This library is way past its return date.
Information-starved locals are demanding that the Brooklyn Public Library reopen the Brighton Beach branch, which closed in the beginning of the year for renovations that were supposed to wrap up last month. Brooklynites who do not have computers or the internet at home rely on the library to get their news, and access to the latest headlines is crucial as the country readies for a new president, one local said.
“Now it’s very important — the election, the new president — we want to read. I don’t have computer, I don’t have wifi, I want to know what’s going on with the election, it’s very, very important,” said Joseph Ben-Po.
The Brighton First Road library closed last winter so contractors could upgrade its heating and cooling system, bring in new furniture, and install energy-efficient lighting — a $1.5-million renovation — according to system spokesman Adam Leddy.
When it closed in January, officials had said the branch would be lending books again by November, but now they do not know when it will reopen, Leddy said.
“As with any major renovation work, there is always the chance for delay,” said Leddy. “The Department of Design and Construction, which is managing the branch renovation project, expects to have an anticipated reopening date soon, and we will share that information with the community as soon as it is available.”
Indeed, library renovations are often delayed — typically by construction setbacks, as was recently the case with the Kings Highway and Park Slope branches, but sometimes by stranger factors, as when a termite infestation prolonged the Fort Hamilton branch’s reconstruction.
The Brooklyn Public Library system sends out bookmobiles when it closes branches are for extended periods and there will be one lending tomes for kids and adults in Brighton Beach on Tuesdays and Thursdays, said Ledddy.
But the stacks-on-wheels aren’t good enough, because they don’t have computers and periodicals, said Ben-Po.
“I use it, but it’s not a library with newspapers, computers,” he said. “I like to use everything.”
Officials were sending Brighton Beachers to the Sheepshead Bay branch, but that outfit is out of commission Nov. 28–Dec. 4 while contractors install new wired computer tables. The overlapping closures is short, but it was silly planning, and avid readers deserve at least one local branch said library user Martin Gangursky during a Nov. 29 Community Board 15 meeting.
“Brighton Beach Library is still closed, and they’re recommending to go to Sheepshead Bay Library, but that’s closed now too,” he said. “What are they going to do, close every library? It’s very poor planning.”
The next closest library is the Coney Island branch [1901 Mermaid Ave., between W. 19th and W. 20th streets, (718) 265–3220].
