NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) celebrates the grand opening of its long-awaited branch, the Brooklyn Heights Library, at 286 Camdan Plaza West.
At over 26,000 square feet, the Brooklyn Heights branch is now the second largest library in the system. It contains a children’s area, a library for teenagers, a multipurpose room with capacity for 225 people, rooms for public meetings, and many spaces to search, read, write, see and think.
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The new Brooklyn Heights Library has been made possible by an innovative BPL redevelopment project in collaboration with New York City Economic Development, which has raised funds through property sales to generate $52 million for BPL, 40 million for repairs and aid to offices within the system, and 12 million for the interior design of the Brooklyn Heights Library.
Architect-designer Gensler has endowed the space with double-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Cadman Plaza landscape.
The Brooklyn Heights Library anchors One Clinton, a 38-story tower housing 134 modern condominiums. Developed by The Hudson Companies and designed by Marvel, One Clinton was designed to blend in with its community, honoring the architectural fabric of New York City’s iconic First District with open layouts and inspiration from pre-war architecture.
An improved and more usable space
Brooklyn President Antonio Reynoso
“In addition to fostering improved and more usable space to meet the needs of the 21st century, this project has also helped modernize and make more accessible libraries in my district, from Sunset Park to DUMBO, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Greenpoint /Williamsburg , Bushwick and Eastern New York To help address the housing cost crisis facing our City, this project will also bring over one hundred much-needed units of affordable housing, making it a great investment for the economic, cultural and social fabric of our communities” said Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President.
“Readers and residents of all ages will find something to celebrate at this new, state-of-the-art Brooklyn Heights branch. Not only will our community regain a vital connection to all the wonderful things the Brooklyn Public Library has to offer, but many other communities across the borough will benefit as a result of the funds generated by the Brooklyn Heights project,” said Lara Birnback, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Heights Association.
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