Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Public Library and Alloy Development (Alloy) opened the Walt Whitman Pop Up Library today at 240 Nassau Street, home of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club.
Alloy is generously providing 3,000 square feet of space to the Library at no charge. Patrons willbe able to browse a small collection of books, get reference help, and sign upfor a library card in this pilot program. Librarians will also host programsranging from story time to resume help.
The pop-up Library is open to the public starting today and will run through June. Hours of service are Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:45 PM.
For more information, visit: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/walt-whitman.
"Walt Whitman Library hasbeen a part of the Fort Greene community for nearly 120 years,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “I extend my sincerest thanks to Alloy Development for their generous donation of the space for the pop-up library and pilot program. While the branch undergoes a much-needed renovation, 240 Nassau will allow us to continue providing the library services the neighborhood relies on.”
“240 Nassau has a long history of serving the community, and we’re excited to continue that legacy by providing Brooklyn Public Library a pop-up space while the Walt Whitman branch undergoes renovations,” said Alloy’s Community Liaison, Elizabeth Graham. “Libraries are a critical resource and through this partnership, the community will be able to continue accessing BPL’s services and programs right here in Fort Greene. We look forward to welcoming our neighbors to the library!”
“Libraries are lifelines for working-class communities like ours. I’m so happy to see Brooklyn Public Library and Alloy stepping up to keep Fort Greene connected, educated, and empowered during the much-needed renovation ofthe Whitman Branch. Access to knowledge is access to freedom—and our community deserves nothing less,” said Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest.
“I am thrilled that the Brooklyn Public Library will provide a Pop-Up Library space at 240 Nassau while the Walt Whitman Library undergoes much-needed renovations. We know the immeasurable contributions to our communities that libraries provide, and this will ensure Brooklyn families have uninterrupted access to amazing programs, books, and resources while we eagerly await the opening of the new and improved Walt Whitman location,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson (District 35). “Thank you to the Brooklyn Public Library for always prioritizing Brooklyn families.”
“Brooklyn Community Board 2 values the creative collaboration that made this pop-up possible. Our youth need safe spaces and local enrichment opportunities now more than ever. This partnership is a shining example of how our community can come together to address critical needs,” said Lenue H. Singletary, III, Chair, Brooklyn Community Board 2.
First opened in 1908, the Walt Whitman Library closed earlier this year to undergo a comprehensive renovation and better meet the needs of the community. Patrons will enjoy an expanded interior public space with modern accessible features as well as expanded outdoor space for reading and programs.
Since acquiring 240 Nassau Street in 2023, Alloy has been committed to providing free space to nonprofit organizations to create a vibrant and lively community hub. Alloy has partnered with Madison Square Boys & Girls Club to temporarily restore much-needed after-school services at the site and has also provided free space to a dozen groups that offer youth sports, youth empowerment, mentorship, performing arts and job training to local residents.
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.
About Alloy
Alloy is committed to making Brooklyn beautiful, sustainable, and equitable. As architects and developers, Alloy sees opportunity in the diversity and complexity of the urban context, and uses great architecture and thoughtful development to positively impact the built environment. Current projectsi nclude the Alloy Block in Downtown Brooklyn and 240 Nassau Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.