The Carroll Gardens Library at 396 Clinton Street has a reopening date. Brooklyn Public Library says the Carnegie branch will open its doors again on Tuesday, December 1, at 2 p.m., after a two-phase renovation that added a teen space, a new heating and cooling system and new lighting, and restored the building's historic details.

To get ready, the temporary Carroll Gardens Pop-Up Library at 250 Baltic Street, which has served the neighborhood during the work, closes for good on Friday, November 6.

What changed inside

The work came in two parts. The first, managed by the city's Department of Design and Construction, built the larger pieces:

  • A new teen space on the mezzanine level.
  • A new heating and cooling system for the whole building.
  • New architectural lighting on the main floor.
  • Fire alarm and safety upgrades.

The second phase, run by Brooklyn Public Library itself, covers the elevator, which is being modernized, upgraded bathrooms, a water fountain, new and restored shelving, and other interior improvements.

The building

The library has served Carroll Gardens for more than 100 years and is one of the Brooklyn branches built with funds from Andrew Carnegie. It has more than 14,000 square feet inside and keeps its original barrel-vaulted ceiling.

Brooklyn Public Library lists Toddler Time and wellness activities for older adults among the branch's most popular programs.

Who paid for it

According to the library, the project was funded by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Council Member Shahana Hanif, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, Participatory Budgeting voters in City Council District 39, and Mayoral and City Council capital funds. The participatory budgeting share means neighborhood residents voted directly to put some of their district's capital money into the branch.

Between now and December 1

The pop-up at 250 Baltic Street stays open through Friday, November 6. After that there will be a gap of a little over three weeks with no Carroll Gardens location open.

How to go

Carroll Gardens Library reopens Tuesday, December 1, at 2 p.m. at 396 Clinton Street, Brooklyn. The Carroll Gardens Pop-Up Library at 250 Baltic Street closes Friday, November 6. The F and G trains and the B57 bus serve the area. Hours and programs for the reopened branch will be posted on its Brooklyn Public Library page.

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