Statement by Senator Hoylman on Decision by New York Public Library to End Renovation Plans

NYS Senator Brad Hoylman, whose district includes the New York Public Library’s Central Library, and who has previously expressed opposition to the proposed Central Library renovation plan (see here), issued the following statement on the decision by the New York Public Library to abandon the plan:

“The New York Public Library is one of the crown jewels of our city and I’m extremely pleased its leadership listened to the public and decided to shelve their Central Library Plan. The new course of action keeps intact the research mission of the Central Library and allows resources to be devoted to the renovation of the Mid-Manhattan branch, which at 1.5 million visitors a year is the most popular of the circulating branches. I’m also glad that the historic stacks at 42nd Street will be preserved. I’m grateful to Mayor de Blasio, Borough President Brewer and the hundreds of scholars, historic preservationists, and everyday users who made their voices heard on this issue over the last several years. Indeed, patience and fortitude have won the day.”