Brooklyn Public Library celebrated the re-opening of Gerritsen Beach Library on Thursday. One of the most picturesque branches in all of New York, this waterfront library overlooks the Shell Bank Channel.
“We are thrilled to be back at Gerritsen Beach Library,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “The Library is a hub for the community, offering story times for children, career programs for adults, and performances for the whole family—all from this beautiful waterfront building. I extend my sincere thanks to our partners in government and can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
The Department of Design and Construction managed the project which included the replacement of the roof. In addition, repair work was conducted on the masonry, parapet and roof trusses. The interior of the branch was painted, and outdoor areas were landscaped, making them available for programming. The dedicated children’s area was refurbished and enhanced and is now ready for the Library’s youngest patrons to enjoy story time and other activities.
“Congratulations to the DDC team that completed this $2.4 million project six months ahead of schedule and $300,000 under budget,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle. “Together they were able to make the building watertight, replace parts of the structure that had been damaged by water infiltration, and restore parts of the façade and masonry parapets where necessary. The new, resilient roof systems will improve the building’s energy efficiency as well, reducing costs for Brooklyn Public Library long-term. We thank BPL for its partnership in this and many other projects.”
The first library in Gerritsen Beach Library opened in 1932 with 3000 books. The current building opened in the 1990s and has served the community ever since. The branch was significantly damaged during Hurricane Sandy but with support from the community, was able to re-open. That support continues today as the Library serves as an anchor for the neighborhood.
“Gerritsen Beach deserves a library that reflects the strength and spirit of this community. For so many families, this branch is so much more than just a building, it is a place for opportunity, learning, and connection,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. “My office has hosted countless community events here, from Thanksgiving turkey giveaways to holiday toy drives, and Brooklyn Public Library has always been an amazing partner to our district. I’m grateful for their continued commitment and for the hard work that went into creating a safe, modern space for our residents. I look forward to seeing children, seniors, and families make this beautiful branch their home once again.”
“I am delighted to see the Gerritsen Beach Library reopen,” said Assemblywoman Jaime Williams. “Professor R. David Lankes said it best. ‘Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.’ The Gerritsen Beach Library has been a tremendous source of both information and inspiration and has most certainly helped to build its surrounding community.”
“The return of the Gerritsen Beach Library is a moment to celebrate. This branch has always been more than a building. It’s a neighborhood anchor, a place to gather, and a place to learn. I’m grateful to see it restored and ready to welcome back the families who depend on it,” said New York State Senator Sam Sutton.
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.
Photo: Gregg Richards
