C'mon, Brooklynites. There's no need to schlep all the way into Manhattan to get your read- research-or-recreation on! The Brooklyn Public Library system (separate from the New York Public Library) offers: "thousands of public programs, millions of books and use of more than 850 free Internet-accessible computers" at their 60 locations! And they are, literally, EVERYWHERE, from Greenpoint down to Brighton Beach, and Fort Hamilton over to New Lots! And best of all, you can now apply online for your free membership!
So what are you waiting for? Apply online here, visit the Brooklyn Public Library's website, and find a branch near you!