DDC, Brooklyn Public Library Complete Renovation of Coney Island Library

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DDC, Brooklyn Public Library Complete Renovation of Coney Island Library

DDC: Ian Michaels, 646-939-6514, michaelia@ddc.nyc.gov
BPL: Fritzi Bodenheimer, 718-230-2402, fbodenheimer@bklynlibrary.org

(Brooklyn, NY – May 26, 2021) The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) today announced the completion of renovations to the Coney Island Library that included $1.2 million of work by DDC to convert part of the building’s second floor storage areas into two new multi-functional community rooms, with media capabilities plus new energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems. Work began in April 2019 and was completed on schedule in 12 months, even while workers took special precautions to avoid COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Councilmember Mark Treyger (center) with BPL staff and community representatives after cutting the ribbon on two new community rooms created by DDC for the Coney Island Library (Gregg Richards)

“After Coney Island Library was inundated with several feet of sand and seawater during Superstorm Sandy, Brooklyn Public Library and DDC undertook extensive work to repair and restore it with new infrastructure and amenities, including air conditioning and brand new community space,” said DDC Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer. “DDC is also happy to have contributed to Coney Island’s long-term resilience in the face of climate change, which will protect vital community assets like the library and build out one of the most extensive sewer capacity expansions in the City on behalf of DEP.”

"As our city recovers from the pandemic, we need spaces for our community to come together," said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. "We are grateful to our Borough President, Eric Adams, and Councilmember Mark Treyger, as well as our partners at DDC, for helping create a bright, comfortable, flexible community library equipped to meet Coney Island's needs in the present and the future."

"Our libraries are social safety nets and we need them as a resource now more than ever. I’m proud that I secured $620,000 in funding to upgrade the second floor of the Coney Island Library to expand 21st-century opportunities and possibilities for Coney Island families. The upgrades include a fully renovated second-floor large community room with state of the art technology and air conditioning, a laptop locker with 24 new internet-enabled laptops, a dedicated children’s space, new computers for children and adults, free Wi-Fi connections throughout the library, charging desk stations, new furniture and more. The upgrades provide our residents with the resources they need to achieve success. I thank all of the workers for prioritizing the project during the pandemic and getting it done," said Council Member Mark Treyger.

"The Coney Island Library is a true asset to the broader southern Brooklyn community, offering myriad services to local residents. These new renovations and state-of-the-art features will ensure it can deepen its mission. As an enthusiastic promoter of STEAM education throughout the borough, I particularly appreciate the branch's commitment to serving as a technology hub for people of all ages. I was proud to commit $500,000 in funding to this project, and thank Council Member Treyger and the Brooklyn Public Library for their leadership," said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

To create the new community rooms in the library, DDC installed new floors, walls, ceilings, windows and interior finishes in the upper rear of the building, converting old storage areas to attractive and comfortable spaces for the community. New air conditioning, lighting and fire alarms systems were added. New media screens now descend automatically from the ceiling and wiring was placed for future audio/video system upgrades. A foldable partition that divides the two spaces can be retracted to create one larger area when needed.

The exterior of Coney Island Library at 1901 Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn (Gregg Richards)

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.