BPL Addition On Track to Open Next Year

Next Tuesday the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library at 2 Eastern Parkway has a hearing with the Landmarks Preservation Commission. It’s for a rooftop addition to the building, which actually relates to a new, technology-based learning hub opening there in 2013 called the Leon Levy Information Commons. Brooklyn Public Library first announced the addition last May after receiving a a $3,250,000 grant to establish the learning hub. The Info Commons will feature a wireless training center where library staff will conduct information literacy workshops, seven private meeting rooms equipped with electronic whiteboards and other technologies, bar-style seating for laptop computer users, twenty-five PCs, and a help desk to provide reference and information services in addition to innovative on-demand training. The space, rendered above, was designed by architect Toshiko Mori, responsible for the Brooklyn Children’s Museum canopy. The demolition has been completed on the addition and BPL is on schedule to complete construction this fall and fit out for a January 2013 opening.