BPL Plaza Post-Renovation
Well, the renovation of the Brooklyn Public Library plaza at Grand Army Plaza that’s taken the better part of two years is complete. When we walked by on Sunday, the final product—heavy on the marble—looked pretty nice, if a tad bit cold, to us. As Gowanus Lounge remarked, the main stairway is now lined with…
Well, the renovation of the Brooklyn Public Library plaza at Grand Army Plaza that’s taken the better part of two years is complete. When we walked by on Sunday, the final product—heavy on the marble—looked pretty nice, if a tad bit cold, to us. As Gowanus Lounge remarked, the main stairway is now lined with yellow chains, an effort, evidently, to keep people from frolicking in the fountains on either end of the steps. Do you think this’ll end up being a place where people actually hang out? Presumably that was the intention.
Checking In On The BPL Plaza Renovation[Brownstoner] GMAP
is this where the sex party takes place?
anyone have the deets?
I think that this looks great! Very clean and attractive.
Ms. Mack-Harvin, when will the BPL get automated check-out machines so that we no longer have to deal with your surly staff?
Or you could start serving beer in the cafe and man the tables with scantily-clad waitresses. All in the name of literacy.
Has anyone actually been to the oddly named Dweck center (cries out to be renamed Dreck?) I couldn’t even find the entrance to it (no signs) and apparently there’s no way to walk down (according to a guard, who told me to take the hard-to-find elevators, but he could be wrong.)
Once there, I noted, count ’em, three security guards. For a classical guitar concert with about 30 people.
Look, it’s claustrophobic enough to go underground. Not having a “grand” (or even a modest) entrance you can walk down is weird. I wouldn’t want to wait on 2 elevators with 200 people leaving. And with the guards, it made for less than an uplifting experience (I resisted saying downlifted.)
Was there an architect involved? Who?
MUCH to small and plain [FORTUNATELY] to have ever met with approval from Albert, Leni, or their boss–it just shares some late deco/art moderne touches with buildings from the same period in Germany and Italy–nothing more.
nice place to skateboard!!!!
I read somewhere the building was designed to look like an open book. I don’t know if it’s true, but it does look a bit like one. Still think more greenery would improve it, it looks too monochromatic and sterile.
Thank you. Can’t wait to check out all the improvements.
I just noticed on the website…I hadn’t realized the Brooklyn Public Library was not affiliated with the greater NYC and Queens Public Library system.
Interesting.
Thanks for making this such a great place to learn and enjoy.
Hello Brownstoners –
I noticed the great discussion on the new renovated Brooklyn Public Library Plaza today and thought it would be a good opportunity to respond. We’re so happy that the Plaza is finished and that Brooklynites are taking advantage of the outdoor space, free Wifi and new tables and chairs. We are still working out some of the details of the fountains and hope to have the yellow chains down soon.
Someone did comment about all the work that happened underground — and he or she is correct — the big news is the new Dweck Center, which is a 200 seat, state of the art auditorium featuring programming for people of all ages and stages. We launched our inaugural season of performances, discussions and readings a month ago and we’re really happy to be able to offer this new resource to the residents of Brooklyn. For a list of upcoming performances, visit our website at:
http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/dweck
Thanks for all the comments, and I hope you visit the library soon!
Dionne Mack-Harvin
Executive Director
Brooklyn Public Library
Needs more cowbell.
Where is it? I don’t know, I don’t know!