State Capital Funding Will Support Urgent Infrastructure Projects And Revitalize Aging Libraries
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Brooklyn, NY—New York State Assembly Library Chair Robert C. Carroll, Brooklyn Delegation Chair Maritza Davila, and members of the Brooklyn delegation announced a $13.2 million dollar investment today for Brooklyn Public Library in a check presentation ceremony at Central Library in Grand Army Plaza.
The funding will primarily support roof replacements and HVAC upgrades at 18 branches across the borough. This will ensure the Library can remain open and safe for patrons as well as increasing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
“As demand for library services rises, our buildings can’t always keep pace. Thanks to generous funding from our elected officials, we will be able to quickly address our most urgent needs, making sure our buildings are warm, safe and dry for many years to come,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “We extend our sincerest thanks to New York State Assembly Members Carroll and Davila and the entire Brooklyn delegation for their funding and support of the borough’s libraries.”
With the average age of library branches in the borough being 70 years—with 19 buildings over 100 years old—it is not surprising that many of the essential building components need replacements. Some branches depend on noisy temporary chillers in the summertime or rely on boilers well beyond their use in wintertime. Persistent roof leaks have caused significant interior damage. Installing new roofs, HVAC, fire and safety systems will ensure the library can provide consistent service to the patrons who rely on the Library.
“As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, I am proud to have worked with the Brooklyn Delegation to secure this historic funding in the State’s budget so branch libraries throughout the BPL system can undertake essential capital work. It is great to have such a fantastic partnership with BPL President Linda Johnson and her team working together to ensure Brooklyn’s libraries continue to flourish. Libraries are among our most vital and democratic civic institutions and demand our highest level of stewardship, “said Assemblymember Robert Carroll.
In addition, these urgent upgrades will deliver significant savings for the Library—including lowering energy costs and increasing energy efficiency—and align BPL with New York’s sustainability initiatives. A higher energy efficiency score positions the Library to secure additional funding.
“Brooklyn’s public libraries are the heart of our communities—places where families learn, neighbors connect, children’s imaginations take root, and opportunity begins. This $13.2 million investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that every branch remains safe, modern, and accessible for all Brooklynites. From roof repairs to energy-efficient upgrades, these improvements will help keep our libraries open and thriving for generations to come. I am proud that the Brooklyn Assembly Delegation, working alongside Speaker Heastie, came together to deliver for our borough and for the millions who rely on the Brooklyn Public Library every year,” said Assemblywoman Maritza Davila, Chair of the Brooklyn Assembly Delegation.
Branches scheduled for upgrades include Brighton Beach, Clinton Hill, Coney Island, Cypress Hills, Dekalb, Dyker, Flatbush, and Gerritsen Beach. Gravesend, Highlawn, Jamaica Bay, Kensington, Kings Highway, Marcy, McKinley, Mill Basin, Park Slope and Ulmer Park are also scheduled for improvements.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library’s online catalog. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.