Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse and Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Kim Council held a press conference at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Jamaica Bay Branch announcing $4 million in capital funding to improve the library. Speaker Adams and Council Member Narcisse allocated $3 million, with the remaining funds provided by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, for the infrastructure improvements to the Jamaica Bay Library in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
Video of the press conference can be found here.
“Our city’s neighborhood libraries serve New Yorkers of all ages and provide critical programs that support our communities,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to allocate $3 million in capital funding to the Jamaica Bay Branch for vital infrastructure and safety upgrades that will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Supporting our libraries remains a priority, and we will continue working with Borough President Reynoso, Brooklyn Public Library, and all stakeholders to champion these beloved community institutions.”
The funding will allow the Brooklyn Public Library to proceed with necessary upgrades to the branch’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and roof. Without this timely and critical allocation to address a funding shortfall, the completion of infrastructure improvements at the library would have been delayed indefinitely. In Council Member Narcisse’s district, 15 hours of library service were lost because of unplanned closures due to infrastructure issues in Fiscal Year 2022.
In Fiscal Year 2024, the Council was instrumental in restoring $36.2 million in operational funding for the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library and Queens Public Library collectively. Overall, the city budget allocated nearly $130 million in operations funding for BPL. In addition, the Council directly provided $9.6 in capital funding for infrastructure projects at BPL branches.
“My commitment to education and community development is unwavering,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. “Together with City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, we’re proud to have secured $3 million in funding for the renovation of the Brooklyn Public Library Jamaica Bay Branch in Canarsie. This investment reflects the City Council’s dedication to providing our community with a modern, welcoming space for learning and growth. Libraries are at the heart of our neighborhoods, and this project will ensure that residents of all ages have access to valuable resources and opportunities. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this renovation will have on our community’s future.”’
“Public libraries provide essential services that go beyond free access to literature, and we have to nurture them so that they are welcoming, modern, and comfortable for everyone,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I am proud to have allocated $1 million in capital funding for infrastructure improvements to the Brooklyn Public Library’s Jamaica Bay Branch, and I look forward to continuing to work with Brooklyn Public Library, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Member Mercedes Narcisse on supporting these essential community institutions.”
“As Jamaica Bay Library celebrates 50 years serving the community, we extend our sincere thanks to Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for her leadership and tireless advocacy for this branch and for public libraries all across New York City,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “We also extend our gratitude to Council Member Narcisse and Borough President Reynoso. Their funding for improvements to the branch will ensure that we continue to provide a safe, welcoming space for generations to come.”
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