BPL Unveils $15M Renovation For Flood-Resistant Red Hook Library

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN — Designs for a $15-million revamp of Red Hook's library have been unveiled, complete with updated flood protections and new outdoor spaces.

Architects leading the library upgrade gave a first look at what they have planned for the Wolcott Street branch during a presentation to Community Board 6 late last month, showing for the first time updated designs since the project was first announced in 2014.

The reveal comes after the Brooklyn Public Library decided to drop an arts nonprofit that originally proposed shrinking the library's floor space. Library officials spent the years since meeting with residents to create their own plan for the library.

The upgrade is set to start next fall and will take about 18 months to complete, officials said. During construction, residents will be able to use a "Bookmobile" mobile library and can go to library programs hosted at local organizations.

Here's a look at what the new designs include:

The new library will includes replacing outdated mechanical systems, reconfiguring the indoor spaces and reinforcing flood protections for the building. The design will comply with New York City "Dry Flood Proofed" building codes.

New spaces being built during the renovation include more outdoor facilities. There will be public seating added outside the library, an outdoor reading and activity area and a new entrance to the library in the garden so that a community room can be used for events.

The outdoor upgrades also include removing front gates to create a more welcoming space and putting in native plants and evergreens to improve the landscaping.

Inside, the renovation will bring floor-to-ceiling windows to bring more light into the library. New windows will be added to the public and staff areas.

The indoor space will feature a teens' reading space for the first time, a dedicated children's room, a community room with a separate garden entrance for after-hours meetings and two other small meeting rooms. It will also get new furniture and upgraded technology.

The $15 million renovation includes funding from Council Member Carlos Menchaca, the New York City Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio. The garden project and new technology funding comes from $135,000 allocated through Council District 38’s Participatory Budget process, where residents were able to vote on which projects they'd like to fund.