The Brooklyn Public Library marked the reopening of the Gerritsen Beach Library on Dec. 12, welcoming the community back to one of the city’s most scenic branches. Situated along the waterfront and overlooking the Shell Bank Channel, the library has long been a neighborhood landmark.
Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library, said the branch’s return restores an important community hub, offering children’s story times, career-focused programs for adults and performances for families, all within the library’s distinctive waterfront setting. She also thanked government partners for their support and expressed enthusiasm about reopening the doors to the public.
"The Library is a hub for the community, offering story times for children, career programs for adults, and performances for the whole family—all from this beautiful waterfront building," Johnson said.
The renovation project was managed by the New York City Department of Design and Construction and included a full roof replacement, along with repairs to masonry, parapets and roof trusses. Interior spaces were repainted, outdoor areas were landscaped and prepared for programming and the children’s section was refurbished and enhanced to better serve young readers.
DDC Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle praised the project team for completing the $2.4 million renovation six months ahead of schedule and under budget. He noted that the work addressed long-standing water damage, restored key structural and façade elements and introduced new resilient roof systems designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term operating costs for Brooklyn Public Library.
The first Gerritsen Beach Library opened in 1932 with a collection of 3,000 books. The current building, which opened in the 1990s, has served the neighborhood for decades and endured significant damage during Hurricane Sandy. With sustained community support, the branch was able to reopen after the storm and continues to function as an anchor for the area.
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse emphasized the library’s role as more than a building, describing it as a place of learning, opportunity and connection for local families. She highlighted the many community events her office has hosted at the branch and praised Brooklyn Public Library as a strong partner, expressing appreciation for the work that created a safe and modern space for residents.
Assemblywoman Jaime Williams also welcomed the reopening, underscoring the library’s role in building community through both information and inspiration. She described the branch as a vital resource that has long supported and strengthened the surrounding neighborhood.
State Senator Sam Sutton called the library’s return a moment worth celebrating, noting that the Gerritsen Beach Library has always served as a gathering place and learning center and said he was pleased to see it restored and ready to serve families once again.
