Brooklyn, NY— Council Member Chaim Deutsch joined Brooklyn Public Library today to celebrate the reopening of the Brighton Beach branch, which closed in early 2016 for the installation of a new HVAC system, energy-efficient lighting, shelving, furniture, wired computer tables and signage.
“We look forward to welcoming the residents of Brighton Beach back to a much improved library,” said Lisa Rosenblum, Brooklyn Public Library’s director and chief librarian. “Thanks to the support of Council Member Deutsch, his city council colleagues and the administration, Brighton Beach Library is now a much more comfortable and inviting environment for our patrons.”
During the closure, Council Member Deutsch worked with the Library to open a computer lab next door to the branch, at the Shorefront Jewish Community Council. A BPL Bookmobile visited the area twice per week, and staff continued to host programs locally at schools, senior centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
“I’m excited to participate in the grand re-opening of our Brighton Beach library!” said Council Member Deutsch. “The library has been an essential resource for our community, providing programming for children and adults, computer and internet access, workshops, and of course – books! With these long awaited upgrades, library-goers will be able to make use of a new heating and cooling system, new shelving, new wired computer tables, new lighting, and other improvements. I am proud to have worked with the Brooklyn Public Library during the closure to provide Bookmobile service, computer usage via the Shorefront Jewish Community Council, and social opportunities for seniors in local centers. I look forward to enjoying our newly improved Brighton Beach Library branch, alongside my constituents, for many years to come!”
Brighton Beach is one of Brooklyn’s busiest public libraries, with Russian-language materials in particularly high demand. The branch is open Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Tuesday, 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Wednesday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; and Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The city’s Department of Design and Construction managed the renovation project at Brighton Beach Library.
“Libraries provide valuable opportunities for education and personal growth and we’re proud to deliver this renovation to the Brighton Beach community with our partners at the Brooklyn Public Library,” said Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora from the NYC Department of Design and Construction. “By improving the air system and installing an acoustic screen to minimize extraneous noise, we aim to enhance the experience of those who use the library and make it a durable community resource for generations to come.”
“Shorefront Jewish Community Council was honored to host the libraries computer lab while the site was under construction,” said Shorefront Jewish Community Council site director Rachel Krich. “When community organizations work together like this everyone benefits. We are thrilled to see the Library reopen and are excited to work together again in the future.”
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About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org.