The Brownsville Library, located at 61 Glenmore Avenue, is slated to undergo a $20 million full-scale renovation beginning in 2021, announced the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL).
With several large public housing facilities in the Brownsville neighborhood, the BPL branch is popular in its vibrant community for providing career help and well-attended teen programming.
The Brownsville Library has served patrons for more than 100 years and is due for a much-needed facelift. An original Carnegie branch, the 9,600-square-foot building is constructed of elaborate brickwork, limestone trim and a columned portico. The library's exterior facade will be fully restored and received environmentally friendly landscaping.
Inside, the library's outdated infrastructure, including the mechanical, heating and cooling, electrical, fire alarm, security and plumbing systems, will be replaced. To better accommodate public programming, the interior spaces will be reconfigured and new walls, floors, ceilings, shelves and ADA-compliant bathrooms will be installed.
The Brownsville Library restoration project is currently in the design phase, which will continue until 2020. Through various events, the library is looking for the community's input regarding design feedback and ideas. To learn more and participate in one of the upcoming community events, email plevy@bklynlibrary.org.
The construction will last for approximately three years. During that time, the branch will be closed, but bookmobile service will be provided nearby the library and programs will be hosted at neighborhood organizations.
In 2024, Brownsville Library is expected to reopen.
***Updated 11/26:
In a previous version, we stated that the BPL branch on 581 Mother Gaston Blvd. is slated for renovation and not the Brownsville Library on 61 Glenmore Avenue. This has since been corrected.
