Brooklyn, NY— Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz joined Brooklyn Public Library on Tuesday to celebrate the re-opening of Sheepshead Bay Library.
The branch closed for approximately five months. During that time, the library was painted; new flooring, book shelving, and storage cabinetry were installed; and wall outlets, table top outlets and USB ports were added to help modernize the branch which is nearly sixty years old.
Assemblymember Cymbrowitz generously provided $275,000 funding for the project.
“Our public libraries are not just buildings but dynamic, evolving resources that educate and inspire people of all ages while also providing free and accessible opportunities for entertainment and socialization,” said Assemblyman Cymbrowitz. “I was proud to fund this important project at the Sheepshead Bay BPL branch, which will ensure that the community has a modern, full-service library to meet its needs now and in the future.”
During the opening celebration, the assemblyman read stories to children in the second grade. The children presented Assemblyman Cymbrowitz with a big thank you card for his help in renovating the library.
“We are thrilled to return to Sheepshead Bay Library,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “Our patrons now have a bright and modern space to meet, study and learn. We thank Assemblyman Cymbrowitz for his support of this project and libraries all across the borough.”
Sheepshead Bay Library is a vibrant center in the neighborhood and among the busiest branches in the borough, offering a wide range of programs including English classes for speakers of other languages, story times in Russian and Talent with Out Borders, a regular community showcase for diverse and talented performers the community.
During the closure, BPL provided bookmobile services and patrons were welcomed at nearby libraries.
For the past several years, Brooklyn Public Library has invested in closing its $300 Million capital needs gap and updating aging infrastructure system-wide. The result of that work is that one third of the libraries in the BPL system have recently been or will be replaced or overhauled.
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: https://www.bklynlibrary.org