Senator Iwen Chu Announces New York State Funding for Brooklyn Public Library

New York State Senator Iwen Chu, Chair of the NYS Senate Committee on Libraries, announces $3.5 Million for Brooklyn Public Library as a part of $34 Million budget allocation secured during the 2023-2024 New York State budget. The library will receive $3,522,392.00, the second highest among the 197 projects statewide funded by the State Aid for Library Construction Program this year in the 2023-24 budget. The project will renovate the Central library branch of Brooklyn Public Library by redistributing office space and providing new, upgraded spaces to the public. In FY23, Brooklyn Public Library welcomed 4,063,916 patrons into all branches, a 32% increase from 3,091,402 in FY22.

The funding comes from $34 million secured in the State Budget. The investment is divided across public libraries and systems throughout New York to support construction and renovation projects. The funds help libraries construct new buildings, create additions, update electrical wiring and computer technology, improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy efficiency standards, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting spaces to accommodate community needs.

Senator Iwen Chu said, “As Chair of the Libraries Committee, I’m proud to have secured funding for major renovation and upgrade projects across the public library system in New York State. With a growing dependency on technology and the Internet for our everyday lives, libraries must have the funding to stay up to date with current equipment to fulfill those needs. Technology and accessibility upgrades are necessary for New Yorkers of all ages to utilize and benefit from their local library. The Brooklyn Public Library is a valued institution that serves people of all ages in the borough of Brooklyn. The project will reorganize the Central library of Brooklyn Public Library, its headquarters, by redistributing office spaces and upgrading spaces to the public. With this funding, BPL will continue to be a vital resource for communities into the future.”

Linda E Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library said, “We extend our sincere thanks to Senator Chu, chair of the Senate Libraries Committee and a champion for libraries not only in Brooklyn but across New York State. With her support, we are able to continue restoring and modernizing Central Library while ensuring branches across the borough will have the books, programs and technology patrons rely on every day.”

The New York State Education Department State Aid for Library Construction Program Funding Announcement the: www.nysed.gov/news/2023/state-education-department-announces-34-million-197-public-library-construction-projects

Full FY22-23 Awards List www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/construc/2223Projects.pdf 

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