Council Member Vincent Gentile Joins Brooklyn Public Library to Celebrate Reopening of New Utrecht Branch

Beautified Interior, New Furniture and Equipment Greet Patrons of Busy Bensonhurst Branch

Brooklyn, NY—Council Member Vincent Gentile joined Brooklyn Public Library today to celebrate the reopening of New Utrecht Library. The branch closed in June for a number of interior improvements, including new lighting, furniture, shelving, children’s play and learning equipment, and computer tables.

“Brooklyn Public Library is excited to welcome the community back to New Utrecht Library,” said BPL President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “We look forward to serving the patrons of this busy branch in a brighter building with more public computers and improved spaces for community programs.”

Located in Bensonhurst, New Utrecht Library ranks in the top five of BPL’s 60 branches for circulation and attendance. Popular programs include First Five Years offerings like story time and events that celebrate Chinese arts and culture. The improvements will provide patrons with a more pleasant experience at the branch until its longer-term structural challenges—including roof, HVAC and extensive exterior work—can be addressed through a larger capital project.

“The New Utrecht Library is one of the most frequented libraries in Brooklyn and with that, I’m extremely proud that it resides in my district and in Bensonhurst,” said Council Member Gentile. “Our library goers deserve these interior upgrades as they will continue to learn, engage and read in a comfortable and modern environment for years to come. I look forward to working with BPL President Linda Johnson on future projects to amplify this sanctuary of knowledge.”

The public may visit the branch during its normal operating hours: Monday and Friday, 10 am to 6 pm; Tuesday through Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm; and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.

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About Brooklyn Public Library

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth 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: www.bklynlibrary.org.