The Brooklyn Public Library on Tuesday celebrated the re-opening of the Leonard Library, which has been serving the Williamsburg community for nearly 120 years.
The renovations including fixing the branch’s laylight, a new roof and the installation of modern energy-efficient HVAC system to ensure the building will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
“Leonard Library has served the Williamsburg community for nearly 120 years, adapting to the neighborhood’s changing needs,” Linda E. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Public Library said in a statement. “Protecting stories from all perspectives has always been the mission of a public library but has rarely been more important than at this time in our nation’s history. Upgrading Leonard helps us to preserve this beautiful Carnegie Library and the stories it houses for another generation.”
In addition, the building’s interior was painted and new energy-efficient lights, ceiling tiles and stair treads were installed. Interior doors were replaced to improve visibility and safety.
“Anyone who grew up in Williamsburg knows and loves Leonard Library," said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. "It’s a community space that embodies the spirit of our borough; even during its closure, Brooklyn Public Library ensured that its patrons weren’t left without access to books and resources."
While the building was undergoing renovations, Nellie, a book cart designed and constructed by Librarian Lauren Comito, made its way around the neighborhood, allowing patrons to stay connected with the library.
The Leonard Library is the iconic library visited by Francie in Betty Smith’s beloved book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and is designated a literary landmark.
