It’s a sequel for this library!
Young bookworms can look forward to a brand new children’s library at the Avenue J Midwood branch, the local pol announced on Oct. 1.
Councilman David Greenfield (D–Midwood) allocated $1.5 million to create a space on the second floor of the library near E. 16th Street for additional computers, more stacks filled with children’s books for young readers, and a play area for tots. Hundreds of youngsters live in the neighborhood and it’s crucial for them to have the opportunity to learn and grow their brains at a young age through reading and exploration, said Greenfield.
“This is one of the best libraries in Brooklyn, and I’m truly proud to be making it even better,” said Greenfield. “This neighborhood has more children than just about any other in New York, so it’s vital that the Avenue J Library meets the neighborhood’s needs. Our new children’s library will ensure that the library services thousands of more families for years to come.”
The Brooklyn Public Library system will also throw some cash towards the revamp and library honchos are working with the city’s Department of Design and Construction to figure out additional work needed for the stacks. Library renovations are notorious for being overdue and over-budget, but officials hope to break ground before the end of 2019. Plans for what parts of the library will need to be closed off to the public during the work is not yet clear, according to a spokeswoman.
The Midwood branch has turned many pages throughout the years — it originally opened in 1912 as a book deposit station in the Coney Island Drug Store and then moved several times until the city rebuilt it in the 1950s. In 1998, workers made the branch fully handicapped accessible, and just four years ago, with Greenfield’s cash, the Avenue J library debuted a new outdoor plaza and welcomed hundreds of new books to its shelves, according to library honchos and the city legislator’s office.
The new plans also include a designated place for parents to park their strollers, an activity room, and a quiet study area, according to information from the Brooklyn Public Library.
