Talk about a book that was long overdue!
The Fort Hamilton branch of the Brooklyn Public Library will finally reopen next spring — three years after it closed for what was supposed to be an 18-month renovation.
The lion’s share of delay can be blamed on termites, who had ravaged far more of the inside of the Fourth Avenue branch than workers had anticipated.
The news of the reopening of the branch — one of the borough’s 18 original Carnegie libraries — sent holiday cheers through Bay Ridge.
Amery Rock said her 3-year-old daughter, Darla, can’t wait for the library to open its doors.
“Whenever we pass it, she points it out,” Rock said. “She says she is going to get her own library card, and that she will be able to take out 10 books if she wants to.”
And it’s not just youngsters who are counting the days.
“Yippee,” said Jean Ryan. “I love that library, and I will be able to take my grandson there.”
Structural work was finally completed earlier this month, and a final inspection should occur before the end of the month. After that, the library — now 50-percent bigger — will be refurnished and restocked to include 18 computers and a new “First Five Years” area for young children.
“We are all quite excited about the upgrades that are being made at Fort Hamilton and we’re sure that our customers will share in the excitement,” said library spokeswoman Malika Granville.
Sounds beautiful, but just don’t try to use it on a weekend, as the branch will only be open on the five days of the workweek.
“The lack of weekend hours in unfortunate,” said Doris Cruz, who regularly used the library when it was open. “That’s the time when people need them.”
Fort Hamilton branch library [9424 Fourth Ave. at Fort Hamilton Parkway in Bay Ridge, (718) 748-6919] will reopen in spring. The hours will be Monday and Friday, 10 am–6 pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 1–8 pm; and Wednesday, 1–6 pm.
