$3.5M secured in state funding for Brooklyn libraries

An additional $3.5 million in funding for much-needed renovations and upgrades to Brooklyn’s public libraries has been secured by State Senator Iwen Chu (D–NY) of Dyker Heights, South Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Sunset Park, Borough Park, Bensonhurst and Gravesend.

According to The City, a local news consortium, as of June 2023, Brooklyn has a $383 million capital shortfall for necessary repairs and maintenance of its buildings. 

With the new money allotted, the BPL system will receive $3,522,392 — according to a press statement delivered to the Brooklyn Eagle from the office of Sen. Iwen Chu on Aug. 28 — the second highest among the 197 projects statewide funded by the State Aid for Library Construction Program this year in the 2023-24 state budget. 

The project will renovate the Central library branch of Brooklyn Public Library by redistributing office space and providing new, upgraded spaces to the public. 

In FY23, Brooklyn Public Library welcomed 4,063,916 patrons into all branches, a 32% increase from 3,091,402 in FY22.

The funding comes from the aforementioned $34 million secured in the state budget. The investment is divided across public libraries and systems throughout New York State to support construction and renovation projects. 

Project activities eligible for grant awards from the state include financing broadband infrastructure projects, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation or rehabilitation of existing space. 

The projects can include roof replacement; the purchase and installation of alternative energy sources; new HVAC systems (like in Carroll Gardens); windows, doors and lighting systems; electrical upgrades; and the construction of new or the replacement of walkways and parking lots as well as stand-by generators and EV charging stations. 

New furniture, shelving, and equipment,…