This year, the SpeakEasy Bookmobile has been out and all about in the boroughs of New York City. We’ve been to Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx — and have had the pleasure of connecting face to face with readers all along the way. Read on for some snapshots from recent deployments.

With With NYCHA: Winter Wonderland Family Day​
  • Where: Bronx Works Melrose Classic Community Center, 286 E 156th St, The Bronx
  • When: Saturday, December 16th, 11 AM – 4 PM
  • What: Winter Wonderland Family Day​

That’s a wrap on our 2023 season! The SpeakEasy Bookmobile joined the holiday celebration for Morrisania Air Rights residents and their family members, featuring photos with Santa, toy and pajama giveaways, and free books from the SpeakEasy Bookmobile! Thank you to the New York Post for covering our day in The Bronx.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With Bed-Stuy BID: Winter Wonderland
  • Where: Marcy Plaza, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, December 2nd, 12 PM – 4 PM
  • What: Bed-Stuy BID’s Winter Wonderland

In our second-to-last trip of the season, the Bookmobile joined our friend’s at Bed-Stuy Bid for a holiday celebration. Community members in Bed-Stuy came by for free books from the SpeakEasy Bookmobile while enjoying live music and festivities under the holiday lights.

With Bed-Stuy BID: Small Business Saturday
  • Where: Marcy Plaza, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, November 25th, 12 PM – 6 PM
  • What: Bed-Stuy BID Small Business Saturday

Always happy to join our friend’s at Bed-Stuy BID, the Bookmobile rolled in for a bright & chilly day at Marcy Plaza. It was a perfect day for community members to explore and connect with small businesses in Bed-Stuy, featuring free books from the SpeakEasy Bookmobile! With a live DJ, performances from the Brooklyn Ballet, and Santa in full costume, the day was full of holiday cheer.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With NYCHA: NYCHA Resource Fair Community Baby Shower
  • Where: Rutgers Community Center, 200 Madison St, Manhattan
  • When: Saturday, November 18th, 1 PM – 4 PM
  • What: NYCHA Resource Fair Community Baby Shower

SpeakEasy’s Bookmobile joined our friends at NYCHA for another weekend of giving out books to their residents, this time as part of a community baby shower at Rutgers Community Center. As expected, we had plenty of early reader titles on offer, with a full side of the Bookmobile dedicated to children’s books. Of course, there’s always something for everyone at our events, and parent and guardians had plenty to choose from too.

With NYCHA: Harborview Terrace Playground Ribbon-Cutting
  • Where: Harborview Terrace, West 55th & 10th Ave, Manhattan
  • When: Friday, November 10th, 11 AM – 2 PM
  • What: NYCHA Harborview Terrace Playground Ribbon-Cutting

In another brilliant collaboration with NYCA, the SpeakEasy Bookmobile rode into Manhattan to join the residents of Harborview Terrace for the ribbon-cutting of their new playground. Our younger attendees were hard-pressed to divide their attention between the excitement of a new playground and our shelves of free books.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With PS/IS 268: Character Day Book Giveaway
  • Where: PS/IS 268, Jamaica, Queens
  • When: Monday, October 30th, 10 AM – 2 PM
  • What: PS/IS 268’s Character Day

SpeakEasy’s Bookmobile went from one side of Brooklyn to the other to deliver a full truckload of kids books to the costumed students of PS/IS 268 in Jamaica, Queens. It was a packed day, as the Bookmobile staff kept refreshing the shelves for over 600 students who each walked away with a new book. 

With Friends of South Oxford Park: Fall Festival/Halloween Party
  • Where: South Oxford Park, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, October 28th, 2 PM – 5 PM
  • What: Friends of South Oxford Park Fall Festival/Halloween Party

The Bookmobile and the good times kept rolling this weekend as we made it over to South Oxford Park for part two of our Brooklyn double-header. Plenty of kids in costumes stopped by the Bookmobile, taking a break from the Friends of South Oxford Park’s festivities to browse our shelves. When you come knocking at the Bookmobile’s doors, there’s always a literary treat waiting for you. As always, the books were free—no tricks here!

