A few blocks from the boardwalk, the Coney Island Library on Mermaid Avenue has turned one of its meeting rooms into a dance floor. The branch is running Argentine tango classes and swing dance classes this fall, with two different teachers for the tango.

The classes are Brooklyn Public Library programs for adults, and registration is required in advance.

The schedule

  • Argentine tango with Karina Romero: Thursdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. The next sessions are October 29 and November 5.
  • Argentine tango with Koba Shonia: Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Swing dance: Saturday, October 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday, November 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

All of the dance classes meet in Meeting Room 3.

Who is paying for it

The tango classes are supported by a grant from Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny of the 46th Assembly District. The swing classes are funded by a grant from Luna Park in Coney Island, the amusement park a short walk away on Surf Avenue.

What else is on at the branch

The dancing is part of a busy calendar at the Coney Island Library. Over the same week, the branch lists:

  • Chess classes with Vladimir Mazo on Mondays at 4 p.m.
  • Hip hop dancing for teens and tweens on Wednesday, October 28, at 4 p.m.
  • Art lessons with Alicia Degener on Thursday, October 29, at 3:30 p.m.
  • A middle school makerspace on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., and Teen Tech Time on Thursday afternoons
  • A Saturday Spooky Storytime on October 31 at 2 p.m., ahead of Halloween night
  • Free English classes through the city's We Speak NYC program

How to join

Where: Coney Island Library, 1901 Mermaid Avenue near West 19th Street, Coney Island, Brooklyn. The D, F, N and Q trains end at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue, a walk away.

How: Register in advance through each class's listing on the Brooklyn Public Library calendar. The listings do not name a fee; library programs are open to the public.

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