Brooklyn Public Library celebrates 125th anniversary by announcing two new facilities • Brooklyn Paper

The Brooklyn Public Library has announced two new facilities at its main library to celebrate 125 years of book lending in the borough.

Borough leaders gathered at Grand Army Plaza on Nov. 29 to issue a proclamation to the storied book lender, celebrating 125 years of service to Kings County and announcing the opening of two new facilities at Central Branch, Civic Commons and TechMobile were officially released.

“As we celebrate this institution’s 125th anniversary this year, it’s also worth thinking about what the next 125 years will hold and how the library can deepen its commitment to equity.” said Mayor-elect Eric Adams. The office issued a statement to the library. “His two new facilities we are announcing today, Civic Commons and TechMobile, are a sign of the future.”

Civic Commons was built as part of the refurbishment of the Art Deco main branch building with $2 million in funding from Borough Hall and will serve as a dedicated hub for organizations that foster public engagement. The library says it will include rooms for public meetings, a computer lab, IDNYC and passport offices, and rotating “community partner offices.”

A library spokesperson said the Commons corresponds to the library’s goal of helping Brooklyn residents become active members of their communities.

“Equity and democracy have long been central to the mission of the Brooklyn Public Library,” said Fritzi Bodenheimer. “Civic Commons embodies our goal of providing all Brooklyn residents with the resources and space they need to participate in public life.”

TechMobile acts as a mobile computer lab, providing technology services such as wireless Internet access, rental laptops, desktop computers, and printing services to communities in need. This is part of the library’s efforts to bridge the “digital divide” that creates obstacles in people’s lives. Areas lacking resources.

“These new facilities address the challenges that immigrant New Yorkers face in accessing city services, and the shameful digital divide that prevents people of all ages from reaching their full potential. It will help address some of the city’s most pressing issues,” Adams said. . “We are extremely proud to have been allocated funding for both of these facilities and look forward to working with library leadership to continue providing the services that Brooklynites and New Yorkers depend on.”