February 5, 2018

DDC Celebrates Reopening of Marcy Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant

Contact:
Dan Leibel
718-391-1251

Brooklyn, NY – The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) joined Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) President Linda Johnson and City Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. today to celebrate the renovation of Marcy Library on DeKalb Avenue, which reopened to the public today after a $1.5 million DDC project brought a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to the important community center.

Additional safety upgrades were made to the 1969 building’s fire alarm system, and the structure’s energy efficiency is now enhanced by modern building management systems. While the branch was temporarily closed, BPL refreshed and modernized it with paint, new tables, chairs and shelving, additional computers, enhanced lighting and signage, and a modern children’s area with new furniture and an interactive activity wall.

City Councilmember Robert Cornegy reads to students from PS 54 in Brooklyn at the reopening of the Marcy Library

“The Marcy Library is a valuable resource for the community, providing equitable access to educational tools for children and adults,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio. “The improvements to the library’s HVAC, building management, and fire alarm systems make the Marcy branch safer and more comfortable for patrons. We thank the Brooklyn Library system for their partnership.”

“We are delighted to be back in Marcy Library and thank Councilman Cornegy for his support of this project,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “With a bright up-to-date interior and new HVAC system, we know patrons will enjoy this space for many years to come.”

“As centers of learning and community-building, libraries are an invaluable asset to our city,” said Councilman Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. “Marcy Library has been a great resource to the people of Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights for over 100 years, so it was important to me to ensure the funding necessary to make these upgrades was provided. I am extremely pleased to see it reopened today with improved facilities and even more tools to facilitate learning.”

During the closure, BPL provided bookmobile services outside the branch and patrons were welcomed at nearby branches. 

Earlier this month, DDC and BPL also partnered to reopen the Mill Basin Library on Ralph Avenue.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s lenses of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, new or upgraded roadways, sewers, water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative, and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to city projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.