What’s better than a slam dunk? How about a storytime session with a WNBA legend! New York Liberty’s Jonquel Jones traded the court for the library, enchanting young fans with tales and crafts. You won’t believe the heartwarming moments and community spirit she ignited. Curious about the impact she made?
Storytime transcended the ordinary as New York Liberty’s formidable center, Jonquel Jones, recently orchestrated an enchanting afternoon of reading, rhymes, songs, and art and crafts at the bustling Crown Heights Library. This unique event, held on August 27th, aimed to foster a love for reading among young fans and strengthen community bonds, highlighting the star athlete’s commitment beyond the basketball court.
Families, devoted fans, and eager book lovers of every generation converged at the library, captivated by the presence of the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP. The Bahamian native, Jonquel Jones, shared cherished stories from her two favorite books, “I am My Caribbean Culture” by Malissa Y. Saul-Angus and “Hello Grandma” by Robert E. Constant. Her readings, interspersed with heartwarming anecdotes about her family visits in the Bahamas, served as a powerful inspiration for children to explore the profound joy of reading.
Following the engaging literary session, Jones graciously dedicated time to interact personally with attendees. She signed autographs and posed for countless selfies, creating unforgettable memories for her admirers. Demonstrating her multifaceted talents, the New York Liberty star then showcased her artistic flair, meticulously crafting a vibrant Caribbean carnival mask, perfectly in tune with the impending West Indian Day Parade on September 1st.
This heartwarming “Slam Dunk: Liberty’s Jonquel Jones brings storytime magic to young fans” event was made possible through a vital collaboration between the Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Liberty. This partnership is instrumental in supporting BPL’s highly successful Summer at the Library program, a crucial initiative designed to encourage continuous reading throughout the summer months and help children maintain essential literacy skills while school is out.
Attendees at this special community engagement event were also presented with exclusive opportunities. They could sign up for a limited-edition library card, distinctively featuring the team’s beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant, which also included an Ellie-approved booklist to guide readers to their next literary adventure. Furthermore, a thrilling raffle offered tickets to an upcoming Liberty game against the Washington Mystics, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
The positive impact of the event resonated deeply with attendees like Flatbush resident Cherie, who travelled from a doctor’s appointment to ensure her presence. She lauded the “unique” gathering and noted the surprising number of adults participating alongside children, underscoring the universal appeal. Cherie, also from the Caribbean, expressed immense pride in Jones’s accomplishments and her joy in seeing the WNBA star connect with the community and inspire youth engagement.
Another attendee, McNeil, an experienced teacher, voiced her enthusiasm for the collaboration. She highlighted her unawareness of the Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Liberty teaming up on literacy programs, emphasizing the “huge” significance of such initiatives in involving the community and igniting a passion for reading among young children, drawing them to the library for fun and educational activities.
Crown Heights resident and dedicated Liberty season-ticket holder Szu Min Yu shared her deep admiration for Jonquel Jones, asserting that the storytime session was a “powerful” statement. Min Yu, recognizing Jones’s Bahamian roots, appreciated the star’s efforts to contribute positively to the community. She also praised the New York Liberty team’s unwavering commitment to values like equality and equity, which are visibly demonstrated through their active community contributions.
Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, whose district encompasses Crown Heights, echoed these sentiments. Speaking to the Brooklyn Paper, he fondly recalled the Brooklyn Public Library’s profound influence on his childhood, describing BPL’s community engagement as “second to none.” Cunningham emphasized the significance of young people gathering at a library, particularly when a celebrity they admire, like WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones, demonstrates that individuals can achieve the highest levels of professionalism while remaining connected to their communities.
