Brooklyn Public Library, Gilbane Building and the East New York African Burial Ground Collective hosted a ground acknowledgment ceremony to mark the start of construction on the new New Lots Library in East New York, Brooklyn.
The ceremony honored those buried at the historically significant site and recognized the community's efforts to preserve its legacy.
The 25,000-square-foot library is being developed following extensive community engagement and designed by Model of Architecture Serving Society (MASS) and Marble Fairbanks Architects.
“Many thanks to our elected officials, stakeholders and community champions for their steadfast support of the New Lots Library,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library.
The four-floor building will feature dedicated spaces for children, teens and adults, expanded public areas, flexible meeting rooms, outdoor reading spaces, a music room and exhibition areas. It will also accommodate the New Lots Adult Learning Center, which provides literacy, high school equivalency and citizenship preparation programs.
The redevelopment carries historical significance for East New York because the site is located within African Buri...