Jurors in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Adams Street can access the Brooklyn Public Library’s digital collection while they wait for jury duty.
Photo courtesy of Google Maps
Getting called for jury duty — which usually means long hours waiting to find out if you’re even needed and eligible, or multiple days on-call in case something comes up — can inspire dread. But, it’s a civic duty, and a critical part of the right to a free and fair trial in the U.S.
But the Brooklyn Public Library is working to make the waiting game a little easier. For Juror Appreciation Week, the library is teaming up with the Kings County Commissioner of Jurors, Nancy T. Sunshine, to provide all Brooklyn jurors with instant access to e-books, audiobooks, and other digital resources in the juror’s room.
When they arrive in court, jurors can watch a quick video guide on signing up for a free Welcome Card — which offers full access to BPL’s digital collections — and check out the list of available media. Signing up is easy, and can be done on a smartphone.
“If you are eligible to serve on a jury in New York, you are eligible for a Brooklyn Public Library card,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, in a statement. “And, with just a few clicks, you’ll have access to books and information, discover new worlds and meet the most interesting characters. Jury duty is one of our most important civic responsibilities and by partnering with the Kings County Court, we can make serving even more engaging.”
Librarians have also created a unique list of 12 books, inspired by the 12 seats on a jury. Those titles will be available instantly, without holds or waitlists, for all jurors.
The list, titled “Jury Duty Mystery Collection,” brings thrills and excitement to the court, with titles like “Symphony of Secrets,” by Brendan Slocumb and the spooky “Mexican Gothic,” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Each book is available both in e-book and audiobook form, for all kinds of readers.
“As your Commissioner of Jurors for Kings County, I am so very pleased to partner with the Brooklyn Public Library to bring these exciting resources to you as you serve as a juror in Kings County,” Sunshine said in a statement. “Your role in the pursuit of justice is one of the most important and fundamental in ensuring the Constitutional Rights of all. Thank you for your Good Service.”
Welcome Cards can be upgraded to full library cards at any BPL location – including the Brooklyn Heights branch, just a few blocks from Brooklyn Supreme Court. With a full card, patrons can access the same digital collection — plus the library’s extensive physical collections of books, vinyls, board games, and more.
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