Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a process that allows the public to decide how to spend capital money set aside for their district. The capital funding allocated must be used toward projects that have a useful life of more than five years (except IT equipment which is 3 years) and cost at least $50,000. However, most Brooklyn Public Library capital projects cost significantly more than this, and take an average four years to move from project concept to completion.
Projects funded through Participatory Budgeting
DISTRICT | LIBRARY | PROJECT | ALLOCATION | FISCAL YEAR | STATUS |
| 39 | Kensington | Community Space Resources | $80,000 | FY13 | Completed 2013 |
| 39 | Carroll Gardens, Windsor Terrace | New Library Computers at Two Libraries | $75,000 | FY14 | Completed 2014 |
| 38 | Sunset Park | Community Room Upgrades | $60,000 | FY15 | Project incorporated into branch redesign, currently in design (update Oct. 2019) |
| 38 | Red Hook | Community Garden | $85,000 | FY15 | Project incorporated into branch redesign, currently in design (updated 10/2019) |
| 39 | Windsor Terrace | Green Roof | $85,000 | FY15 | Completed 2017 |
| 44 | Midwood, Mapleton and Ryder | Computer and Technology Upgrades at Three Libraries | $200,000 | FY15 | Completed 2015 |
| 38 | Red Hook | Technology Space | $50,000 | FY16 | Project incorporated into branch redesign and is currently being designed (updated 10/2019) |
| 45 | Rugby | Youth Technology Upgrades | $35,000 | FY16 | Project incorporated into branch renovation, currently in construction and expected to open Spring 2020(update Oct. 2019) |
| 39 | Park Slope | Garden Project | $250,000 | FY16 | Completed May 2017 |
| 36 | Marcy | Auditorium Upgrades | $350,000 | FY17 | This project is being designed and is estimated to be completed in Winter 2021 (updated 10/2019) |
| 39 | Carroll Gardens Library | Create Teen Space | $350,000 | FY17 | Project incorporated into branch redesign; construction is estimated to start in 2021 (updated 10/2019) |
| 39 | Carroll Gardens, Windsor Terrace and Borough Park | Bookdrops at Three Libraries | $24,000 | FY17 | Completed 2017 |
| 47 | Gravesend | Meeting Room Upgrade | $300,000 | FY18 | Project being initiated, timeline is not determined (update 10/2019) |
| 35 | Clinton Hill | Electrical Upgrade | $150,000 | FY19 | Project being initiated, timeline is not determined (update 10/2019) |
| 47 | Coney Island | Technology Upgrade | $50,000 | FY19 | Project under construction, to be completed early 2020 (updated 10/2019) |
| 33 | Williamsburg | Collections and Books | $5,000 | FY20 | Completed 2019 |
| 35 | Walt Whitman Library | Young Adult Upgrades | $250,000 | FY20 | Project merged with larger branch project, to be completed Fall 2022 (updated 10/2019) |
| 43 | McKinley Park | Meeting Room Renovation | $250,000 | FY20 | Project being initiated, timeline is not determined (update 10/2019) |
| 47 | Cortelyou Library | Upgraded entrance and plaza | $350,000 | FY20 | Project being initiated, time is not determined (updated 10/2019) |