Press Release: Bk Library
Opens Pop Up in Carroll Gardens

Brooklyn—Brooklyn Public Library celebrated the opening of a pop-up library today at 250 Baltic Street with State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, Council Member Shahana Hanif, DCAS First Deputy Commissioner Carolina Chavez, CB6 District Manager Mike Racioppo, and IKEA Marketing Specialist, Stephanie Perez. The temporary space will provide library service to the public while the Carroll Gardens Library is undergoing renovations. Patrons will be able to sign up for a library card, browse and checkout books, place holds, and return materials.

“We are delighted to welcome the community to the Carroll Gardens Pop Up Library this summer to get a library card and browse and checkout books,” said Robin Lester Kenton, Executive Vice President of External Affairs, Brooklyn Public Library.  “I extend my sincere thanks to Commissioner Louis A. Malina of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services and CB6 District Manager Mike Racioppo who provided the space and to State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, and Council Member Shahana Hanif who provided the funding for the pop up.  I also want to recognize Ikea who generously provide furniture and supplies. This has been a true community collaboration in support of our library patrons.”

State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, and Council Member Shahana Hanif generously provided funding for the space which fulfills a need for consistent, equitable access to serve the community members in the area.
 

"Our libraries are windows to the world, and every Brooklynite deserves access to the resources they offer," said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. "The Carroll Gardens Library is a beloved community anchor for families, and many of us have been missing its presence during the renovation. I'm proud to have provided funding to get this temporary site open, and to partner with Council Member Hanif, Assemblymember Simon, Brooklyn Community Board 6 and Brooklyn Public Library leadership to ensure neighbors have a place to learn, connect and grow. And soon enough, the 120-year-old permanent library will reopen with new learning spaces and updated infrastructure so it can continue to serve as a community institution for generations to come."

“I’m thrilled that the public once again has access to library service with the opening of a new pop-up site in Carroll Gardens. Libraries are among our greatest public institutions, bringing us together to nurture learning, exploration, and community connections. The residents have missed their cherished Carroll Gardens Library so the pop-up site is a great solution until work is completed at the permanent library. I’m grateful to the teamwork of community members, CB6, Brooklyn Public Library, Senator Gounardes, and Council Member Hanif for putting our heads together and making this a reality,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.

“The Carroll Gardens community and our neighboring residents have been incredibly patient as their beloved Carroll Gardens Library remains closed for long-overdue renovations. With construction delays stretching on, my colleagues and I knew we couldn’t let the neighborhood go without this essential resource any longer,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “I’m proud to have worked alongside the Brooklyn Public Library to launch this temporary pop-up location and secure funding for its operations while work continues at the permanent site. Today, we’re not just opening doors to a new space—we’re restoring the reading, connection, and care that libraries bring to our communities.”

The space is being provided by NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and will serve the neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus and the Columbia waterfront in CB6.

“When the Brooklyn Public Library needed a new space to serve the Carroll Gardens community, we at DCAS were proud to step in and do our part to facilitate,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “Thanks to the quick work of our real estate team, this beloved neighborhood library now has a new temporary home, ensuring continued access to books, learning, and vital services for Brooklyn families and children.”
 
“It’s not every day an idea becomes a reality, especially one that requires timing, cooperation, and money. I’m proud CB6 could help make this happen by opening up our space at 250 Baltic. It’s a great example and a reminder that government can do good,” said Mike Racioppo, District Manager, CB6.

IKEA Brooklyn is generously providing furniture and supplies for the space.

"IKEA Brooklyn is honored to support the Brooklyn Public Library. At IKEA, it is in our values to create a better everyday life for many people, and we are pleased to further that mission by contributing furnishings to the temporary library space. We hope this space serves as a resource and place of sanctuary for the community to enjoy,” said Stephanie Perez, Local Marketing Specialist IKEA Brooklyn.

The Carroll Gardens Library has served the neighborhood for nearly 120 years. The project includes a new space for teens on the mezzanine, improved lighting, fire and safety upgrades, a new HVAC system and restoration of the historical features of the building.

The pop-up library is part of a suite of services designed to provide service during the construction including bookmobile service and programs in the community spaces at St. Paul’s Church. The pop up space will be open on Monday and Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m., on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.