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With Bed-Stuy BID: Community Book Giveaway
  • Where: Marcy Plaza, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, October 28th, 1 AM – 1 PM
  • What: Bed-Stuy BID Community Book Giveaway

For the first part of the Bookmobile’s Brooklyn double-header this Saturday, we made another trip to Marcy Plaza to join our friend’s with the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District. Our trips to Marcy Plaza are always a hit, and with the late-fall day hitting 80 degrees, it felt like we were right back at one of our early summer deployments. With a live DJ and plenty of vendors spread out across the plaza, the spirit of summer was alive and well in Bed-Stuy.

With WIN NYC: Community Book Giveaway
  • Where: 367 Bristol Street, Brownsville, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, October 21st, 12 PM – 4 PM
  • What: WIN NYC Community Book Giveaway 

The Bookmobile rolled back out to Brownsville for another community book giveaway, partnering with Women In Need NYC and beating the weekend’s wind and rain with a spirited day under the Bookmobile’s awning. Community members found a break from the drizzle and a boon for their home library as they stopped to browse our shelves.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With Supportive Housing NYC​: Community Book Giveaway
  • Where: Brownsville, Brooklyn
  • When: Monday, October 9th, 12 PM – 4 PM
  • What: Community Book Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Bookmobile this past Monday for our partnership with Supportive Housing NYC. We had the best time enjoying a warm fall day with the tenants from the area—it was such a nice day we brought out the Bookmobile’s chairs and had community members sitting together to read in the sun.

With Brooklyn Book Festival: Brooklyn Book Festival 2023

This year’s Brooklyn Book Festival was one for the books (in all respects), with hundreds of festival-goers coming by the SpeakEasy Bookmobile to support our collaboration with The New Republic’s Banned Books Tour 2023. In a shift from our usual programming, the Bookmobile was selling books, providing attendants the opportunity to buy banned and challenged books for their home libraries, or donate books to the Banned Books Tour 2023. 

SpeakEasy is immensely proud to have played such a key role in kicking off the first leg of TNR’s tour, and grateful for the opportunity to continue our attendance of the Brooklyn Book Festival. See you next year!

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With Van Alen Institute: Van Alen Block Party
  • Where: 303 Bond St, Gowanus, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, September 30th, 12 PM – 6 PM
  • What: Van Alen Block Party

The Van Alen Institute’s annual block party was a hit, with the SpeakEasy Bookmobile joining the festivity alongside music by the Los Herederos Sonicycle, community conversation on the future of the Gowanus neighbourhood, performance by the Gowanus Wildcats Drill Team, and free ice cream! A perfect accompaniment to free books on a hot day, making for a lovely afternoon of community celebration and books for all.

With Bed-Stuy BID: Bed-Stuy BID Job Fair
  • Where: Marcy Plaza (Fulton St and Marcy Ave), Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
  • When: Tuesday, September 19th, 12 PM – 4 PM
  • What: Bed-Stuy BID Job Fair

The Bookmobile returned to Marcy Plaza to join our friends at Bed-Stuy BID for their Fall Job Fair. Adding free books to the equation is always a plus, and with our shelves fully stocked, everyone who stopped by came home with something new.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With City Council: Book Giveaway
  • Where: East 53rd Street (Between Church and Snyder), Flatbush, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, September 16th, 3 PM – 7 PM
  • What: City Council Book Giveaway

The Bookmobile joined City Council Member Darlene Mealy and the community of East Flatbush in an afternoon celebration featuring live musics, DJs, dancing, and books for the community. Thanks to our sponsors, we had a busy day of filling up our shelves as attendees walked away with just the right books for their home library! 

With Bay Ridge BID: #Funon5th Back to School

The Bookmobile reached Bay Ridge just as the last of the afternoon’s rain came to a stop, opening us up for a wonderful night of giving out free books. In collaboration with the Bay Ridge Business Improvement District, Speakeasy brought books for readers of all ages and interests.

