Brooklyn Public Library Partners with Best Buy to Open Teen Tech Center at Kings Highway Library; New Center is First in New York

Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) celebrated the opening of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Kings Highway Library today. The center inspires the next of generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators, designers and dreamers by providing teens with the latest technology to develop their own projects.

“From developing mobile apps to producing videos, we are delighted to dedicate a space—equipped with the latest technology—for teens to express their creativity and prepare for the future,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “For giving young people this tremendous opportunity to learn and grow, we are grateful to Best Buy and partners ERI, the Clubhouse Network, New York State Senator Simcha Felder, and Earle Muroff.”

By 2020, more than 80% of all jobs will require tech skills. Best Buy Teen Tech Centers help teens prepare for these careers through hands-on experience with digital media, virtual reality and 3D printing. 

“It’s crucial for young people to have hands-on technology access, training and education to prepare for the tech-reliant careers of the future,” said Andrea Wood, Head of Social Impact at Best Buy. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Brooklyn Public Library and ERI to make sure that every young person in Brooklyn has the opportunity to discover and pursue their dreams.”

Brooklyn Public Library is among the borough’s most democratic institutions, serving people from every walk of life and in every stage of life, including teens. The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is the first of nearly a dozen teen-specific spaces planned for libraries across the borough.

Generous support for the center was also provided by Earle Muroff and New York State Senator Simcha Felder.

“Investing in libraries is investing in our future and I am so proud that we are raising the bar in Brooklyn, again. Today, we ensure that everyone can access and learn essential skills that might otherwise be out of reach,” said Senator Felder.

In addition to providing space for teens to learn and meet, BPL has an impressive range of programs for teens ranging from free art classes to anime clubs to college application workshops to BookMatch Teen, a readers’ advisory service by and for teens. Members of the library’s Youth Council, a leadership training program for ages 14 to 19 get extensive experience in team work and event planning. Participants in the BKLYN Robotics League learn how to code, build and program robots. Two comprehensive internship programs—Today’s Teens Tomorrow Techies, and Librarians of Tomorrow—give teens work valuable training work and experience.

The Teen Tech Center is made possible by the Best Buy Foundation and ERI.