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Slam Dunk: Liberty’s Jonquel Jones brings storytime magic to young fans

new york liberty jonquel jones reading at bpl storytime
New York Liberty player Jonquel Jones read to fans at the Crown Heights Public Library on Wednesday.
Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

Storytime turned legendary as New York Liberty Center Jonquel Jones hosted an afternoon of reading, rhymes, songs, and art and crafts at the Crown Heights library on Aug. 27.

Families, fans, and book lovers of all ages filled the library, listening attentively as the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP and Bahamian native read from her two favorite books, “I am My Caribbean Culture” by Malissa Y. Saul-Angus and “Hello Grandma” by Robert E. Constant, inspiring her young fans to explore the joy of reading, and anecdotes about her family visits in the Bahamas.

After the reading, Jones took a time-out to sign autographs and take selfies with fans before showcasing her arts and crafts skills, creating a Caribbean carnival mask in time for the West Indian Day Parade on Sept. 1.

jonquel jones reading to kids at crown heights library
Dozens of fans of all ages attended the reading. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
jonquel jones selfie with people
Jones snapped selfies with fans after storytime was over.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

The event was presented in partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Liberty through Brooklyn Basketball, which helps support BPL’s Summer at the Library program. The program aims to inspire kids to continue reading throughout the summer and keep up their literacy skills while school is out.

Attendees also had the opportunity to sign up for the limited-edition New York Liberty library card, featuring the team’s beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant — the card also came with an Ellie-approved booklist to help readers discover their next read — and to enter a raffle for tickets to Thursday night’s Liberty game against the Washington Mystics.

Flatbush resident Cherie learned about the story time with Jones last week and rushed to Crown Heights from a doctor’s appointment to attend the “unique” event, noting that more adults than kids took part.

liberty library card
Attendees also had the opportunity to sign up for the limited-edition New York Liberty library card. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

“It says, ‘All ages welcome,’ so we are here,” Cherie said. “I’m proud of [Jones’] accomplishments. I’m also from the Caribbean, so that’s something we [have] in common. I’m happy that she’s here to meet the community, talk to the kids, engage with them, you know, meet the fans.”

Former teacher and childcare provider Haley McNeil visits the library often with the children in her care, sisters Zora and Phoenix.

“I’ve been a teacher for years, so I wasn’t aware that [BPL and the Liberty] are teaming up on literacy projects, but that’s huge, getting the community involved,  getting little kids excited about reading and coming to the library and doing fun things,” McNeil said.

Crown Heights resident and Liberty season-ticket holder Szu Min Yu attended the event because she “loves” Jonquel Jones, and shared that story time with Jones was a “powerful” statement.

jonquel jones signing autograph
Jones signed autographs for young fans. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
jonquel jones with kids crafting at library
Jones crafted a mask for the West Indian Day Parade alongside local kids. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

“I know she’s from the Bahamas, so I think it’s really nice to do something for the community, and to read stories for kids,” Min Yu. “The Liberty team stands for like equality and equity, and I think that’s really nice that they’re contributing to the community.”

Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, whose district includes Crown Heights, told the Brooklyn Paper that the Brooklyn Public Library had been a big part of his childhood, describing BPL’s community engagement as “second to none.”

“Anytime you have young people at a library, it’s a great day in District 43. Certainly, when you have celebrities they look up to, admire, and respect, showing that you can come from our communities and reach the highest levels of life professionalism is an exciting day,” Cunningham noted.

When asked what his prediction was for the Liberty’s 2025 season, Cunningham confidently predicted a “two-peat.”

“I think LeBron James said it best. Not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, but we want to see New York continue to repeat and win, because Brooklynites are winners,” Cunningham declared.