Branch Manager Boris Ioselev demonstrates the laptop lending locker at
Coney Island Library. Photo by Gregg Richards
COURIER LIFE, APRIL 23-29, 2021 5
BY JESSICA PARKS
Coney Island Library offi
cials unveiled a newly renovated
second fl oor on April 13,
marking the completion of a
multi-million dollar transformation
of the branch spurred
by Superstorm Sandy, which
devastated the book emporium
nearly a decade ago.
“Almost nine years ago,
Hurricane Sandy devastated
this neighborhood and Coney
Island Library,” said Brooklyn
Public Library’s chief librarian,
Nick Higgins, who
hailed local Councilmember
Mark Treyger for “securing
funding to renovate the second
fl oor, making the library
whole once again, and a place
for the community to enjoy for
years to come.”
The branch saw extensive
damage during the 2012 storm,
with fi ve feet of water fl ooding
the ground fl oor and forcing library
offi cials to replace furniture,
plumbing, computer equipment,
and countless books.
Now, just two years after
they began construction in
April 2019, book honchos cut
the ribbon on the last phase of
the branch’s overhaul.
While the borough’s booklenders
remain closed to the
public due to the pandemic,
Coney Islanders will have a
suite of new amenities to enjoy
at the Mermaid Avenue branch
when it reopens — including
an adult reading room, a designated
teen space, and a multifunctional
conference room
available by reservation.
The formerly dilapidated
second fl oor has been converted
into a brighter space
fi lled with natural light that
utilizes an open layout, making
the room easier to navigate,
according to offi cials.
New tech upgrades include
a laptop-lending locker that allows
patrons to borrow a computer
while inside the branch,
as well as a new printer, two
new desktops and a 65-inch
fl at-screen display that will
show programmable content.
The reading room’s tables feature
USB ports to charge wireless
devices.
The children’s section of
the library has been transferred
to the fi rst fl oor to better
accommodate strollers and
to facilitate a larger space for
the kids, Treyger previously
told Brooklyn Paper during an
exclusive tour of the library.
“This was an issue that we
heard post-Superstorm Sandy,
just the need to have a prioritized
children’s space, and we
responded to that and more,”
said the pol, who represents
Coney Island, as well as Gravesend,
Bensonhurst and Seagate.
“I think for parents, it’s a
needed accommodation.”
The second fl oor’s new meeting
room was refurbished with
all new fl ooring, ceilings, lighting
as well as other interior fi nishes
and includes a retractable
divider that can transition
the room to suit smaller groups
or larger meetings. Two automated
projection screens were
also installed for use during
gatherings, and a new rooftop
HVAC system will make the
room more comfortable.
Treyger allocated $620,000
of City Council funding to the
$1.7 million project, which was
met with funds from Brooklyn
Borough President Eric Adams’
offi ce, the Brooklyn Public
Library and other private
donors.
“I look forward to the new
chapter that awaits the Coney
Island library,” Treyger said
in a statement.
Coney Island Library is
currently restricted to graband
go lobby service for patrons
to pick up or return
books and get help with their
library card and is also providing
an extended 24/7 WiFi
signal that can reach up to 300
feet from the library. Once the
library is allowed to reopen
fully, Treyger said, the new
features will greatly benefi t
patrons in a range of sectors.
“The need here is greater
than it’s ever been,” he said.
MISSION COMPLETE
Coney Island Library overhaul after
Superstorm Sandy offi cially complete