The end of summer is well underway, and  while this rainy weather is driving us inside, the Bookmobile is staying on the road to make sure you’ve got the books you need to enjoy some time indoors.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With Bed-Stuy BID: Bed-Stuy BID Celebration
  • Where: Marcy Plaza (Fulton St and Marcy Ave), Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
  • When: Sunday, September 3rd, 1 PM – 5 PM
  • What: Bed-Stuy BID Celebration

The Bookmobile kicked off Labor Day weekend with a trip back to Marcy Plaza, joining Bed-Stuy Business Improvement District’s celebration with live music, food, and dancers and drummers from Cumbe dance center. As the day wrapped up, a fashion show started up in front of the Bookmobile, sending off our team and books in style. 

With Brook Specialty Pharmacy: Back 2 School Event
  • WhereBrook Specialty Pharmacy, 700 Brook Ave, The Bronx
  • When: Friday, September 1st, 1 PM – 4 PM
  • What: Back 2 School Celebration

The SpeakEasy Bookmobile headed to The Bronx for the Brook Speciality Pharmacy Back 2 School Celebration, giving out some free new reads for the fall while taking in the last days of this perfect, book-friendly weather. We’ve still got plenty going on before the end of the season though—starting with our Marcy Plaza event this Sunday. See you there!

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With NYCHA: Van Dyke Houses Family Day

The best bookend to a long day of giving out free books? More free books! After a lovely morning in Bed-Stuy, the SpeakEasy Bookmobile and its team made a beeline for the Van Dyke houses for the Bookmobile’s second deployment of the day.

With Bed-Stuy BID: Back-to-School Bash

For part one of our Brooklyn double-deployment, the SpeakEasy Bookmobile joined Bed-Stuy Gateway BID and the BindleStiff Family Cirkus at Marcy Plaza for a perfect start to a long day of giving out free books across the borough!

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With the State Assembly office: Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway
  • Where: Duke Ellington School, Washington Heights, Manhattan
  • When: Wednesday, August 23rd, 11 AM – 1 PM
  • What: Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway

The Bookmobile rolled out to Duke Ellington School in Washington Heights to join the State Assembly office’s book bag giveaway. The State Assembly office brought the bags and, as always, we brought the books! Students left with brand new backpacks, filled with brand-new (and free!) books.

With Castle Hill Tenants Association (NYCHA): Castle Hill Family Day

The SpeakEasy Bookmobile spent Saturday at the Castle Hill Residents Association’s Family Day in The Bronx! It was a sunny day full of community, ice cream, and free books. 

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With CLOTH: CLOTH Open Streets
  • Where: Washington Heights, Manhattan
  • When: Wednesday, August 16th, 11 AM – 4 PM
  • What: CLOTH Open Streets

The SpeakEasy Bookmobile headed to Washington Heights on Wednesday for CLOTH Open Streets! As always, our visit to 159th St and Amsterdam Ave was a perfect afternoon of free books, connection, and late-summer fun.

With NYCHA: John Adams Houses’ Family Day

The Bookmobile joined NYCHA for a great time at the John Adams Houses’ Family Day on Saturday! The day was filled with music, food, a bounce house, and free books courtesy of the SpeakEasy Bookmobile and its team.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With Red Hook Initiative: Red Hook Open Streets

A good book is the best weekend plan! The SpeakEasy Bookmobile joined Red Hook Initiative’s community block party on Friday to celebrate with some end of summer fun and free books!

With Literacy Inc.: NYC Reads Back to School
  • Where: Marconi Park, South Jamaica
  • When: Wednesday, August 9th, 2 PM – 5 PM
  • What: NYC Reads Back to School

The SpeakEasy Bookmobile rolled out to Marconi Park in Jamaica, Queens to join Literacy Inc.’s NYC Reads Back to School fair. Whether they were getting ready for their first day of school or long gone from the classroom, readers of all ages stopped by for some free books and beautiful weather. 

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With 31st Ave Open Streets: Open Streets

The Bookmobile rolled out the green carpet for 31st Ave Open Streets on Sunday, a grand bookend to a long weekend of giving out free books across Manhattan and Queens. The Bookmobile will return in August! Check out our future dates here.

