The Bushwick branch of the Brooklyn Public Library will close on June 5, for a major renovation project expected to last about two years, according to The Brooklyn Public Library and News 12 Brooklyn.
The closure will temporarily suspend access to a heavily used neighborhood facility that provides free internet, study space and youth programming.
The Brooklyn Public Library said the work is needed to modernize aging infrastructure and preserve the long-term stability of the century-old building.
The project includes replacing the heating and cooling system, installing a new roof and completing structural and systems upgrades. The branch will remain open for in-person voting during the June 23 primary before construction begins in full.
During the closure, the library system plans to provide limited services through Bookmobile stops and off-site programming to offset the loss of access to computers, internet services and educational support.
At a Community Board 1 meeting, residents raised concerns about the length of the closure and its impact on access to safe study and recreational space.
The branch is an important resource for children, older adults and low-income families. Some noted uncertainty about nearby alternatives, including branches in DeKalb, Williamsburg and Leonard, which may be farther away or also affected by future renovations.
News 12 Brooklyn reported ongoing concerns about how residents will maintain access to services during the closure. The New York City Comptroller’s office has previously warned that library renovations across the city can reduce access to neighborhood resources, including cooling centers during extreme heat.
The library system said updates on scheduling and programming will be released as the project advances.
