Gerritsen Beach Library Reopens Nearly One Year After Sandy

It took nearly a year and more than  a million dollars, but the Gerritsen Beach Library (2808 Gerritsen Avenue) has finally reopened. According to a press release, the library suffered extensive flooding, requiring a new roof and other big improvements.

The press release issued by Brooklyn Public Library detailed the damage and the recovery of the institution:

During Hurricane Sandy, the Gerritsen Beach library was flooded and the already worn roof was further damaged by the storm, causing leaks in numerous places. The one-floor branch had to be totally renovated, and materials, equipment and HVAC systems were destroyed. Demolition of the affected interior was completed earlier this year and new electrical systems, floor tiles, shelving and mill work have been installed.

The Gerritsen Beach library is newly furnished and equipped with new computer stations for patrons of all ages. Using this as an opportunity to improve the Library, two new public self-check machines and a new book drop are now featured by the Librarian’s Information Desk. Additionally, there are three meeting rooms for programming and community use, an upgrade from the previous one large meeting room.

The cost of repairs and renovations totaled approximately $1.5 million. Earlier this year, Brooklyn Public Library received a $300,000 grant from the AIG Disaster Relief Fund and a $250,000 grant from the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City to go toward post-Sandy renovations.

Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson expressed excitement over the branch’s reopening.

“We are thrilled to welcome the entire Gerritsen Beach community back to their neighborhood library after such a difficult year. I am pleased to report that the library is now open and better than ever, featuring a completely new collection, an ADA-compliant layout, new roof, three meeting rooms, and two self-check machines, among countless other improvements,” Johnson said in the release.

The differences between the library’s appearance right after the storm and with the finished renovations is evident in the pictures presented below.