Crown Heights Public Library on Eastern Parkway To Expand by 50% Under New Renovation

NYC has announced the start of a $36 million project to renovate and expand the Eastern Parkway Library, increasing the branch’s public space by more than 50% while preserving its historic site architecture. The renovations are expected to be completed in the summer of 2028.

“The Eastern Parkway Library has served Brooklyn for over a century. The renovation — which will bring more natural light into the branch, add modern technology and create inspiring spaces — will ensure that Eastern Parkway Library can serve the community for another 100 years,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “Thanks to Settlement Housing Fund, Amazon and IKEA, we are opening a temporary library in the neighborhood this fall, ensuring vital library services remain accessible throughout the construction process.”

The Eastern Parkway Library has served the Crown Heights community since 1914. The Carnegie library is a two-story Classic-Revival building with a limestone façade and distinctive long, arched windows. The library features double-height reading rooms with abundant natural light and mezzanines overlooking the lower floor.

The expansion will add a large glass façade to bring more natural lighting into the library and make the building fully ADA-compliant with a new elevator and entrance ramp. The redesigned branch will include dedicated reading and learning spaces, including a multipurpose room with a projector, a main reading room, a teen zone, two children’s zones, a STEAM room, a community room and a classroom in the restored fireplace room.

Renderings of the renovated Eastern Parkway Library interior.

The library will also feature a renovated courtyard with outdoor seating and a third-floor reading terrace surrounded by greenery. Through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Percent for Art Program, artwork by New York-based artist Oasa DuVerneywill be displayed throughout the library.

The building will receive modern, energy-efficient lighting, as well as upgrades to its plumbing, HVAC and fire alarm systems.

During construction, library services will continue at a temporary pop-up location provided by Settlement Housing Fund, with furnishings donated by IKEA and additional support for interim library services provided by Amazon. When the pop-up library opens this fall, patrons will be able to check out books, attend programs and use technology.

Funding for the renovation is provided by the Office of the Mayor, the New York City Council, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and the New York State Assembly.

“The Eastern Parkway Library has been opening doors to opportunity for Brooklynites for more than a century, and I am proud to help fund the transformation of this beloved landmark,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Libraries are one of the most important public resources we can invest in, and this redesign will create more modern, accessible spaces that our communities deserve. Thanks to the Brooklyn Public Library and the Department of Design and Construction for ensuring that the Eastern Parkway Library continues serving Crown Heights and Brooklynites for generations to come.”