Day: September 20, 2024

The WNBA Playoffs tip off Sept. 22, with the New York Liberty facing the Atlanta Dream at Barclays Center.

Downtown Brooklyn will surely be flooded with sea-foam green jerseys and Ellie the Elephant fans. But Barclays Center isn’t the only place to catch the action.

Here’s a list of spots where basketball fans can watch WNBA games and experience the excitement of the playoffs.

Fulton Hall

Looking for a crowd of fellow basketball enthusiasts? Head to Fulton Hall, the self-proclaimed “headquarters for beer, cocktails, food, and fun.” With a sports-friendly atmosphere and plenty of TVs, it’s the perfect spot to catch your favorite games.

The venue has hosted lively watch parties for the New York Liberty throughout the regular season. A representative from the bar told Brooklyn Paper that fans can expect the same excitement during the playoffs.

O’keefe’s Bar and Grill

62 Court St. in Brooklyn Heights

For a genuine local experience, visit this charming Irish pub, known for its extensive variety of beers. A staple of the neighborhood for over 45 years, it has earned a well-deserved reputation as the premier sports bar in the area.

Whether patrons are looking to enjoy delicious dishes or discover a new favorite beer, O’Keefe’s is sure to exceed expectations and provide a memorable experience.

Union Grounds 

270 Smith St. in Carroll Gardens

f there are two things Union Ground knows, it’s sports and beer. Known for its ballpark-like atmosphere, UG features a wall of TVs and a menu packed with classic bar food—wings, burgers, and hot dogs—ensuring all sports fans are satisfied.

The venue is smaller, though, so arrive early to secure a spot.

99 Rogers 

99 Rogers Ave. in Crown Heights

This inviting Crown Heights tavern offers cozy indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Its menu features 24 beers on tap, a full bar, specialty cocktails and food.

A representative said the establishment plans to livestream Liberty games during the playoffs, providing sports enthusiasts with an exciting viewing experience. TVs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Clara’s

53 Wilson Ave. in Bushwick

Kick back and relax at Clara’s Bar, located in the heart of Bushwick. Located in the heart of Bushwick, Clara’s Bar offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some quality time with friends. This laid-back restaurant serves traditional American fare alongside a full menu of drinks — and its low-key vibe and friendly staff make it the place to be on a game night. 

Don’t miss the chance to visit Bushwick’s “OG sports pub” and savor the delightful combination of great food, drinks and good vibes.

McMahon’s Public House

39th Fifth Ave. in Park Slope

WNBA and Liberty fans are invited to McMahon’s Public House, an Irish pub where they can enjoy the game along with a wallet-friendly menu. Whether fans want to catch every dribble and bucket of the Liberty’s next game or simply seek a cozy spot for quality Irish fare, McMahon’s stands out as the go-to destination.

With a unique blend of sports enthusiasm and culinary delights, the pub is an ideal spot for fans to gather, cheer on their favorite team and have a memorable time without breaking the bank.

If these don’t wet your whistle…

WNBA playoff matches will also be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, and games can be streamed on internet-based services like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV.

New York Liberty will take on the Atlanta Dream during the first round, with games on Sept. 22 and Sept. 24.

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Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is launching a series of events next week to combat the rise in book censorship across the U.S. with talks, film screenings and community gatherings to raise awareness about the dangers of book bans ahead of a national day of action at Grand Army Plaza on Oct. 19.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), efforts to censor books are only increasing. In 2023, 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship, and 1,247 demands were made to remove library books, materials and resources.

The ALA reported a 92% increase in the number of books targeted for censorship in public libraries, with 46% of all book challenges in 2023 affecting public libraries. School libraries saw an 11% rise in book challenges compared to 2022.

The surge in censorship attempts has been driven by organized groups and individuals, many of whom simultaneously seek to ban multiple titles. Books representing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices made up 47% of the works targeted for removal, according to the ALA.

In response to the rising number of book bans, the New York Public Library launched the “Books Unbanned” initiative in 2022. The program offers young people across the country free access to banned books. Since its inception, more than 8,000 young readers have used the service, checking out over 270,000 books.

“Book challenges have always existed, but what we’re seeing now is a much more organized political effort to silence voices,” BPL spokesperson Fritzi Bodenheimer told Brooklyn Paper. She emphasized that the initiative allows young people to access a wide range of books, not just those frequently banned.

“Some books fall into the targeted young adult category, but others are simply popular because of recommendations from friends or social media,” she added.

Bodenheimer warned of the broader implications of censorship, saying, “If you allow someone to remove a book just because they don’t want their child to read it, it’s gone for everyone. That’s a slippery slope.”

BPL is joining forces with the ALA, Queens Public Library, New York Public Library, and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries for the “Freedom to Read Day of Action” on Oct. 19. The event will feature programming at libraries across the country, with Brooklyn playing a central role. The aim is to unite communities in defending access to diverse literature in the face of increasing censorship.

Ahead of the day of action, BPL’s main branch at Grand Army Plaza and several neighborhood libraries will host over 80 events from Sept. 22 to 28, in conjunction with Banned Books Week. The events will explore themes of censorship, literature, and free expression.

Bodenheimer stressed that the weeklong events are intended to remind people that book censorship is tied to First Amendment rights. “Even if you’re not a reader, this issue connects directly to free speech,” she said.

Key events include:

Banned Books Quiz Off: Teens can test their knowledge of frequently banned books at Windsor Terrace Library on Sept. 26 at 4 p.m.

Quiet Reading Party: Patrons are invited to bring or borrow banned books for an hour of silent reading, followed by a discussion on literature and censorship at Bushwick Library on Sept. 27.

A Conversation About Fighting Book Bans: Bestselling authors Maura Johnson, Eliot Schrefer, and Frederick Joseph will join ABA Advocacy Associate Manager Philomena Polefrone for a panel on supporting authors affected by censorship at the Brooklyn Heights Library on Sept. 26.

Why Books Still Matter: On Sept. 26 at 6 p.m., BPL’s Central Library will host a panel with editor Karl Weber, free speech advocate Chris Finan, and BPL’s Nick Higgins to discuss the ongoing importance of literature in the face of censorship.

Film Screening: BPL will screen the Oscar-nominated short ABCs of Book Banning at Central Library, followed by a discussion led by local teens and young adults.

Additionally, BPL’s podcast Borrowed and Banned will provide deeper insights into the ongoing debate surrounding book censorship.

For a full list of Banned Book Week events, visit discover.bklynlibrary.org.

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