BY EMILY SUHR
The long-awaited reopening of the Gerritsen Beach Public Library has been pushed back to Dec. 11 due to construction delays, nearly a month after its previously scheduled Nov. 12 return. The branch has been closed since July 15, 2024 for an extensive capital project aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure across the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) system.
The BPL website was updated last week with the new date, attributing the delay to the final stages of construction, stating, “it’s taking a little longer than expected to put the finishing touches on the renovated branch.”
The closure is part of a wider, system-level rebuilding effort managed in collaboration with the city’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC). With a city and state capital budget, BPL has $240 million to spend for reconstruction on a third of its libraries. The renovations can take much longer than necessary because of their costs and management, as stated by the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander. According to DDC estimates, the project could take up to three years to complete, though the Gerritsen Beach location had expected to reopen ahead of schedule.
To fill the gap left by the closure, BPL has relied on Bookmobile visits and events taking place online or at other libraries to maintain a presence in the neighborhood.
Marisa Kuras, the library’s assistant branch manager, spoke about the project at a Community Board 15 meeting on Oct. 28th, offering insight to the maintenance and to discuss the reopening day plan.
“Gerritsen Beach Library closed for a necessary repair for the roof, the facade, and our community rooms,” said Kuras. “And for the last sixteen months our staff have been performing outreach in the community. But our patrons always let us know how much they miss their library and how excited they were for when we reopen.”
Despite the frustrations surrounding the extended timeline, BPL officials say it will be worth the wait. In a Nov. 15 update posted online, the library said it was “thrilled to welcome patrons back to a renovated branch featuring a new roof, ceilings, lighting, furniture, plus a dedicated children’s area and a brand-new teen space.”
If the Dec. 11 date sticks, the reopening will restore a long-missed community center that has served Gerritsen Beach for nearly a century.