With NYC DOT: Summer Streets
  • Where: 30 Road and Vernon Boulevard, Queens
  • When: Saturday, July 29, 7 AM – 1 PM
  • What: Summer Streets

Partnering with the Department of Transportation, House of SpeakEasy’s Bookmobile pulled in along the waterfront bright and early for a full day of free books alongside DJs, drum lines, and even circus performers !

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
A crowd of young children gathers around House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile
With CLOTH: CLOTH Open Streets
  • Where: Washington Heights, Manhattan
  • When: Friday, July 28, 11 AM – 4 PM
  • What: CLOTH Open Streets

SpeakEasy’s Bookmobile made a much-anticipated return to CLOTH Open Streets at 159th and Amsterdam, kicking off the first chapter of a full weekend of deployments across the city with bubbles, a story-time reading, and, as always, free books for all.

 

With 31st Ave Open Streets: CANCELED DUE TO FLOOD WATCH
  • Where: 31st Ave Between 33rd and 35th Street, Astoria, Queens
  • When: Sunday, July 16, 11 AM – 4 PM
  • What: 31st Ave Open Streets

Due to rain and flood watch alerts, 31st Ave Open Streets was canceled by organizers.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
SpeakEasy's Bookmobile on a sunny, open street. Someone stands in the shade under the truck's awning, looking at the books on offer.
With CLOTH: CLOTH Open Streets
  • Where: Washington Heights, Manhattan
  • When: Friday, July 14, 11 AM – 4 PM
  • What: CLOTH Open Streets

For the first time this month, SpeakEasy’s Bookmobile joined CLOTH Open Streets at 159th and Amsterdam. It was a perfect day of free books, great music, and easy weather. Missed it? The Bookmobile will return to 159th later this month—find out more here.

With 31st Ave Open Streets
  • Where: 31st Ave Between 33rd and 35th Street, Astoria, Queens
  • When: Friday, July 8, 11 AM – 4 PM
  • What: 31st Ave Open Streets

The Bookmobile joined the programming at the 31st Ave Open Streets as community members came by for some free books. As always, there was something for everyone, and the Bookmobile stayed busy keeping the shelves stocked all day long.

House of SpeakEasy's Bookmobile, parked on a sunny street behind a rack of bikes. A crowd of people is gathered by the Bookmobile's shelves, choosing their books.
SpeakEasy's Bookmobile on a sunny, open street. Someone stands in the shade under the truck's awning, looking at the books on offer.
With Red Hook Initiative: Red Hook Open Streets
  • Where: Red Hook Initiative, Brooklyn
  • When: Thursday, July 6, 12 PM – 4 PM
  • What: Red Hook Initiative’s Open Streets.

After rescheduling due to the past week’s smoke conditions, the Bookmobile arrived with clear skies and free books to Red Hook Initiative’s Open Streets. Readers of all ages gathered under the shade of the Bookmobile’s awning, beating the heat while finding that perfect book to take home.

With Artbridge and the East River Community Center
  • Where: East River Community Center, East Harlem
  • When: Monday, June 19, 2 PM – 5 PM
  • What: Juneteenth Celebration

The Bookmobile joined longtime partner Artbridge at the East River Community Center on Monday for a day of celebration and reflection in honor of Juneteenth. In addition to free books from our truck, there was also music, dancing, food, and a bounce house for younger residents. 

With the Red Hook Community Justice Center: Summer Safety Festival
  • Where: Coffey Park, 85 Richards St, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, June 10, 11 AM – 3 PM
  • What: Summer Safety Festival hosted by the MAP Department at the Red Hook Community Justice Center.

The Bookmobile rolled out to Red Hook in Brooklyn to join the Red Hook Community Justice Center’s Summer Safety Festival. The event allowed Red Hook residents to get access to resources on public safety, complete a safety survey that gages their perception of community-police relations in Red Hook, and also complete ballots from the recent Local NeighborhoodSTAT event. There was free food, performances, raffles, games, and free books provided to residents by our truck. 

