Brooklyn Art Library

Okay, here’s the deal… I’ve been to over 40 countries. This is the most amazing place I’ve ever been simply bc there isn’t anywhere else on the planet like it. If you’re unfamiliar, the Art Library began as an art project and became a movement, for lack of a better word. Brooklyn is home base and they have a rotating collection of thousands of sketchbooks from all over the world. Anytime I’m in New York, I try to make my way over to flip through them for an hour or two… although, I could easily spend days there. Small and cozy, it’s well-​organized & uncluttered… perfect for a quiet afternoon (or two).
I think I love it most though bc when I’m inside the Brooklyn Art Library, thumbing through other people’s stories, I’m reminded that we’re never quite as lost as we think that we are. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or how old you are, you’re finding your way & just as capable of expressing that as anyone else. Please, do yourself a favor and venture out of Time’s Square long enough to find this hidden gem.

Been meaning to hit this spot for well over a year. Small but aesthetically pleasing the library offers you the chance to browse themed sketch books of your choosing. The two ladies managing the library while there were very helpful with signing me up and getting my selections. Tempted to just grab some sketch books off the shelf but understand why they have the system they have — sure you will to as you see how the process works while there. Interesting idea and will be back. Recommended.

I really wish there was some way to allow browsing in the Brooklyn Art Library. but I can definitely see the cons to that. The set up of the «library» is super casual and oddly enough, I think the atmosphere is much better with more people there. It’s like… everyone is discovering all new sketchbooks for the first time. When I was there for the first time with my sister, a whole bunch of other first timers were there as well.
It’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon in Brooklyn. I had a mix of both great sketchbooks and not as creative ones given randomly to me. There’s a limit of 2 «checked out» books at a time but you can easily request 2 more immediately after returning them.
Tip: Go with a friend and each check out 2. Then you can easily browse through 4 for an extended time.
The librarians I met were super helpful to everyone that came in on the day that I was there. Applauding their patience.

Definitely dig it, and rightfully placed on many ‘Best Of’ lists for its selection and overall experience.

It’s places like this that make me fall in love with Brooklyn all over again. I can’t imagine any other place you would find an entire library full of sketchbooks.
It was a happy accident I stumbled across this place and spent quite some time pouring over people’s personal sketchbooks. Definitely a fun place to come and get some creative juices flowing.

This is such a great idea! A museum of sketchbooks from all kinds of artists for you to browse. It’s an inspiring place and I hope to contribute something one day. :)

This was an amazing little stop in a recent visit to Brooklyn. If you are in the area, this is definitely something to check out. Small and cozy but well organized and uncluttered. It houses many thousands of sketchbooks from artists [some decidedly more talented than others however] from all over the country, or the world… im not sure?
After signing into their system, you can order a book and one of the lovely and helpful staff bring you the book. You are allowed to sit and look for as long as you like, return the book and then repeat the process again!
They also have a lovely selection of sketchbooks, pens, pencils and notecards for sale. Also for sale are blank sketchbook that can later be submitted to be housed in the BAL. What a great gift for the artist in your life!
It is a great way to send an hour or so. And it’s free, so bonus!

pretty cool place that I WANTED to spend some time in, but the snotty employee was zero help. Didn’t offer a ‘hello’, nevermind ask me if I had any questions/​explain anything to me, (I was the only one in there, other than her friend that she was sitting with.)
I did end up buying a few things (thank you cards, etc) and would have bought more, but it seemed as though the employee and her friend really wanted to resume their private conversation, and we’re giving me the eyes like, ‘are you done yet?!’ so I stopped browsing because I felt so uncomfortable.

So cool! Several years ago, I participated in the Brooklyn Art Library’s sketchbook project. I completely forgot about it, until I happened to walk past the library on my recent NYC trip. What a wonderful surprise! In addition to thousands of sketchbooks, they sell a variety of neat art supplies and and new sketchbooks. Definitely a cool spot to stop by and see if you’re in the Williamsburg area!

