State Sen. Gounardes announces $230,000 in funding for Carroll Gardens Library renovation

CARROLL GARDENS — State Sen. Andrew Gounardes announced $230,000 in new funding today to expand the scope of the current renovation project at the Carroll Gardens Library. The additional funding supports upgrades requested by the community, including modernizing the elevator and ensures the library will remain a modern, accessible facility as it celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2025.

“This library is a jewel of Carroll Gardens that’s been serving our community for over a century,” said Gounardes. “After so many years of service, it’s not surprising the library needs some TLC. I’m proud to provide $230,000 in new funding that builds upon the library’s renovation by ensuring it includes a modern elevator so all Brooklynites can access this historic building. With this investment, we ensure the library continues to serve Carroll Gardens neighbors for generations to come.”

During a hard-hat tour of the branch, which is currently under construction, Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson and the Friends of Carroll Gardens Library recognized the senator for his ongoing and enthusiastic support of libraries across his district.

“Carroll Gardens Library is more than a century old and modernizing it for a new generation is truly a labor of love. Thank you to the Friends group and Andrew Gounardes for their enthusiastic support,” Johnson said.

“With Senator Gounardes’ funding, Carroll Gardens Library will become a more accessible and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy for another 120 years. Our Library is very important to our community,” said Ginger Gaines, president of the Friends of Carroll Gardens Library. “We are very grateful to Brooklyn Public Library and Senator Gounardes for listening to our requests and finding the funding to make these long-needed repairs.”

With this new funding, Carroll Gardens Library can avoid a second lengthy closure. The new projects, which include bathroom upgrades and a water fountain, will begin after the current phase of work. The current phase, managed by the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), includes a new heating and cooling system, historically appropriate lighting and a teen center. The DDC phase of construction is expected to be completed in summer 2025 and the branch is expected to open later in the year.

Funding for the current phase of construction includes allocations from Council District 39 (including a participatory budgeting grant) as well as Mayoral and City Council capital funds.

Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, it supports personal advancement, fosters civic literacy and strengthens the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. 

BPL is a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through its Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library’s online catalog. BPL provides nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists and educators from around the corner and around the world. It gives patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.