With the Williamsburg High School of Arts and Technology, Brooklyn Latin School, and Lyons Community School
  • Where: Williamsburg High School of Arts and Technology, Brooklyn
  • When: Tuesday, May 23, 10 AM – 2 PM
  • What: A visit to WHSAT to distribute free books to students across three Williamsburg schools.

On a gorgeous spring day, the Bookmobile rolled out to Williamsburg so students across three schools could browse our shelves and choose some free books to take home. House of SpeakEasy has partnered with WHSAT for two years now to run an eight-week Student Storytelling Workshop during the spring semester, and we were thrilled to be able to bring the Bookmobile to the school this year as well. The truck was visited by over 200 students, and we were able to distribute over 500 free books. 

With the Brooklyn Museum: For Those Who Mom – Celebrating Joy, Autonomy, and Community Care
  • Where: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, May 13, 2023, 11 AM – 4PM
  • What: A Mother’s Day celebration hosted by the Brooklyn Museum.

The Bookmobile rolled up in front of the Brooklyn Museum to join a daylong celebration in honor of all those who “mom”! There was music, food, art-making, wellness pop-ups, and plenty of gifts for moms and caregivers, as well as free books courtesy of the SpeakEasy Bookmobile.

With REMA4US: Car-Free Earth Day
  • Where: Beach 21st Plaza, Far Rockaway
  • When: Saturday, April 22, 2023, 10 AM – 3 PM
  • What: An Earth Day celebration hosted by REMA4US.

The Bookmobile rolled out to Far Rockaway to join REMA4US at their Earth Day celebration. There was dancing, music, and free books.

 

With Bronx River Art Center: Scary Night, Halloween Extravaganza
  • Where: Bronx River Art Center, 1087 E. Tremont Ave., The Bronx
  • When: Saturday , October 29th, 2022: 4:30-6:30 PM
  • What: A gathering of teaching artists, staff members, students and parents open to the public. A scary and fun evening of music, candy, party favors, and FREE Halloween. 

At BRAC, nestled between West Farms and Van Nest in the Bronx, the Bookmobile joined local Halloween festivities. Adults and children alike showed off costumes, enjoyed candy, and browsed and selected books (including some appropriately-spooky picks). 

With DreamYard: Harvest Festival 2022
  • Where: Hayden Lord Park, 1677 Andrews Ave South, The Bronx
  • When: Saturday, October 29th: 1-3:30 PM
  • What: An annual autumnal festival, including pumpkin painting, music and dancing, face painting, and a costume contest.

This year’s Harvest Festival, hosted by Bronx arts and social justice-oriented nonprofit DreamYard, featured a group of very excited young people ready for the Halloween weekend underway. Painting — of both pumpkins and faces — was a major hit during the day! 

 

With PS/IS 268Q: Annual Character Day
  • Where: PS/IS 268Q, 92-07 175th Street, Jamaica, Queens
  • When: Friday, October 28th: 10:30 AM – 2 PM
  • What: For students K-8: A celebration of all things books and book characters, led off by a parade of students dressed as book characters. The day will also include visits from authors. 

This Halloween Friday, the Bookmobile drove east to Jamaica, Queens to support Character Day at one of the neighborhood’s public elementary and middle schools. Students ages 5 – 14 greeted us, coming in by grade, and donning the garb of their favorite superhero (local or mythical), royal figure, or Manga character. The Bookmobile serviced the majority of the PS/IS 268Q’s student body of over 700 — and found ourselves short on books! Thankfully, English teacher Ms. Melody Davis led efforts to surface like-new books from the school’s own surplus supply, and every child who visited us was able to leave with a book of their choosing in hand.   

 

With Van Alen Block Party 
  • Where: Gowanus-Red Hook, NY / Douglass St & Bond St, Brooklyn
  • When: Saturday, October 22nd: 12-8 PM
  • What: This year’s Van Alen Block Party – a day of food, music, dancing in the streets and a celebration of the creative energy of Gowanus! Free and open to the public.

