Multi-Phase Plan for Central Library Overhauls Outdated Infrastructure, Creates New, Inspiring Public Spaces and Grows Publicly Accessible Space by 50 Percent
Brooklyn Public Library Is Partway Through Its Most Significant Revitalization Period to Date as One-Third of Its Branches Are Rebuilt and Fully Renovated.
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Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) announced the start of the second phase of its ambitious, $150 million capital plan to upgrade Central Library, its flagship branch. The renovation of Central Library is a capstone for the most significant era of branch revitalization in BPL’s history, as one third of its branches are rebuilt and fully renovated. The renovation will significantly increase available public space at Central Library, while maintaining the deep collections needed for recreation and research.
With new and expanded spaces for children, teens, and adult learners, the renovation of Central Library is an investment in the borough’s future,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “Thanks to Toshiko Mori, the building’s new design will both preserve the original Art Deco architecture and increase available public space, providing generations of Brooklynites more inspiring reading nooks, classrooms, and community spaces.”
“The Central Library is more than just a library — it is one of the city’s most invaluable and important community spaces,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “That’s why I am proud that our administration restored more than $58 million in funding to our city's three public library systems, invested a total of $489 million for Fiscal Year 2025, and baselined $42.8 million in funding every year moving forward — providing peace of mind to our entire library system. From hosting generational defining cultural exhibits to serving 1.3 million visitors annually across the globe, the Central Library carries an international reputation for its excellence and leadership. With an updated brand new tech center, revamped adult learning center and restored collection area, the Central Library is continuing to provide inclusive, critically needed services to all who come through its doors.”
Key Features of Phase Two:
- Updated Adult Learning Center: Includes dedicated collections, a state-of-the-art computer lab, a seminar room for courses and meetings, and flexible gathering spaces for lifelong learners. BPL’s Adult Learning programs provide New Yorkers with opportunities to increase basic skills in reading, writing, and math, prepare for the HSE and GED exam, learn English and much more.
- New Teen Center: Features expanded collections, an inviting study area and a Tech Center, which will include flexible multipurpose rooms, recording pods for music and podcasts and a gaming center.
- Restored Collection Areas: Maintains historical elements while increasing functionality and providing inviting spaces to read, work, and learn.
- Renovated Children’s Center: Restores space’s historic grandeur, while introducing informal playful gathering spots, interactive shelving displays, a technology center and reading nooks.
All renovated areas will receive full mechanical, plumbing and electrical upgrades. The library’s system-wide data center will also be upgraded. Additional work will include restoring Central Library’s Trustees Rooms, and the building’s exterior facades and roof.
To allow for regular library operations to continue without library closure, the current renovation phase will be carried out in stages and is expected to be complete by 2027. The current phase has a budget of $95 million, generously supported by City and State funding as well as private donations raised though the ongoing capital campaign, For Brooklyn: The Future is Central. BPL is continuing to raise funding for the final stages of the renovation.
Phase One of construction was completed in May 2021, with close to $40 million in generous funding from government and private partners. BPL engaged renowned architect Toshiko Mori to restore Central Library to its original grandeur and transform it into a more flexible, modern building that meets the needs of today’s library patrons. The Library is working with Gilbane Building Company as the construction manager and Envoie Projects as the Owner's Representative.
The first phase of the renovation returned space formerly used for administrative needs back to the public, and created four new spaces for the public to enjoy, including: the Civic Commons, a space for community engagement, including passport and IDNYC Services; the New and Noteworthy book gallery with librarian-curated book titles; an enlarged and modernized Business and Career Center for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners; and the Major Owens Welcome Center dedicated to Brooklyn’s ‘Librarian of Congress,’ formerly a librarian at Central Library before being elected to Congress.
With more than 1.3 million visits per year, Central Library is among the busiest buildings in the borough. Throughout all phases of its renovation, Central Library will remain open to the public. Before embarking in the renovation process, BPL hosted interactive community engagement opportunities, focus groups, and surveys in the library and online, gathering robust input from the public. The Library plans to continue engaging the public and will hold more community engagement sessions to plan for future phases of the renovation.
Long-term plans for future phases of the project include repurposing lower-level storage areas for public use, as well as connecting Central Library to Mount Prospect Park through an elevated outdoor reading garden.
This renovation is part of the largest spate of library redevelopment since the Carnegie era. With the help of government and private partners, Brooklyn Public Library has invested in narrowing a capital needs gapto deliver outstanding new library designs, provide inspiring spaces and update aging infrastructure throughout the borough for all New Yorkers.
“Brooklyn’s Central Library is one of New York City’s premier educational, cultural, and civic institutions, offering free resources to all Brooklynites since it opened to the public in 1941,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “The City is honored to commit funding to this next phase of renovations that brings a state-of-the-art teen center, adult learning center, and multiple improved spaces for patrons of all ages to the heart of Brooklyn.”
"The Brooklyn Public Library's Central Branch is a historic institution and a landmark in our borough," Congressman Dan Goldman said. "Our City's libraries are centers of knowledge, exploration, and community. With the first phase of planned renovations complete, I am excited to see the library start work on the second phase, which will update facilities for the whole family and restore elements of the building's historic collections areas.”
“The Central Library is one of Brooklyn’s most beloved public spaces, and these renovations will ensure that Brooklynites have even more room to read, learn, and socialize,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “When we invest in our libraries, we invest in the opportunities of our communities and the education of our youngest Brooklynites. Congratulations to the Brooklyn Public Library on the second phase of the Central Library – I can’t wait to see the new and improved space!”
"Growing up, BPL was like a second home to me- and it remains so for countless other Brooklynites today. I'm extremely proud to represent BPL's historic flagship branch at Grand Army Plaza, a cultural jewel for the entire city. I'm so excited about the next phase of this renovation, and look forward to continuing to champion BPL and the communities it serves," said New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie.
“The Brooklyn Public Library is one of the Borough’s great resources and the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza is the jewel in the crown of the system. As the State Assemblymember who represents the Central Library, Park Slope, and the Prospect Heights neighborhood adjacent to the library, it is wonderful to see this ambitious renovation move forward. This work will make the library an even more accessible, welcoming, and dynamic place that will serve to enrich the lives of members of the community and all Brooklynites for years to come,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll.
"Libraries are our most democratic institutions, offering us all a place to spend our time and build community. They're also a home for lifelong learners. Whether providing introductory sewing classes or helping bridge the digital divide in our communities, libraries are a place where we can find new hobbies and immerse ourselves in worlds beyond our own––past, future, or fictitious. And, it is with great pleasure that I join the Brooklyn Public Library in celebrating its $150 million capital plan to upgrade its historic Central Branch, building a brand new adult learning center to support BPL's robust adult learning programming, including serving as host to Bard College's Micro College program. This investment will also create a new dedicated space for teenagers, upgrade existing collection areas, and enhance the libraries youth wing. I'm proud to have helped secure these investments and remain committed to deepening our investments in our libraries, ensuring they remain hubs of civic life," said Council Member Crystal Hudson.
For additional information, visit the Central Library renovation page on BPL’s website.
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.