CARROLL GARDENS — The completion date for renovations on the historic Carroll Gardens Library, originally scheduled for July 2025, has been delayed until summer 2026 due to unexpected construction challenges, Brooklyn Public Library explained in their “Winter 2026” update.
The library, at 396 Clinton St. at Union Street, has been closed since July 2023, and renovations were expected to take 18-24 months. A “pop-up” branch at 250 Baltic St. in Cobble Hill is standing in for now.
Built in 1905, the Carroll Gardens Library is described by BPL as one of Brooklyn’s most beautiful Carnegie branches, featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling and other historical features.
Originally one of 21 libraries in Brooklyn built as a result of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie’s generous endowment, there are 18 still standing in the borough.
The mezzanine of the Carroll Gardens Library, which can be seen in this 2023 photo, is being updated for teens. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle
The building was designed by Brooklyn Heights resident and noted architect William Bunker Tubby. Tubby, who attended Brooklyn Friends School as a child, was the architect of the school’s first main building at 112-116 Schermerhorn St. He also designed Pratt Institute’s Student Union and South Hall, and other important buildings across the city. (Read more about the library’s history at the Brooklyn Eagle.)
The challenges inherent in working with a 121-year-old structure became apparent during Part 1 of the two-part project. Part 1 is being managed by the city’s Department of Design and Construction.
This stage included the installation of new energy-efficient heating and cooling units, which was a major hurdle given the age and design of the building. It also included creating a space for teens on the mezzanine level, installing architectural lighting, and upgrading the fire alarm and safety systems.
This undated historical photo shows the Carroll Gardens Library back when it was named the Carroll Park Library. (Its name was changed in 1973.) Note the lack of trees on the sidewalk in front of the library. Photo: Brooklyn Public Library
“As with many renovation projects in older buildings, a few unexpected challenges slowed the schedule,” BPL said.
After opening up the vaulted ceiling, DDC determined that additional structural reinforcements were needed to accommodate the new HVAC units, Councilmember Shahana Hanif said in her August newsletter.
The renovation project team is currently replacing the ceiling and installing the lighting, BPL said. Part 1 is tentatively expected to be completed in April. Funding for this phase included allocations from Council District 39 (including a participatory budgeting grant) as well as Mayoral and City Council capital funds.
The vaulted ceiling of the Carroll Gardens Library could be seen mid-renovation. Photo: Brooklyn Public Library
Part 2 of the renovation, to be managed by BPL, includes elevator modernization, bathroom upgrades, a water fountain and general “sprucing up,” the library said. In October 2024, state Sen. Andrew Gounardes provided $230,000 in new funding for these improvements, which had been requested by the community.
“This library is a jewel of Carroll Gardens that’s been serving our community for over a century,” Gounardes said at that time. “After so many years of service, it’s not surprising the library needs some TLC … With this investment, we ensure the library continues to serve Carroll Gardens neighbors for generations to come.”
The Red Hook Library is also under renovation. A pop-up temporary site is located at 362 Van Brunt St.
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