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.
Brownsville Library has served patrons for more than 100 years and is due to receive a full-scale renovation. An original Carnegie branch, the elegant, 9,600-square-foot building is constructed of elaborate brickwork, limestone trim and a columned portico. Inside, Brownsville Library contains an open reading room with two fireplaces. With several large public housing facilities in the Brownsville neighborhood, the library is popular in its vibrant community for providing career help and well attended teen programming.
Anticipated to begin in 2023, Brownsville Library will undergo a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation. Inside, the library’s outdated systems will be replaced. This includes the mechanical, heating and cooling, electrical, fire alarm, security and plumbing systems. In order to better accommodate Brownsville Library’s public programming, the interior spaces will be reconfigured and new walls, floors, ceilings, shelves and ADA-compliant bathrooms will be installed. The library’s exterior facade will be fully restored, and environmentally friendly landscaping will be added.
The Brownsville Library restoration project recently completed the design phase and construction is anticipated to begin in 2023 and will last for approximately three years, during which time the branch will be closed. In 2026, Brownsville Library is expected to reopen and welcome patrons back to a better equipped, more comfortable space.
Beginning in 2023, Brownsville Library will undergo a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation that will last for approximately three years. The library’s outdated systems will be replaced, interior spaces will be reconfigured and new walls, floors, ceilings, shelves and ADA-compliant bathrooms will be installed. All of the library’s exterior facades will be fully restored and environmentally friendly landscaping will be added.
Brownsville Library’s restoration project is currently in the design phase, which continued through 2022. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023; during construction the branch will be closed to the public. Brownsville Library is expected to reopen and welcome back patrons in 2026.
Library programs will be hosted at neighborhood organizations.
The renovation is estimated to cost $20 million in capital funds, which were allocated by Mayor de Blasio.
Yes. We partnered with the Brownsville community in a variety of ways, including:
- Community events to get feedback and ideas on the library’s design and renovation
- Targeted activities with specific patron groups (i.e. teenage patrons)
- Report-back sessions to present our findings.
- Community board presentations
NYC’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will manage this project for Brooklyn Public Library. The selected architect is LTL Architects.
Brownsville Library has served patrons for more than 100 years. An original Carnegie branch, the elegant, 9,600-square-foot building is constructed of elaborate brickwork, limestone trim and a columned portico. The branch suffered a fire in 1922 and went through two major rehabilitations from 1960-63 and 1986-89. Brownsville Library’s roof was replaced in 2012.