Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Public Library unveiled a new sculptural window shading system at Sunset Park Interim Library on Thursday. The designs, created by local teens, capture their vision for the community, the environment and the importance of life-long learning.
“A successful library reflects the community it serves. We are delighted to present the art work of the student-designers from Sunset Park’s Center for Family Life, which captures their vision for the neighborhood today and in the future,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “We are grateful to Leroy Street Studios and to Councilmember Carlos Menchaca for their ongoing support of Sunset Park Library.”
Teens from the Center for Family Life’s Summer Youth Employment Program and Life Line Visual Arts Troupe worked on their designs over the summer with Mauricio Trenard, Teaching Artist.
“As an immigrant and Sunset Park resident myself, it has been an honor and source of pride to have worked on this project with students from the Sunset Park immigrant community,” said Trenard. “This beautiful art installation shows us once again the potential that the young people of this community have and what can be achieved when we involve them in the process of transforming the public spaces of their neighborhood. I hope that this new space and its art—imbued with their imagination, innovation and creativity—continue inspiring Sunset Park youth to become wonderful creators of beautiful and transformative things.”
Leroy Street Studios (LSS)—who developed 4201 Fourth Avenue Library into an interim space for the library while a new building is constructed—was an integral part of the creative process, working with the student-designers and Trenard throughout the design and installation of the system.
“This is an example of how community members can have a direct hand in creating their public space. As designers, we are moved by the life and energy these students brought to the project,” said Shawn Watts, Partner, Leroy Street Studio. “They are representative of the local expertise that helped craft this Library—their work not only embodies an element of curiosity and joy but, inspired by the neighborhood and their own experience, also creates an imprint of Sunset Park itself.
Sunset Park Library has served the neighborhood for over 100 years and is one of the busiest of BPL’s 59 branches.
“Public spaces should reflect the spirit of their communities, so who better to design them than the next generation,” said City Council Member Carlos Menchaca. “The creativity, foresight, and intelligence of young people never ceases to amaze me. These teens are the future of our communities, and I thank the Center for Family Life, the Brooklyn Public Library, and Leroy Street Studios for giving them this opportunity.”
The interim branch is housed in a former courtroom and adjacent to the Community Board 7 offices.
“As a long-time supporter of art and our library system, I welcome the Brooklyn Public Library’s sculptural window shading system at Sunset Park Interim Library. I commend the Center for Family Life and the Leroy Street Studio for promoting a wonderful program for our children, adults and families through neighborhood-based family and social service efforts,” said Felix W. Ortiz, Assistant Assembly Speaker.
Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the sixth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: http://www.bklynlibrary.org/
Leroy Street Studio
Founded in 1995, Leroy Street Studio (LSS) is an award-winning architectural practice that combines the craft of construction with an innovative, collaborative approach. In addition to pursuing sustainable building techniques, systems, and materials, LSS employs a participatory design process that gives stakeholders an increased, hands-on role in the planning and realization of their public space. Leading projects throughout the US and abroad, LSS works with private individuals and institutions, public agencies, not-for-profits, and community groups to reimagine their built environment. To create maximum impact across a range of project types LSS has expanded its practice to include community design, construction management, historic preservation, and public art.
Center for Family Life
Established in 1978, Center for Family Life is a neighborhood-based social service organization in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. For 40 years, the Center has grown with the Sunset Park community, responding to emerging needs with effective and innovative programs. Today, our comprehensive services in counseling, employment, education, and youth development engage more than 16,500 individuals in 11,000 families each year at eight community locations. The Center’s mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, adults and families in Sunset Park through the provision of a comprehensive range of neighborhood-based family and social services. We partner with the community to provide access to resources and opportunities for personal growth and the development of interpersonal relationships that sustain and nurture families, support youth to develop into confident, capable adults and enrich the quality of life for neighborhood residents.