brooklyn, this exhibition is worth visiting whether you grew up with the Moomins or are just discovering them for the first time. It’s a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and the timeless comfort of a world where the door is always open, and adventure is just...

An awe-inspiring sight indeed! What a breathtaking library! Just across from the beautiful Prospect Park and historic Grand Army Plaza sits this incredible library with a vast array of books, movies and other media. Theres even a passport service here. Besides the usual library services like computer use, scanning and printing this beautiful well-kept space offers really nice meeting rooms you could reserve for free! Theres also English language classes, art classes and computer classes among others. Theres so much going on here, it warms my heart to know that many many different humans, communities and organizations have come together to keep this well oiled machine running. This IS what community is all about. Theres even a cute cafe with delicious pastries right in the lobby. Currently theres a Jay Z exhibit so its also a museum 💜 I have been wanting to give Agatha Christie a go and sure enough this library had a wide range of her works to choose from. There are water fountains to refill your bottle and the workers are really nice. It’s obvious they are proud to work in such a lovely space. I learnt that the unique design evokes an open book with the spine facing the Plaza whilst its pages open onto Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue. How utterly remarkable 📕 While the history of this structure dates back to 1889, this building actually opened to the public on 1st of February 1941. Imagine what that must have been like, right smack in the middle of a terrible horrific world war, one could come here perhaps for a little peace and reflection. Thats what I imagined when I was here. The frightened citizenry who found solace in this lovely building. And perhaps they felt glad to live in America and enjoy such a luxurious space. I know thats what I felt when I first set my sight on it: wow, what a wonderful rich and lavish country I live in, to have a library like this. And I felt grateful to be...

What a fabulous resource for the community.

There are a variety of programs here; some downstairs in the Dweck center, some in the conference rooms. Some require free tickets but sometimes these can be hard to get, especially when the guest is someone notable. These programs are as varied as history workshops, computer instruction, lectures on library resources, and workshops to practice speaking a foreign language. What surprises me is that I'm no longer surprised at what might pop-up in these progams.

There are volumes of great books here. It is a wonderful place to browse for books with great sections in American History and classic and popular literature, and even a good selection of baseball books.

There are many CDs to borrow but here's the catch--they're often dirty or scratched so you cant watch them without really cleaning them. A quick wipe-down won't cut it, you have to get some tissue paper and water and someimes use elbow grease.

Sometimes the computer resources are crowded and that includes places for those with their own laptaps. The library does have some great resources online that you can use not at the library. Like if you have internet connection at home there are great courses available on lynda or foreign language instruction on mango. You do need to be a member to get use of these resources.

The library isn't the sanctuary from noise that it used to be, but there are quiet places in this branch too. There are also places where it ought to be quiet but are not.

Restroom facilities are sometimes an issue. I dont begrudge the homeless for using the bathroom but i dont want them in there for half an hour cleaning up or zoning out. Don't go near closing time or it will be a...