Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams issued a proclamation today marking Brooklyn Public Library’s 125th anniversary.
“For more than a century, the Brooklyn Public Library has been a hub of learning, enrichment, and civic participation serving Brooklynites of all backgrounds. As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of this institution this year, it is also worthwhile to reflect on what the next 125 years will look like, and how the library can deepen its commitment to equity. The two new facilities we are unveiling today, the Civic Commons and the TechMobile, point the way forward. These new facilities will help us tackle some of our city’s most pressing issues, such as the difficulty immigrant New Yorkers face in accessing City services, and the shameful digital divide that holds people of all ages back from realizing their full potential. I was so proud to allocate funding to both of these facilities and look forward to working with the Library’s leadership to continue providing services that Brooklynites and New Yorkers rely on,” said Mayor-Elect and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
The founding of the borough’s public library began with an act of the state legislature “to establish and to maintain a public library and reading room” in the independent city of Brooklyn. Today, Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems with 61 locations, a thriving online library with virtual programs and digital resources, and outdoor reading rooms throughout the borough, offering access and opportunity for New Yorkers from all walks of life: immigrants learning a new language; job seekers searching for opportunities; students seeking help for homework and preparing for college; older adults seeking companionship; entrepreneurs launching their dreams; children discovering the world; and people of all ages discovering the joy of a good book.
The proclamation ceremony took place in Central Library’s new Civic Commons which was made possible with $2 million in capital funding provided by the Borough President. The new Civic Commons, opened earlier this year, is an easily accessible, dedicated hub for organizations and services that facilitate participation in public life, featuring a new entrance on Flatbush Avenue. Home to Central Library's Passport Services Center, IDNYC office, a rotating community partner office, and a computer lab, waiting patrons will find a common reception area offering plentiful seating and free WiFi. In the future, the space will host civic events such as local committee meetings, informational workshops and voter registration drives through partnerships with Brooklyn Voters Alliance, Immigrant Justice Corps, the NYC Department of Health, and others.
Following the proclamation, Adams toured the Library’s first-ever techmobile. The techmobile will allow BPL to bring much needed computer services to communities in need, both complementing the Library’s BKLYN Reach program and supporting the borough’s ongoing commitment to end the digital divide and provide reliable and affordable Internet access to all Brooklynites. Made possible with funding from Borough President Adams, the vehicle is outfitted with Wi-Fi and laptops to loan, built-in desktop computers; an all-in-one printer for copying, scanning and printing, external outlets for charging devices and much more. Plans are underway to bring the techmobile to senior centers for technology classes and to offer teens film, photography, gaming and audio workshops.
Brooklyn Public Library CEO Linda E. Johnson thanked Adams for his enthusiastic commitment to the borough’s libraries throughout his two terms as Brooklyn’s chief executive and for providing $12.5 million to rehabilitate branches throughout the borough, and upgrade computers in addition to the techmobile and Central Library’s Civic Commons.
For 125 years, in one of the most diverse cities in the country, Brooklyn Public Library has welcomed everyone into a singularly democratic and dignified space to cultivate their dreams and connect to their communities," said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. "We are grateful to Borough President and Mayor Elect Eric Adams for ensuring that everyone in Brooklyn, now and 125 years from now, has access to millions of books, vital technology, and a staggering array of other equalizing resources."
To learn more about BPL’s 125 years of service or to attend current programs, get book recommendations or acquire a library card, visit bklynlibrary.org.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.