About Us
Brooklyn Lifelong Learning (BLL) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit program that is affiliated with Brooklyn College. We foster peer learning among adults through noncredit classes, seminars, and cultural activities designed and conducted by members and volunteers in an informal, noncompetitive and intellectually stimulating environment. We are one of the oldest lifelong learning programs in the United States and continue to adhere to our basic concept—to create, adapt and maintain an academically oriented lifelong learning program run by adults for adults.
In addition to our regularly scheduled courses on many subjects, we offer lectures and documentaries. BLL caters to every interest and is a vital force in the lives of our members. Although we are independent of Brooklyn College, we owe it a debt of gratitude for giving us a home. We would not be able to exist without the support of the college.
BLL, founded as the Brooklyn College Institute for Retirees in Pursuit of Education (IRPE) in 1977 under the leadership of Violet D. Klein, its first president, began with a membership of 150 and only a few course offerings. From the beginning, Leslie Jacobson and Vi Klein and her group laid down certain basic principles that would guide the new organization and to which we still adhere.
- BLL is self-governing and independent of Brooklyn College.
- Policy is established by a Board of Directors and carried out by the president and officers. A number of committees assist in the formulation and execution of policy.
- Membership dues are kept as low as possible.
- Services are provided by volunteers.
- BLL is academically oriented, run by adults for adults to provide intellectual stimulation, information and recreational activities.
- BLL plays a social role in its participants’ lives, centering on the commonality of intellectual and other interests.
- The curriculum emphasizes but is not restricted to academic learning. Courses cover a range of topics and interests.
