Laura
09-15-2007, 11:49 PM
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=9&aid=73581
Officials Show Off New Look For Brooklyn Public Library
September 13, 2007
The Brooklyn Public Library unveiled a new look Thursday, following the trend of libraries being locales for more than just borrowing books. NY1’s Roger Clark filed the following report.
Officials hope that the new main entrance for the Brooklyn Public Library will serve as a front porch for the neighborhood.
"It's really important for people to feel they have a place within the community where they can come together and engage with people from a variety of backgrounds and ages, and so the library provides that,” said Brooklyn Public Library Executive Director Dionne Mack-Harvin.
The renovated library now has new stone benches, wireless internet access, fountains, better accessibility for the disabled, and a larger gathering area and space for events like concerts.
"We changed the proportions of the plaza and the layout of the plaza, so it can really accommodate outdoor performances,” said Heinrich Spillmann, the project director.
As part of the $16-million makeover at the library, a new center for contemporary culture has also been added. The 200-seat auditorium will host its first event on September 29th.
The space is located right below the plaza, which presented a challenge for those working on the project.
"The waterproofing is on [the plaza floor],” explained Spillmann. “We had to come up with a system that would hold up for another 100 years or more to protect the investment below."
With the new additions at the library, people who work here say they are looking forward to being able to use them for various programs.
"What I am doing is inviting the local schools, like 150 to 160 children and teachers, to enjoy author talks,” said Dolores McCullough, assistant division manager of youth services.
However, with all of these additions, the library has not forgotten about reading.
"It's still encouraging literacy, but what it is, is we are able to invite more of the community," said McCullough.
That is ambitious given that already more than one million people visit the central branch each year.
- Roger Clark
Officials Show Off New Look For Brooklyn Public Library
September 13, 2007
The Brooklyn Public Library unveiled a new look Thursday, following the trend of libraries being locales for more than just borrowing books. NY1’s Roger Clark filed the following report.
Officials hope that the new main entrance for the Brooklyn Public Library will serve as a front porch for the neighborhood.
"It's really important for people to feel they have a place within the community where they can come together and engage with people from a variety of backgrounds and ages, and so the library provides that,” said Brooklyn Public Library Executive Director Dionne Mack-Harvin.
The renovated library now has new stone benches, wireless internet access, fountains, better accessibility for the disabled, and a larger gathering area and space for events like concerts.
"We changed the proportions of the plaza and the layout of the plaza, so it can really accommodate outdoor performances,” said Heinrich Spillmann, the project director.
As part of the $16-million makeover at the library, a new center for contemporary culture has also been added. The 200-seat auditorium will host its first event on September 29th.
The space is located right below the plaza, which presented a challenge for those working on the project.
"The waterproofing is on [the plaza floor],” explained Spillmann. “We had to come up with a system that would hold up for another 100 years or more to protect the investment below."
With the new additions at the library, people who work here say they are looking forward to being able to use them for various programs.
"What I am doing is inviting the local schools, like 150 to 160 children and teachers, to enjoy author talks,” said Dolores McCullough, assistant division manager of youth services.
However, with all of these additions, the library has not forgotten about reading.
"It's still encouraging literacy, but what it is, is we are able to invite more of the community," said McCullough.
That is ambitious given that already more than one million people visit the central branch each year.
- Roger Clark