Renovations Make Historic Library Safer, More Inviting
Brooklyn Public Library’s historic Arlington Library has reopened after months of renovations. The branch is now safer, brighter and more inviting with its new roof, improved drainage system, newly painted interiors, energy-efficient lighting and other critical infrastructure improvements.
“Arlington Library is a Brooklyn landmark that has served the community for more than one hundred years,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda Johnson. “We’re thankful to our patrons for supporting us as we renovated their library, and we look forward to working with city leaders to address the considerable capital challenges we face throughout our sixty branches.”
Arlington Library’s service in its current location dates to 1906, when the two-story classical revival structure was among the libraries built by a $1.6 million gift from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. The branch has undergone two previous renovations, in the early 1950s and in 1980, and the most recent improvements ensure that Arlington Library will remain one of the best preserved of the original Carnegie libraries.
“We’re grateful to Brooklyn Public Library for investing in a facility that many residents of the Cypress Hills community depend on for information and recreation,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal, who represents the neighborhood in the New York City Council. “Our families, and all Brooklynites, deserve safe, inviting and fully functional libraries.”
Brooklyn Public Library’s Bookmobile provided twice-weekly service at Arlington while the building was closed for renovation. The Library also renovated its Clinton Hill and Stone Avenue branches in 2014.
# # #