Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Public Library, local elected officials and the Red Hook community today celebrated the opening of Red Hook Interim Library at 362 Van Brunt Street. The new location will serve as Red Hook’s neighborhood library while the permanent Red Hook Library undergoes a full interior and exterior renovation. In place of cutting a ribbon, the grand opening included the ceremonial switching on of an LED neon sign, and attendees were joined by children from Learning Wheels Childcare.
“We are excited to open Red Hook Interim Library, which will allow us to continue providing vital services and programming during this renovation period,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “This project is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Red Hook community. We are grateful for the support from Amazon, IKEA Brooklyn, and all of our dedicated neighborhood partners who helped us ensure that the library remains a cornerstone of learning and connection in Red Hook.”
Red Hook Interim Library will be open Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm. The new location will have materials available for all ages (including holds pickups) and patrons will have access to computers, free Wi-Fi, library card signup, and a variety of programming.
Amazon is providing generous support for library services at the interim branch, in addition to bolstering more than 250 off-site library programs reaching almost 6,000 attendees over the past year.
“Amazon is proud to continue its support of the Brooklyn Public Library, including the opening of the interim Red Hook branch,” said Carley Graham Garcia, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon in New York City. “Every community deserves access to a library. We're pleased to have played a role with
community leaders on this opening."
The location of Red Hook Interim Library was identified through the collaborative efforts of Council Member Alexa Avilés, the Friends of Red Hook Library, the leadership of Red Hook Houses West, and the Service Committee of the former Red Hook Civic Association.
“I am so grateful the Red Hook Brooklyn Public Library has found a temporary home so that our community still receives the valuable services that keep our neighborhood cohesive,” said Karen Blondel, President of the Red Hook Houses West Resident Association.
IKEA Brooklyn donated furniture and supplies to ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment for patrons of all ages. The TaskRabbit for Good team, in partnership with IKEA, assembled all of the furniture in the interim library.
“It is with immense pleasure that the IKEA Brooklyn team joins today's celebration. We are delighted that IKEA furniture serves as the medium that organizes the library's books and supplies, but more importantly, it is the connecting piece to a variety of resources that the Brooklyn Public Library will now be able to provide until construction is complete,” said Stephanie Perez, Communication and Events Specialist, IKEA Brooklyn.
The walls of the Red Hook interim library are adorned with a photo exhibition curated by Dominique Jean-Louis, the Chief Historian at the Center for Brooklyn History. This collection of photographs showcases numerous stories from Red Hook's rich history.
Upcoming programs at Red Hook Interim Library include Toddler Storytime, Comics Club for Kids, Kids Crafts, Resume Help, and Teen Time DIY. In addition, special programming will be available both onsite and throughout the neighborhood.
Over the past year, interim programming in Red Hook has been generously hosted by community organizations including Red Hook Initiative, Red Hook Houses East and West, Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Collective, Compere Collective, Hometown Bar-B-Que, Miccio Community Center, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, Pioneer Works, Red Hook Coffee Shop, Red Hook Community Justice Center, Red Hook Record Shop, Red Hook Recreation Center, and Red Hook Senior Center.
“Public libraries are the bedrock of city government. That’s why I’m thrilled that after months of tireless advocacy, Red Hook residents will once again have access to one. Members of the former Red Hook Civic Association, particularly David Lutz and Imre Kovacs, as well as my District Director Rob Aguilar refused to give up and kept fighting to identify a space. They did a tremendous job and this would not have happened without them. We also would not be here without Brooklyn Public Library. Their engagement and willingness to listen to community made all the difference. While I will continue to use the power of my office to push for expedited construction of the new permanent site, I’m excited to see our campaign for a brick and mortar library become a reality,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés.
"A good neighborhood library is so much more than just a public building—it's an essential building block for a strong community," said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. "That's why I'm so excited to celebrate the opening of this interim library in Red Hook. While the permanent library receives a comprehensive renovation to meet the needs of Red Hook neighbors, this interim space ensures our community has access to books, computers, wi-fi and educational programming for kids and adults. This is a team effort, and I'm grateful to the good folks at Brooklyn Public Library, Council Member Alexa Avilés, the Friends of Red Hook Library, the leadership of Red Hook Houses West, and the former Red Hook Civic Association's Service Committee for their tireless work to open this space."
"Today marks a significant milestone for our community as we celebrate the opening of the Red Hook Interim Library. This facility stands as a beacon of knowledge and opportunity, providing our residents with access to essential resources and fostering a love for learning. I commend the dedication of our library staff and the unwavering support of our community, whose collaboration made this day possible, especially Councilmember Alexa Aviles. Together, they have ensured that knowledge remains within reach for all, enriching lives and strengthening our community bonds," said State Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes.
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. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to 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 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.