Greenpoint library receives $100K grant for environmental programs

April 26, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

New York Attorney General Letitia James announces a $100,000 grant for educational environmental programs at the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center in Brooklyn, supporting the community's engagement in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Photo courtesy of the Attorney General’s Office.

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Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced a $100,000 grant for educational environmental programs at the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center in Brooklyn on Sunday.

The announcement was made during an Earth Day celebration at the library, where local officials and community members gathered to mark the occasion.

The grant will support various environmental education and community engagement initiatives at Greenpoint Library, including the Greenpoint Environmental History Project, gardening clubs, science and sustainability workshops, and community environmental justice meetings.

“Earth Day is about celebrating our planet and committing to protect it for future generations,” said Attorney General James. “Every day is Earth Day at the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center, where daily programming creates invaluable opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages to learn about and connect with their shared environment. I am proud to join Commissioner Seggos in contributing $100,000 to support the Greenpoint Library’s efforts to continue bringing engaging environmental programs to North Brooklyn.”

Commissioner Seggos echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the center’s role in inspiring and educating future environmental leaders.

The Attorney General’s Office and DEC played a significant role in the establishment of the new Greenpoint Library, which opened in October 2020. They provided over $5 million through the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund (GCEF) to create a state-of-the-art green library featuring a green roof, solar power, rainwater capture and management, and high-efficiency energy and water systems. The GCEF also funded various educational resources, including books, archives, educational plans for librarians, and equipment for STEM programming.

The GCEF is a competitive grant program created with funds obtained by the Attorney General’s Office from a 2010 settlement with ExxonMobil over the Greenpoint Oil Spill. The program has awarded 80 grants totaling over $17 million to 48 locally led projects since 2011, leveraging an additional $50.4 million in matching contributions from grantees.

“Earth Day is not just about educating the public on sustainability, but also about learning practices to ensure the health of our communities,” said U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez. “The educational programs at the Greenpoint Public Library and out in the McGolrick Park will help spread awareness about the actions New Yorkers can take to help build a greener community. Thank you to New York Attorney General Letitia James for your commitment to protecting our environment.”