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Brooklyn Public Library: Pacific Street location not for sale
BPL reaffirms stance, but hints that selling historic building is not out of the question
The Brooklyn Public Library reaffirmed that the first Carnegie library in Brooklyn, located at 25 4th Avenue at Pacific Street, is not for sale. For more than a year, community activists and elected officials have fought a possible sale, which they see as a precursor to demolition and apartment development.
The BPL issued the statement following a report in Brooklyn Brief on Wednesday that speculated on an imminent sale. That report was itself fueled by rumors circulating in the neighborhood, Brownstoner reported.
The inclusion of a new library at Two Trees’ BAM South development has made residents wary that the Pacific Street location will end up on the auction block. The Park Slope Civic Council moved to have the building landmarked last year in a bid to ensure its survival.
In an initial statement to Brooklyn Brief, the BPL said it could not rule out a sale of the building due to “significant financial issues associated with the Pacific Branch.” However, it issued another statement shortly after that omitted mention of a possible sale and instead said it was “committed to working with elected officials and community stakeholders to develop an appropriate plan to maintain the Pacific Street building and address the library’s $10 million capital need.” [Brownstoner] – Tom DiChristopher