On this crisp fall Saturday, the Bookmobile joined musicians, dancers, artisans and community members at large in Gowanus. The outing was colorful and exuberant, a literary invitation for the Halloween season punctuated by the sound of drums, the smell of empanadas, and the sight of joyful children reveling in face paint and free books. 

With Bay Ridge BID: Fun on 5th Friday Night Live Open Streets 
  • Where: 7720-7724 5th Avenue, Bay Ridge, NY
  • When: Friday, September 30th: 6-9 PM
  • What: Come strut your stuff while enjoying local restaurants and retail, engage with artists, and dance to live entertainment. All ages welcome!

Our burgundy Bookmobile rolled up on 5th Avenue amidst the throng of people and Friday night fun. Bay Ridge’s Business Improvement District or BID works to promote the beautification of Bay Ridge, support small business, and promote social justice. We at the Bookmobile were ecstatic to once again be of service to our eager readers.   

With BK ROT: CYCLEdarity Fundraiser 
  • Where1278 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11221
  • When: Friday, September 30th: 4-6 PM
  • What: Come meet the team, explore new things, connect with each other, and collectively dreams! Welcome to our CYCLEdarity fundraiser mixer. This event is FREE and open to all!

The Bookmobile arrived once again to Myrtle Avenue. This time, our crew was distributing free books in support of BK ROT, NYC’s pioneering community-based, bicycle-driven, fossil fuel free, waste and compost hauling service. It was a pleasure to help drum up excitement for their CYCLEdarity fundraiser and show how community action based initiatives can work in tandem for the advancement of social justice.  

     

    Child Reading on Touch a Truck Day
    With READ 718 and Brooklyn Book Bodega: Back-to-School in Bed-Stuy Kick-off to the Brooklyn Book Festival
    • WhereREAD 718, 336 Malcolm X Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11233
    • When: Sunday, September 25: 12-4 PM
    • What: A back-to-school event celebrating young readers.


      Fueled by a shared mission of building community, increasing book access, and fostering a love of reading, this collaborative family event kicked off the Brooklyn Book Festival’s Bookends series. The afternoon included readings by Brooklyn authors, art-making workshops, and a community mural at READ 718’s center in Bed-Stuy. Though geared towards readers grades K-12, the event was open to and visited by readers of all ages. 

     

    With The Conference House: Staten Island 1776 Peace Federation Celebration   
    • Where: The Conference House, at 7455 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10307
    • When: Saturday, September 17: 11 AM-4 PM
    • What: A whole-family day of festivities, including historical reenactments, dancing, live music, cooking demonstrations, and child-specific activities. 

    In partnership with the Conference House, the SpeakEasy Bookmobile served as an envoy and advocate of peace through the free dissemination of books to the community. This all served to celebrate the 246th anniversary of Staten Island Peace Conference, which was an attempt between the English Crown and Colonial leaders to negotiate peace before the onset of hostilities. Here we see a historical reenactor in seeking his next good read!

     

    Child Reading on Touch a Truck Day
    On Myrtle Avenue, in Brooklyn: Touch a Truck Day!
    • Where: Clinton Ave, between Myrtle and Willoughby, Brooklyn, NY
    • When: Saturday, September 10, 10AM – 2PM
    • What: The first ever Touch a Truck Day on Myrtle Avenue will bring an opportunity for kids to get up close with all kinds of large trucks and vehicles! Big trucks – book giveaway, rafts for kids, music, and more – will fill the block

    Green trash truck? Check. Yellow tow truck? Check. Burgundy Bookmobile Truck? Check! On the inaugural Touch a Truck Day organized by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, the SpeakEasy Bookmobile was part of a fleet of trucks that opened their doors (and in our case, our awnings) to let the community and its children know what it’s like to walk a day in our shoes, or rather, drive a day on our wheels. The Bookmobile’s function within our community, as demonstrated in the charming photo of our young reader to the left, helps enrich the lives of all within our communities. Reading is life and we are always delighted to provide free new books in places where they are needed most.

