Karen recently spoke as a panelist in the Architectural League of New York’s lecture series, Current Work: Revisiting Branch Libraries. Marking 10 years since the completion of the Architectural League’s Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study, this lecture explored approaches to accessibility as public libraries continue to evolve through the current work of the firms that led the Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study in 2014. Additional panel speakers included Andrew Berman of Andrew Berman Architect, and Stella Betts and David Leven of LEVENBETTS. The panel was moderated by Leah Meisterlin.
Our 2014 Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study analyzed the 207 branch libraries within the New York Public Library system, Queens Library system, and the Brooklyn Public Library system looking at data related to public and social infrastructure, demographics, growth, and resiliency. The study also included a proposal for a new co-development opportunity that includes library space, affordable housing, and retail space. Read more about the Re-envisioning Branch Libraries project here.
Our work with MASS Design Group continues on the design of a new building for the New Lots Library in East New York. We are now in Schematic Design, working closely with Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and the community to explore opportunities to transform and expand the branch to better serve its present-day patrons as well as future generations. Sited near a historic African Burial Ground housing the remains of enslaved individuals, the design will have an emphasis on learning from the past to inform the future, interwoven with narratives of social activism, education, community, and restorative justice.
The New Lots library is one of the largest libraries in the BPL system, offering a diverse array of programs for all ages. Also a hub for educational adult learning programs, the library is one of five across the Brooklyn Public Library system that has a dedicated Adult Learning Center, catering to individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Over the past year, the branch hosted around 2,500 programs and welcomed over 168,000 visitors.
Our renovation at the Center for Brooklyn History is nearly complete and soon to be open to the public! Leading up to the renovation, we worked closely with Brooklyn Public Library and CBH staff on an assessment report to identify challenges, opportunities, and short- and long-term strategies to transform the once private institution into one that could be utilized and enjoyed by the public. Our renovation includes the revitalization of the entry plaza with new furniture for public seating, centering the entry doors and making them accessible, enhancements to the entrance lobby including a welcome desk and display monitor, adding an accessible ramp to connect the new main entry to the historic landmarked interior entry, flexible lounge seating, custom wayfinding and a new retail area. Stay tuned for more information on the grand opening.
We kicked off our work with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on a feasibility study for their Gladys Marcus Library, located within the Shirley Goodman Resource Center on the FIT campus. The library houses a repository of resources and provides a multitude of services and programs that support the university’s academic community and the international fashion industry.
We recently hosted tabling sessions and workshops with students, faculty, and the greater campus community, who have been eager to share their thoughts and visions for the new library space. Stay tuned for project updates over the following months, as we continue to work to transform the Gladys Marcus Library into a vibrant and innovative hub that meets the evolving needs of FIT.
Construction has begun at the Center for Brooklyn History (CBH), where we’ve been working with Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) to transform the building into a welcoming public destination. The current renovation focuses on the main level with a re-oriented and accessible entrance, new retail space, public lounge areas integrated into the event space, and new connections to the Fransioli Gallery, Othmer library, and exhibition spaces. This project follows a study that identified both short- and long-term strategies for CBH. We are thrilled to be working on this project that consolidates the museum collections from the two foremost Brooklyn archives!
Originally home to the Long Island Historical Society, the building was designed in the late nineteenth century by George B. Post and has since, served a unique variety of purposes. In the 1980’s, it became home to the Brooklyn Historical Society, and now the Center for Brooklyn History within the Brooklyn Public Library system.