Vote For Crown, Prospect Heights In NYC's Library Display Contest

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Three of Crown and Prospect Heights' library branches are in the running for a citywide contest surrounding elaborate book displays across the five boroughs.

The Central Library, Eastern Parkway Library and Crown Heights Library —which is found just outside the neighborhood's border — are among 130 branches across the city's three library systems that have set up displays celebrating arts and culture for the contest, which is run through an initiative known as Culture Pass that gives library cardholders access to cultural institutions.

New Yorkers can vote on their favorite displays starting this week until Nov. 12, when the set-ups with the most votes will move to a final round of judging, organizers said.

"The book display contest — with the theme of arts and culture — pays homage to the great museums, performance venues, historical sites and arts institutions who have partnered with the city libraries to provide free access and admission,” said Brooklyn's Chief Librarian Nick Higgins said. “Make sure to log in and vote for your favorite by November 12.”

A total of 53 Brooklyn branches are participating in the contest.

In Prospect and Crown Heights, Brooklynites can check out an elaborate display celebrating New York City's food culture at the Central Library, a diorama complete with a model train at the Crown Heights library or a massive replica of what appears to be the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower at the Eastern Parkway library.

The set-ups, all of which can be found online, will be on display until Nov. 30.

After New Yorkers vote for their favorites, a panel of judges will select first place and runner-up winners for each library system and an overall best-of-show display, organizers said.

The judges panel includes New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Gonzalo Casals, Artist and Founder of The Free Black Women’s Library Ola RonkeAkinmowo, Children’s Book Author and Illustrator Pat Cummings, Charles H. Revson Foundation President Julie Sandorf, and Improv Everywhere Founder Charlie Todd.

Culture Pass, a joint initiative across all three library systems, has given out more than 100,000 free passes to library cardholders since its start in 2018. It is funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), Charles H. Revson Foundation, The New York Community Trust, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.