     

    In East Harlem, Manhattan: Taft Back to School Event
    • Where: Taft Houses, 115th between Madison and Park, East Harlem
    • When: Tuesday, August 30: 1 PM – 5 PM
    • What: In partnership with Made for Me Books and NYCHA, TAFT’s Annual Back to School Event

    This summer, the Bookmobile returned to East Harlem for a bright and joyous Taft Houses back to school celebration. Books were just one part of the party’s offerings: back-to-school haircuts, free food and snacks, complimentary backpacks. Council Member Diana Ayala of District 8 stopped by to offer her gratitude: “I love what you guys are doing!” Pictured here are sisters London (11), Paries (11) and Saniyah (10), alongside bookseller Lawson.  

     

    In Red Hook, Brooklyn: Red Hook West Family Day Celebration
    • Where: Coffey Park, between Dwight St. and Mill St.
    • When: Saturday, August 27, 12 PM – 4 PM
    • What: In partnership with Red Hook Initiative, Red Hook West Family Day Celebration is an all-ages day of community festivities.

    On Saturday the 28th, the Bookmobile returned to Red Hook — again in partnership with RHI. On the ground, we met members of the community, including some familiar faces from August 11th! We met Destiny, 18 years old, who picked up a copy of One. “This is perfect — I have dyslexia, and I’m looking for a new book!” she exclaimed. We also met 8-month-old Leah, and her mother, Lisa, who left with An Angel for Solomon Singer. “You mean I’ll get to see myself on the website?” said Lisa, with excitement. 

      With Bay Ridge BID: Fun on 5th Friday Night Live Open Streets 

      Where: 72-85 Streets along 5th Avenue, 5th Ave, Brooklyn

      • When: Friday, August 26: 6 PM – 9 PM
      • What: Bay Ridge Friday Night Live — An all-ages block party featuring local restaurants and retail, engage with artists, and dance to live entertainment!

      For the last Friday of this August, we brought our books-on-wheels to Bay Ridge’s brownstone-lined 5th Avenue. Despite heavy rains earlier in the evening, we were fortuitously able to open “shop” for Bay Ridge families— alongside local DJs, artists and merchants. We even enjoyed a small hula-hoop performance from acrobat, dancer and House of Speakeasy Book Specialist Lawson Pindar.   

      At Highland Park, East New York: NYC Reads Initiative Back to School
      • Where: Lower Highland Park Playground, at the corner of Jamaica Ave. and Cleveland St.  
      • When: Wednesday, August 24: 2 PM – 5 PM
      • What: East New York NYC Reads Initiative Back to School Event

      As the summer winded down, the Bookmobile had the opportunity to reconnect with NYC Reads Initiative and Literacy Inc. (LINC), with both of whom we’ve also partnered in past seasons. The deployment was also a chance to distribute some much-anticipated children’s and YA books donated to us by the wonderful Brooklyn Book Bodega! Pictured here are four-year-old Kaira with her brother, Malik, seven years old. 

       

      At Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn: Small Press Flea
      • Where: Central Library Plaza, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
      • When: Saturday, August 20: 10 AM – 4 PM
      • What: Small Press Flea (SPF), in partnership with BOMB Magazine, made its return to the steps of the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch for another beautiful August day with your favorite local publishers and magazines

      On Saturday the 20th, the Bookmobile featured picks from Greenlight Bookstore and our own collection — this time for sale, to support our outreach efforts. We shared the sidewalk with publishers including BOMB Magazine, Night Boat, Ugly Duckling and Verso Press — and even got a visit from Julian Shapiro-Barnum of “Recess Therapy.” 

      In Red Hook, Brooklyn: Red Hook Initiative Block Celebrations
      • WhereRed Hook Initiative Center, 767 Hicks St, Brooklyn, NY
      • When: Thursday, August 11: 11 AM-4 PM; Freedom School Graduation. This event was primarily with 9th and 10th graders, but was also open to the community.
      • When: Thursday, August 18, 2 PM-6 PM; Red Hook Initiative Block Party! ALL ages!

