Crown Heights, Central BK Library To Open For In-Person Service

BROOKLYN, NY — Thirteen library branches in Brooklyn, including the Central Library, will welcome back patrons for in-person services for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, the library announced.

The Brooklyn Public Library — which has offered only grab-and-go book pick-up since reopening last summer — announced Thursday that they will open up the 13 branches for in-person book browsing and use of its computers starting May 10.

The New York Public Library and Queens Public Library will also launch services that day at select locations.

"All patrons in all systems must follow safety protocols, including wearing masks, social distancing, and respecting time limits to ensure that as many patrons as possible can utilize services," the library systems said in a release.

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.

The expanded services will be added to all of the grab-and-go library branches in the coming weeks should everything go as planned. A full reopening is likely in 2021, library officials said.

The public library systems have continued to host programs and events virtually throughout their closure, including online story times, book clubs, job search help and other services. They will continue these virtual programs after May 10 and also plan to add outdoor programs to the schedule, according to the release.

Here are the Brooklyn branches that will offer the expanded services starting May 10:

Brownsville

Canarsie

Central

Clinton Hill

Coney Island

Crown Heights

Flatbush

Ft. Hamilton

Greenpoint

Kings Highway

Midwood

Mill Basin

Red Hook