Brooklyn Library Slated For $3.5 Million Renovation

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklyn Central library is slated for a $3.5 million renovation as library attendance booms across the borough.

Brooklyn took home the second-biggest chunk of a $34 million pot for construction projects at libraries across the state, state Senator Iwen Chu announced this week.

The renovations at Brooklyn Central library will include redistributing office spaces and upgrading public areas, according to Chu.

Across New York, the construction projects will include new electrical wiring and computer technology, accessibility improvements and energy efficiency upgrades.

"The Brooklyn Public Library is a valued institution that serves people of all ages in the borough of Brooklyn," Chu said in a statement. "The project will reorganize the Central library of Brooklyn Public Library, its headquarters, by redistributing office spaces and upgrading spaces to the public."

The construction comes as Brooklyn Public Library saw a 32 percent increase in patronage this year over fiscal year 2022, according to Chu.

Brooklyn Central library alone saw nearly a 100 percent increase in library patronage from June to mid-august — in large part thanks to a hush-hush Jay-Z Exhibit that launched in July.

Another library in East Harlem will also see construction thanks to a $4.4 million infusion.

The fate of New York City libraries hung in the balance in the New York City budget this year — to many New Yorkers' dismay.

In June, public libraries were spared from looming cuts totaling $36.2 million, which would have significantly affected library staffing and hours, The City reported.

"I'm energized by the overwhelming support we have received from thousands of New Yorkers who are standing with us to urge the City to support our libraries," said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library , in March.

Brooklyn in July welcomed a new public library into the Brooklyn Children's Museum, which now houses the neighboring Brower Park library.