      At Red Hook Initiative, the Bookmobile came out to support young people of the Red Hook Houses in RHI programming milestones. Here, we also met brothers Jeremiah and Messiah, pictured to the left. “When I have superpowers, I will fly,” Jeremiah (right) told us. “But the only way I will use my powers to fly is when I’m saving the world.” Visit our corresponding blog post to read more about our wokr with RHI!

      At Weeksville Heritage Center, Brooklyn: Weeksville Green
      • WhereWeeksville Heritage Center, Buffalo Ave. between St. Marks Avenue and Bergen Street
      • When: Saturdays, July 30; August 6, 13: 12-4 PM
      • What: Every Saturday, Buffalo Ave. between St. Marks Avenue and Bergen Street in Brooklyn closes to vehicle traffic and parking, allowing the street to open up for community programming. Click here for Open Streets programming with NYC DOT.

      Back at WHC, the Bookmobile shared Buffalo Ave with groups including Seeds in the Middle and Cremas Absalon Haitian Liqueur. Olivia, pictured here, works for the latter and lives in Queens; “I need a good book. The Barnes & Noble near me closed down!” she told us.  

      On 31st Ave, Astoria, Queens: Open Streets

      When: Saturdays: July 2, 16, 30; September 3: In partnership with 31st Ave Open Streets

      What: Every Saturday, 31st Avenue between 33rd and 35th Streets in Astoria closes to all motor vehicle traffic and parking, and opens up for walking, cycling, dining and community programming. Click here for programming.

      Where: 31st Avenue between 33rd and 35th Street, Astoria, NY, 11106

      Throughout the summer, we brought our shelves repeatedly to the streets of Astoria. Here, we’ve set up alongside community-fulcrums including Astoria Food Pantry, Connected Chef and Podcast on the Streets. Passerby — with many with babies, dogs, or friends in tow — were excited to add reading to their rotations for these Saturdays. Passer-by were excited to see books set up for the taking. “The minute the Bookmobile opens, kids come out of the woodwork. It’s wonderful!” observed John, a volunteer for 31st Ave Open Streets. 

      At Weeksville Heritage Center, Brooklyn: Fifth of July
      • When: Saturday, July 9: In partnership with Weeksville Heritage Center, 11 AM – 4 PM
      • What: A 5th of July gathering of contemplation, community and Black history.
      • Where: Weeksville Heritage Center, 158 Buffalo Ave.

      As part of WHC’s annual celebration, which centers Black New Yorkers and a history of collective emancipation movements in America, the Bookmobile provided community-members free access to works by Frederick Douglass, August Wilson, and Roxanne Gay, amongst other prominent writers of the African diaspora. Find more on the Bookmobile with Weeksville here!

      At the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn: Juneteenth
      • When: Sunday, June 19: In partnership with ArtsConnection & Culture Connected, 2 PM -6 PM
      • What: Brooklyn Museum’s Honoring Juneteenth, a day of FREE family activities from community partners in celebration of Black liberation, creativity, community, and joy! Click here for the schedule.
      • Where: The Brooklyn Museum (Biergarten/Sculpture Garden), 200 Eastern Pkwy.

      At the Brooklyn Museum, in which our partners provided the art supplies and we the books. Readers carried away picks from The Divine Comedy to collected Louise Glück poems to Babymouse graphic novels.“Books are agents of change and envoys of new realities,” our Bookseller Jesús Rivera reflected afterwards. 

      At the Adams Houses, The Bronx: Juneteenth
      • When: Saturday, June 18: In partnership with NYCHA and Artbridge, 12 PM-4 PM
      • What: A Juneteenth celebration of art installations with food, games, art activities, free books, and music by DJ Swan
      • Where: Adams Houses in The Bronx: E. 152nd St. & Wales Ave.

      June 18th was a New York summer family day, centered on celebration of public art and literature. Many eager readers young and old visited us in the southern Bronx; hands small and large opened opened joyously to receive books. Read more here