Maybe I’m a nerd, but I think it’s really cool that you can read stories and admire the illustrations in books that were created by people from across the world. I came here roughly a year ago, so please forgive the lack of detail in this review.
From what I recall, the staff will sign you up for a «free» library card. Then, select a theme and location on the Brooklyn Art Library computer, which, will provide you will a sketchbook from the library, at random; there’s a plethora of themes, and surprising locations to choose from and, if you’re indecisive, or overwhelmed, staff members are nearby to offer help and provide suggestions.
This would a great afternoon, or weekend activity for kids (even a date) as it’s free to go through the library’s collection of sketchbooks. What’s not free is the option to create your own sketchbook that will supplement the Brooklyn Art Library’s collection and, possibly travel the globe for other children (or «grownups» like myself) to read. How cool is that? In addition to selling sketchbooks, they have Brooklyn Art Library branded stationary, pens, pencils and other art supplies for sale. Unfortunately, I don’t recall what their prices are.
I need to visit this place again soon.

Cool concept and some sketches books have very talented artists. Not sure I like the rules for the art library about can’t touch the art books w/​o permission.

Could have been the greatest thing ever. Instead, a waste of time. Their high tech check out system is terrible. You can’t keyword search random art and enjoy the experience of exploring art. You are literally surround by art you can’t look at. So instead of looking at pages after pages of art, you look at the back of books. Once you do creat an account and randomly find a book. It takes 10 minutes for the snobby hipster chick checking her phone, to go get it.
Had such high hopes. I think the idea is brilliant. The execution, terrible.

Cette librairie/​boutique, j’y suis un peu tombée par hasard, pour mon plus grand bonheur. Ce fût un véritable coup de cœur. Je me remercie moi-​même de l’avoir vue et d’y être entrée.
Il s’agit d’une sorte de bibliothèque de carnets de croquis. Je vous explique :
1. Vous prenez une carte pour vous inscrire sur l’ordinateur à l’entrée, c’est gratuit et ça prend 1 minute.
2. Vous scannez votre carte sur l’ordinateur du fond et vous lui dites quel genre de carnets vous aimeriez feuilleter. Celui d’un designer, d’un artiste, un architecte… ou un au hasard.
3. Vous attendez quelques minutes, et la sympathique demoiselle qui travaille ici vous amèné le ou les carnets qui correspondent à votre recherché.
4. Vous vous émerveillez, ou pas, devant ces trésors et vous les déposez au fond lorsque vous avez fini de les regarder.
Vous avez le temps que vous voulez, vous pouvez feuilletez ceux que vous voulez, vous né devez juste pas vous servir vous-​même ! Comme je vous le disais cette semaine, j’adore les carnets, même gribouillés par d’autres, c’est hyper intéressant et inspirant. J’avais l’impression d’être dans une caverne d’Ali-Baba. J’aurais pu y rester des heures… mais j’étais attendue.
En souvenir, j’ai tout de même acheté un très joli tote bag. Il y a plein de petites choses à vendre comme des carnets, des crayons, des tee-​shirts… mais pas les carnets !
En discutant avec la vendeuse, je lui ai fait part de mon coup de cœur pour cet endroit. J’ai appris qu’il y en avait un également à Londres, mais pas à Paris. Si la ou les personnes concernées passent par là: Pleaaaaaaase, open a Sketchbook Library in Paris, pleaaaaaaaaase ! Love you.

Interesting idea. You pay to get a book which you fill– however you want – and then it gets catalogued. Library users can access and peruse it, but not buy it. It remains in the library.
I wouldn’t mind MAKING such a book, but am not too interested in accessing those by others.

