Future of Pacific Library

Brooklyn Public Library is in the midst of our most significant era of rebuilding in history, with one third of the Library’s system being rebuilt or renovated in the next five years. Across the borough, BPL is rehabilitating its vital neighborhood libraries with projects ranging from small restorations to full-scale renovations.

March 2023 Update: BPL and the Pacific Library community have secured $34 million to renovate Pacific Library. This project will make Pacific Library fully accessible with an elevator, improved bathrooms and new ramp. This project will also update the building's infrastructure and improve the library's interior.

The $34 million includes a $10M allocation from Mayor Eric Adams in the FY23 Adopted Budget as well as funding through the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan, proceeds from the redevelopment of Brooklyn Heights Library, and City funding allocated by former-Council Member Brad Lander.

Next Steps

BPL will be issuing an RFP for architectural services in the Summer of 2023 and aims to begin this project in 2024, after the selection of an architect and additional community engagement.

 

Community Visioning Report
Pacific Library Community Vision Report Cover
Read the report » 

In 2019, Friends of Pacific Library, patrons, neighbors and staff contributed their ideas for the future of Pacific Library through print and online surveys, an interactive bulletin board in the library, planning meetings and a visioning session. These were compiled into the Pacific Library Community Visioning Report (.pdf).

Throughout these different activities, several common themes that emerged:

Accessibility: Elevators, ramps and other accessibility issues must be addressed to activate all areas of Pacific Library.

Improve and Maximize Interior Spaces: Well balanced and flexible spaces that are large but can be used in ways that maximize the space are necessary for this growing neighborhood. Examples mentioned include: reading rooms, seating areas, designated space for kids and teens balanced with meeting rooms, classrooms and multi-use spaces.

Second Floor Space: The large second floor space presents opportunities to address neighborhood needs, epsecially once it becomes fully accessible. Community stakeholders asked to be consulted about the best way to use this important library space.

Light: Access to natural light, improved interior lighting and better use of the vertical space were frequently cited as needs for this community asset. 

Improved Entryway: Needs to be more welcoming, have better signage and feel safer. Also, some of the architectural elements cut the space without a clear purpose. Make the space more unified and open; include artwork or murals.

Outdoor Space: Patrons love the garden and would like to see it further developed, and had ideas for other exterior features like bike parking and a bike maintenance station. 

Storage: Stroller parking, storage in classrooms and staff rooms. More storage overall.

Technology: The current layout places technology in nooks; a new layout and new technology could create a more welcoming place to explore, learn and use technology.

A Hub Location: The neighborhood is a growing cultural hub in a busy, rapidly changing neighborhood; Pacific Library is a quiet, clean, friendly space with helpful staff and dynamic programming. Community stressed the emphasis of continuing this dynamic, especially as the neighborhood grows. 

Renovation Cost Estimates: $20.9M-$39.4M

In 2019, the New York City Department of Design and Construction contracted with Shenoy Engineering to price out estimates for repairing Pacific Library. 

Localized Upgrades & Building Systems Repair 
  
Comprehensive Building Renovation 

Timeframe: 1-3 Phases

Includes:

  • Full accessibility, includes elevator, accessible bathrooms and Landmark-quality ramp consistent with historic nature of building
  • Localized upgrades and restoration of building systems
  • Facade repairs
  • Fencing repairs
  • Minimally invasive work
  • Will not meet all code requirements

Community Vision: Only addresses accessibility aspects of community vision

  

Timeframe: 1 Phase

Includes:

  • Full accessibility, includes elevator, accessible bathrooms and Landmark-quality ramp consistent with historic nature of building
  • Full Energy Code Compliance and replacement or restoration of building systems
  • Roof and facade replacements
  • Full interior renovation; change layout to activate unused spaces
  • New furniture and technology
  • Enhanced gardens, fencing and replacement of entry stairs and railings

Community Vision: Fully addresses all aspects of community vision

Cost: $20.9M–$24.9M

  

Cost: $39.4M

 

Pacific Library History

Pacific Library opened in 1904 and has the distinction of being the first Carnegie building in Brooklyn. Pacific Library is a 15,758-square-foot brick structure, composed of four levels. The the branch was extensively renovated in 1975; in 2018 Pacific Library received minor repairs, including a temporary ramp, and the Friends of Pacific Library unveiled a new garden. The Library lacks ADA access to its mezzanine, second floor, lower levels and bathrooms, and suffers from severely outdated and broken mechanical equipment. 

More about Pacific Library's history »

 

Join the Friends of Pacific Library

Help plan Pacific Library's future. The Friends of Pacific Library is a group of organized volunteers who help our neighborhood library through advocacy, fundraising and promotion. If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Pacific Library, ask a staff member for details or email friends@bklynlibrary.org for more information.