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Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Public Library President Linda E. Johnson along with New York City Councilmember Farah Louis welcomed patrons back to Clarendon Library on Monday.
The library has been refurbished with new HVAC and fire alarm systems making the building safe and comfortable for patrons.
“I am ecstatic to be part of the reopening of the Clarendon Library—a restoration of a vital community institution that has served generations of Brooklynites," said Council Member Farah N. Louis. "From the moment I learned about the project delays, I fought tirelessly to expedite this reopening, advocating for critical inspections, testing, upgrades, and the necessary funding to bring this library back to our community. Libraries are essential community hubs that foster a sense of belonging and engagement—explicitly serving as agents of social change, providing access to resources and educational programs that address critical matters of social justice, culture, business, health, and community empowerment for residents of all ages. This milestone reflects what we can achieve when our community, city agencies, and partners work together to deliver results for Central Brooklyn, and I look forward to seeing this cherished institution continue to uplift and empower our constituents for generations to come."
In addition to the new building systems, patrons will enjoy new furniture and an updated information desk and checkout area, and a bright space from which to read, study or learn.
“We are delighted to welcome the community back to Clarendon Library, a vital resource in this neighborhood for more than 70 years,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books—they're vital hubs for community connection, learning, and growth. The Library extends our thanks to New York City Department of Design and Construction for modernizing the building. We are especially thankful to Council Member Farah Louis for her steadfast commitment to Clarendon Library and its patrons, and for her longstanding support of Brooklyn Public Library. We are equally grateful to New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn for their leadership and safeguarding of this library and those across Brooklyn. We're thrilled to reopen this cherished branch together."
The building’s exterior was also upgraded with a multifunctional plaza including new seating, planting beds, lighting, power and a custom wood book drop, allowing patrons to return books at any time of day.
The New York City Department of Design and Construction oversaw and managed the refurbishment of the branch.
“Future projects like these can be completed faster and more efficiently thanks to legislation that DDC and the Adams Administration were able to secure in Albany which gives DDC the ability to use CM-Build for certain renovation projects at the City’s three library systems,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “We’re very happy to work with Brooklyn Public Library to upgrade Clarendon Library and to create a new plaza area for the library and local residents.”
Librarians plan a wide range of programs for the branch. These include resume help, story times and the popular Ask A Tech program where patrons can get one-on-one help with phones, tablets and other devices.
"It has been both an honor and a privilege for me to secure the funding needed for the renovations of the Clarendon Library. Libraries are the heart of our communities, especially in Black communities, where they often serve as safe havens and beacons of learning,” said New York State Senator Kevin Parker. “In an era where access to knowledge and resources is crucial, these spaces provide essential support, nurturing both the minds and the spirits of our youth and families. Renovating this library is a step toward ensuring that every member of our community continues to have access to the opportunities that come with a thriving, accessible place of learning."
Programming gets under way this week with a board game session for younger children and a craft hangout for teens. A full schedule of events can be found here.
"Clarendon Library and its dedicated team have steadfastly served our community for over a century, and I join Brooklynites in celebrating its revamped re-reopening. I'm honored to have helped expedite Clarendon Library's refurbishment—implementing important improvements on the state-of-the-art institution as it keeps providing essential, free resources to support personal and professional development, foster learning and literacy, and strengthen the fabric of neighborhoods across Brooklyn,” said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.
In addition, with the support of Council Member Farah Louis, BRIC will offer high-quality classes and workshops on photography and digital arts later this year at the branch.
“Last year BRIC launched our Digital Literacy Initiative which brings media education to NYCHA developments and community organizations throughout Brooklyn. We're excited to continue to grow this program and to partner with the Brooklyn Public Library and with Council Member Farah Louis to bring this impactful programming to young adults at the Clarendon Library,” said Wes Jackson, President, BRIC Arts Media.
The Clarendon Library has served the community for over 100 years starting in 1913 as an unstaffed deposit station in Markland's Drug Store on Clarendon Road. The library has been on Nostrand Avenue since 1954 serving generations of Brooklynites.
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.