Great Saturday or Sunday afternoon activity on a lazy day, or just looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
Basically, after quickly signing up for a «library card» (free), you go over to the computer, and pick either a profession, color, mood, hobby, or some other category, and the computer will pick out a sketch book based on that category. At this point, you sit down, and one of the library workers will bring you one sketchbook based on your pick, and then the book that was next to it on the shelf (so it’s a random category), and you can sit down and look through.
Each book is about 10 – 12 pages, and has been submitted by any random person who decided to participate in this sketch book project; you can even submit your own (it’s about $ 25 or so). We enjoyed looking through 3 – 4 of the books before taking off. You wouldn’t be able to spend more than 30 – 45 min there before getting bored, but it’s a great addition to a weekend walk around town. We paired it with visiting Mast Brothers Chocolate (2 doors down) and then walking over to the waterfront.

God, I love this place. Human right brained creative talent all jammed together in pages and pages of journals that line the walls from front to back. How to choose? It’s a prime example of the Paradox Of Choice.
The concept is simple: you walk in, head over to the computer to get a free «library» card that then allows you to «check out» the books which translates into you sitting down at a table and browsing. (You can’t leave the building with the sketchbooks).
You can search by name, location or theme. Let the librarians make unique choices for you if you aren’t sure what to browse 1^st.
The library also sells various sketchbooks, pencils, art supplies and stationary. They host various events so check back with their calendar. And you can see a lot of the art on the road as they do a traveling road tour all across the US.
Who are these artists, you ask? People just like you! Purchase a sketchbook and you too can submit your own art for the library. There is a yearly deadline so just keep your eyes peeled.

Really unique fun place! I was very excited to submit my 1^st book with them for the 2014 tour and I can’t wait to submit more! It’s so awesome to see how other people think, perceive life, and create. Great idea, and a wonderful experience!

Great concept!
This is an art library of independent artist sketchbooks.
It is run by 2 librarians, and with a personalize library car (free to sign up), readers are able to choose a subject of their choice and given 2 sketchbooks to browse at once (no time limit, but cant’ take outside of the library)
It’s a traveling library, meaning the books travel around the world like an exhibit allowing new readers to connect with each sketchbook. Best part is, anyone is allow to submit a sketchbook by purchasing one from the store. Once complete, submit before annual deadline and the book will on tour. It’s a very organic way to bring our lonely word one step more connected through art :)

I visited them when they brought a traveling show to Oakland, Ca. On a visit to Brooklyn I realized I was staying walking distance from the sketchbooks. Passed several pleasurable hours there. One tip to finding ones you like (otherwise it can be very miss and hit) is looking through the books of compilations and noting names of artists whose work you enjoy and searching for them in the catalog.
Do excited I signed up for their next project that will travel to SF in 2014.

If you’re in Brooklyn, definitely visit here.
The Sketchbook Project in itself is fascinating. Anyone can become a part of this interactive and creative treat, all you need to do is sign up, grab a sketchbook and once you’re done, send it back. The sketchbooks are kept in one of three libraries — the Brooklyn Art Library, the mobile library which travels around on tour (who knew libraries could be this cool?) and the online library.
The Brooklyn Art Library is the flagship library for the Sketchbook Project. For free (yes, free!) you can get set up with a library card, search the database, wait for the librarian to find it and then browse to your heart’s content. You can search by author name, country of author, type of medium, mood or even the theme of the sketchbook.
This is one of those spaces where you can easily pass so much time, sitting at a communal table surrounded by sketchbooks. The library looks great as the walls are lined with shelves, shelves and more shelves of sketchbooks. To top it off, there is a lovely collection of notebooks, stationery and other goodies. It’s like a quirky, trendy and creative mix of a library crossed with an art gallery, so its’ location in Brooklyn makes perfect sense.

I originally came in here because I could see they sold notebooks, pens and other assorted stationery items that I absolutely love. What I didn’t realise was that this is the home of the sketchbook project, and you can spend hours flicking through sketchbooks that have been created by people from all around the world.
What a delightful concept! I ended up buying my own sketchbook and zoo enough you should be able to read it amongst the xxx thousands that are already part of the collection.