Present

THE INTERIM LIBRARY OF SUNSET Park sits at 4201 Fourth Ave (43rd Street), eight blocks from the new site, in an unused courthouse dating back to 1931, where it shares the space with Community Board 7 and NYPD. BPL worked with Leroy Street Studio for the space and program design of the interim library. The library sits on the first floor.

According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the staff “... leveraged minimal square footage and a tight budget to provide flexible spaces and technology adaptable to shifting needs.” Yet, the interim library continues to offer a variety of events though it was half the size of the previous site. AIA says, “A central program room floats freely within the volume and defines the additional zones surrounding it, such as the children’s reading areas and a brightly lit main reading room. The team refreshed a dismal southern entrance, transforming it into a vibrant community hub anchored by the library and adjacent community meeting rooms. The rear of the building is emblazoned with multilingual signage directing patrons and the library’s staff to the restrooms and offices.”

Current Programs/Events

Currently, many programs are offered in the library, which include, but are not limited to:

1. Toddler Time at Sunset Park Library

2. Film Screening

3. Orientation Program for Technologies

4. Knitting Club

5. Home Internet Access Program

6. La Hora Magica

7. Job-oriented programs

One of the creative aspects of the library is the window art installation, which resulted from a participatory design process with high school students enrolled in the local youth program. The collaboration also made up for the lack of shading (due to the tight budget); but it had created a unique feature for the space.

Survey of Existing Library

1. People love their existing library but recognize that it can no longer meet the diverse and ever-expanding needs of the local community

2. All participants highlighted the need for even more multilingual resources and technology access

3. Participants recommended several elements needed for an innovative, creative and community-reflective library

4. Recommended an increase of restrooms (including family restrooms) and drinking water fountains that encourage reusable bottles

5. The new library as a technology access point

6. The overall lack of internet access and computer use in Sunset Park generally and recommend free Wi-Fi capabilities in and around the new library

Source: Brooklyn Public Library Community Engagement Sessions with Hester Street, Grain Collective and the Library