Renovated Gerritsen Beach Library Reopens

by Gabriele Holtermann, Brooklyn Paper

The Gerritsen Beach Library reopened on Thursday, a year and a half after it closed for necessary upgrades in July 2024.

Described as one of the most picturesque libraries in the city, with its arched entryway, clock tower and two-story-high picture window overlooking the Shell Bank Channel, the renovation of the 10,000-square-foot facility finished six months ahead of schedule and $300,000 below budget.

Overseen by the New York City Department of Design and Construction, the project included the replacement of the roof and compromised structural roof elements as well as the restoration of facades and masonry parapet. The roof systems now meet the latest energy conservation codes, improving energy efficiency and weather tightness. Damaged structural elements, such as exposed interior trusses, were either replaced or repaired. Other work included replacing roof flashing, gutters, insulation, drains, coping stones, and masonry pointing.

The branch’s interior received a paint job, and the youngest library patrons will enjoy activities like story and playtime in the refurbished dedicated children’s area. The freshly landscaped outdoor areas with seating provide space for outdoor programming.

Linda Johnson, BPL’s President and CEO, welcomed attendees, including city officials, community members, and elementary school students, to the “most beautiful site” among the 62 BPL branches.

“I’m really happy that we’re here and that we’re reopening after all this beautiful work that was done,” said Johnson, noting that the original Gerritsen Beach library opened nearly 100 years ago, before moving into its current space in the 1990s. Designed by John Ciardullo Associates, the library building opened in 1997.

A spokesperson for Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, whose district includes Gerritsen Beach, noted that the lawmaker regularly collaborates with BPL, including the upcoming toy drive on December 17.

“We’re really excited to be able to get back in here and just join with the community in celebrating today and using it as a community space and a cultural hub, which all libraries should be, and the Gerritsen Beach branch definitely is,” the spokesperson said.

Library patrons Carol, Chris, and Georgiana are part of the quilting club, which has been meeting at the library every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the past 13 years. While the library was closed, the club had to resort to other libraries, and the trio was happy to be back on their home turf.

They loved the exposed wood beams and the library’s warm, inviting atmosphere, noting that the branch was more than a library; it was also a place to meet new people, make friends, or find new interests.

“When I retired, and I was looking for something to do, these ladies welcomed me into the group and helped me develop my skills, and so time to just share what’s going on in each other’s lives, and to catch up and to support your talent and your craft. It’s kind of a mini therapy session while we’re creating, you know,” Georgina told Brooklyn Paper.

Carol added that the quilting club was open to anyone.

“You don’t have to be a quilter. You could be a knitter. People will walk in, and just wander around, and they’ll come in the room, and we say, ‘You’re more than welcome to join us if you want to,” Carol said.

Gerritsen Beach resident and frequent library patron Ingrid Smith praised the branch as “exceptional.”

“I come here quite often, at least once a week, if not more, because I live very close by,” Smith told Brooklyn Paper. “I love this library. It’s very modern, and it’s beautiful.”

The Gerritsen Beach Library was one of several BPL branches to undergo renovations in recent years — in April, the Bedford Library reopened after a four-year closure and the nearly 120-year-old Leonard Library opened its doors after a much-needed facelift in August. Roughly a dozen BPL branches are still closed for renovations as of December 11, though several — like the Red Hook Library — are being served by interim or pop-up libraries in the meantime.

Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.

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