Brooklyn Public Library is in the midst of our most significant era of rebuilding in history, with one third of the Library’s system being rebuilt or renovated in the next five years. Across the borough, BPL is rehabilitating its vital neighborhood libraries with projects ranging from small restorations to full-scale renovations.
Prior to the pandemic, BPL had been planning an upgrade for the nearly 70-year-old Borough Park Library, with a focus on the building’s infrastructure and an update to the children’s areas. This planning process revealed extensive repairs were needed across the branch.
The revised Borough Park Library renovation plans now include extensive repairs to the building’s infrastructure as well as public-facing improvements on each of the library’s three levels. Infrastructure improvements will include a façade and roof replacement, ADA upgrades and a new elevator, new heating and cooling systems, new lighting, and new safety systems.
Public-facing improvements will include:
- New layouts across the first and second floors with special and separate areas for toddlers, school-aged children and teenagers. There will be dedicated storytime and arts & craft spaces for children.
- Enhancements to the large community room and tripling the number of community meeting rooms available
- New adult reading and computer areas with access to laptops
- Outdoor landscaping to create a reading garden accessible through the library
- New bathrooms, programming spaces, more computer spaces, a lactation room, dedicated stroller parking areas and more!
What is the timeline for the renovation?
The design for Borough Park Library’s renovation is currently being finalized. Construction is expected to start in 2024. After the design of the renovation is complete, BPL will have a more detailed construction timeline to share.
Will the library close?
Borough Park Library will temporarily close for this comprehensive renovation. During the construction, library staff will maintain a presence in the community through local partnerships, including hosting library programs around the neighborhood.
How much will the renovation cost and who is paying for it?
The renovation is expected to cost $22.5 million and is funded through City capital funds allocated by the Mayor and the City Council.