By COLlive reporter
A major $36 million renovation and expansion of the Eastern Parkway Library is getting underway, bringing a more than 50% increase in public space, full accessibility, new children’s and teen areas, outdoor spaces and major infrastructure upgrades to the historic Crown Heights branch.
The project, expected to be completed in summer 2028, will transform the more than century-old Carnegie library while preserving its distinctive historic architecture. The library, located on Eastern Parkway and Schenectady Avenue, has been popular among neighborhood children and adults for decades.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa and Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson announced the start of construction this week.
The Eastern Parkway Library has served Crown Heights since 1914. The two-story Classical Revival building is known for its limestone façade, long arched windows and double-height reading rooms, with mezzanines overlooking the lower floor.
Under the renovation, the branch’s public space will expand by more than 50%. A large new glass façade will bring additional natural light into the building, while a new elevator and entrance ramp will make the library fully ADA-accessible.
The redesigned interior will include a main reading room, dedicated teen zone, two children’s zones, a STEAM room, community room and multipurpose room equipped with a projector. A classroom will also be created inside the library’s restored fireplace room.
Outdoor space will also receive a significant upgrade. The library’s courtyard will be renovated with outdoor seating, while a new third-floor reading terrace surrounded by greenery will offer patrons an additional space to read and gather.
The building’s mechanical systems will be modernized as part of the project, including new energy-efficient lighting and upgrades to the plumbing, HVAC and fire alarm systems. The renovated library is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification.
Artwork by New York-based artist Oasa DuVerney will also be installed throughout the library through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for Art Program.
“This project is not only upgrading the interior of this unique, two-story building, but we are also making it fully ADA-compliant and expanding public space by more than 50%,” Ochoa said. “This is what the community asked for, and what we’ll be delivering.”
Johnson said the upgrades are intended to prepare the historic branch for decades of continued use.
“The renovation — which will bring more natural light into the branch, add modern technology and create inspiring spaces — will ensure that Eastern Parkway Library can serve the community for another 100 years,” she said.
Mayor Mamdani said the investment will provide Crown Heights residents with a more accessible, efficient and welcoming library while maintaining the character of the historic building.
“This $36 million investment will make Eastern Parkway Library fully accessible, more energy efficient and more welcoming, while honoring the architecture that has made this branch a beloved part of Crown Heights for more than a century,” Mamdani said.
Library services will continue during construction at a temporary pop-up location provided by Settlement Housing Fund. Furnishings are being donated by IKEA, with additional support for interim services provided by Amazon.
The temporary library is expected to open this fall and will allow patrons to check out books, attend programs and use technology while construction is underway.
Funding for the renovation is being provided by the Office of the Mayor, New York City Council, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and the New York State Assembly.
