<p>Brooklyn Public Library is among the borough&rsquo;s most democratic civic institutions, serving patrons in every neighborhood and from every walk of life. Established in 1896, BPL is the nation&rsquo;s sixth largest public library system and currently has nearly 700,000 active cardholders. With a branch library within a half-mile of nearly all of Brooklyn&rsquo;s 2.6 million residents, BPL is a recognized leader in cultural offerings, literacy, out-of-school-time services, workforce development programs, and digital literacy. In a borough of wide economic disparity, where the costs of basic necessities often take priority over spending on cultural enrichment opportunities, BPL provides a democratic space where patrons of all economic standings can avail themselves and their children of cultural and educational programs in a broad range of disciplines.</p>