Saturday Rally Will Protest Sale of Sunset Park Library

• Pictured: the Sunset Park Library. Image via Google Maps

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — A rally protesting the proposed sale and redevelopment of the Sunset Park Library is planned for Saturday.

Citizens Defending Libraries, a Brooklyn-based group that for years has loudly opposed city plans to fund public libraries through deals with private developers, is behind the demonstration.

The rally will he held at noon Saturday outside the Sunset Park library branch, located at 5108 4th Ave.

Under a proposal that has yet to receive city approval, the existing Sunset Park Library, one of the busiest branches in the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) system, would be demolished in 2017.

In its place, the Fifth Avenue Committee, a local nonprofit, would redevelop the site as an affordable housing complex with a new library inside.

During an estimated two years of construction, the BPL has proposed opening up a smaller library in the former courthouse at 4201 4th Ave.

The Fifth Avenue Committee says the redevelopment plan will result in a more modern library for the Sunset Park community, with amenities that can't be provided under the BPL's current budget.

But opponents say the city should invest in Brooklyn's libraries rather than turning to privatization to fill budget holes.

Much like in Sunset Park, the Brooklyn Heights Library is also scheduled to be redeveloped. Under the plan, a developer would build a new public library inside a luxury condominium tower, plus throw in some off-site affordable housing.

The New York Post recently reported that federal and city investigators are examining whether the city violated contracting rules when inking that deal. The BPL, Mayor Bill de Blasio and developer David Kramer, who won the contract, have all denied wrongdoing.