Jay-Z Exhibit Sparked Major Increase In BK Library Attendance

BED-STUY, NY — Thanks to Jay-Z, Brooklyn now has 14,000 new book nerds.

In just one month after the massive ode to the Bed-Stuy native opened, 14,000 people signed up for library cards, according to Fritzi Bodenheimer, Press Officer for Brooklyn Public Library.

The thousands of new readers had their eyes on limited edition library cards launched with the exhibit featuring Jay-Z album covers — available at both the Central and Marcy branches.

It's been a huge summer for the library since the exhibit launched on July 14. By Aug. 14 the Brooklyn Central had 176,000 visitors — up nearly 100 percent from June.

The hush-hush exhibit was met with much fanfare, prompting lines outside the Prospect Heights library for days.

The huge installation, which includes a replica of Jay-Z's recording studio, was expected to last through the end of September.

"He's the GOAT," said Shavonna Rodriguez, who came out on the first day of the exhibit. "He represents New York City.

Days before the Jay-Z takeover opened to the public, the famous rapper's lyrics appeared on the library's facade — immediately prompting speculation.

The library closed July 13 before a star-studded party attended by Jay-Z, who was also caught off-guard by the exhibit, library officials said.