Brooklyn Public Library Unveils New Teen Center: See Photos

BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Public Library has unveiled a new Teen Center at its Central Library as part of the second phase of a major renovation aimed at restoring the landmark while creating new spaces for future generations of patrons.

The $67 million second phase includes the new Teen Center and the Eastern Parkway Collection Wing.

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"It is an important statement for BPL to give the teenage community their own space, a large significant place they can call their own," Toshiko Mori, architect, said. "The design of the Teen Center literally springs from the existing architecture and the historic bookcases along the perimeter of space. The curving forms break down the enormous room with high ceilings into a series of more intimate spaces, called 'Arcades.' These Arcades function as a display of knowledge and place of socialization more dynamic than traditional reading rooms."

Upcoming work will also include renovations to the adult learning center, children's wing and second-floor main reading room.

The project builds on the first phase of the Central Library's transformation, which returned former administrative space to the public and added four new spaces: the Civic Commons, New and Noteworthy book gallery, an expanded Business and Career Center, and the Major Owens Welcome Center.

The broader renovation is part of what BPL describes as the largest period of library redevelopment since the Carnegie era, expanding public spaces while preserving one of Brooklyn's most historic library buildings.

We are thrilled to welcome our teen patrons to a new wing—a safe haven just for them, where they can read, indulge their creative passions, or hang out with friends to decompress after school," Linda Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library, said.