A new library and environmental education center is coming to Greenpoint, Brooklyn Public Library announced.
Funded in part by the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund, the new Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center will promote environmental awareness, education and advocacy while providing a forum for community members to learn about the history of the neighborhood as well as its unique and ongoing environmental challenges.
The branch will offer space for community groups dedicated to addressing environmental issues to hold meetings and host public programming and workshops.
“We are thrilled to begin construction of the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center, which at twice the size of the current branch will have ample room for special collections and exhibitions documenting the history and resiliency of the neighborhood,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson.
“In addition to providing the books, programs and traditional library services that patrons enjoy and rely upon, we envision the center as Brooklyn’s new home for environmental stewardship and activism, with resources for the people and organizations working to preserve Greenpoint’s past and contribute to its future.”
Greenpoint Library is one of BPL’s busiest branches, known for its Polish-language collections and its diverse cultural and early literacy programs.
The new library will provide more space — indoor and outdoor — to house expanded programs and activities. The project was made possible by a $5 million grant from the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund, and over $10 million from the library.
Architecture firm Marble Fairbanks worked alongside BPL and the Greenpoint community to design the project.
