13 Brooklyn Libraries Open For Browsing, Computer Use

BROOKLYN, NY — For the first time since the pandemic began, Brooklynites can browse the shelves at 13 library branches across the borough, including the Central Library.

The Brooklyn Public Library — along with the New York and Queens library systems — opened select library locations for in-person services on Monday, allowing patrons to peruse books and use computers for the first time since they closed March 2020.

The opening, first announced last month, came with an updated plan to open all library locations for the in-person services by July.

“This is another one of these turning-point moments to have the libraries back for everyone,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday.

The new services will mean patrons will need to make appointments to use computers and will have only a set period of time to browse for books. They will be required to follow safety protocols, including wearing masks, social distancing and respecting time limits.

At the Central Library, patrons will be welcomed back to an transformed facility thanks to a $38-million renovation that was completed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Library officials say all branches in the city, except those undergoing renovations, will offer the services by mid-July. The rest of the library's services, like in-person programs and classes, will be brought back "as quickly as circumstances allow," officials said.

Here are the Brooklyn branches that are open as of Monday:

Brownsville

Canarsie

Central

Clinton Hill

Coney Island

Crown Heights

Flatbush

Ft. Hamilton

Greenpoint

Kings Highway

Midwood

Mill Basin

Red Hook