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The Brooklyn Public Library's Greenpoint branch opened with a socially distant ceremony way back in October, but only recently have visitors been allowed to linger inside. Even so, only the first floor is currently open for browsing, checking out books, and using computers. Eventually, this location will serve as a full-service library and community hub with its expanded indoor and outdoor spaces serving as a hands-on classroom teaching about environmental awareness, activism, and education. The Greenpoint Library's reconstruction project took years and nearly $23 million, but more than doubled the old library's footprint on the same plot of land.

Its environmental focus is evident even from the outside. There's a second-floor gardened reading deck, a large ground-floor window that acts as a sundial and is also a perfect place to display children's craft projects. A cistern collects rainwater used to water plants in the interior, plus those in the rooftop demonstration garden.

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The Greenpoint Public Library and Environmental Center invites the outdoors in, with energy-saving design features, large windows, and unique features.

Inside, the library has distinct areas for adult, young adult, and children’s books, lab spaces for library programming as well as those supporting its environmental education mission, a large community event space, lounge seating, small meeting rooms, and staff spaces are distributed on its the two main floors.

The building meets LEED Gold certification standards and includes a sustainable green roof and utilizes energy-efficient lights, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical equipment. Beyond the reading garden, there's also a pollinator garden on the third floor and a bioswale—a native plant garden designed to slow runoff from heavy rain—in the plaza outside the library.

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Browse books in the sun-drenched children's section at the Greenpoint Public Library and Environmental Center.

While no exact date has been announced as to when the Environmental Center and additional spaces will open, the Greenpoint Library currently offers limited programming, including a Birding With Audubon New York series and a Play Recipe Grab & Go series for young children. Check the Brooklyn Public Library's website for more information and updates.

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While you can browse and check out books currently, a full opening of the Greenpoint Public Library—and other local branches—is expected later this year.

Library branches in the following locations are also open: Brownsville, Canarsie, Central, Clinton Hill, Coney Island, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Ft. Hamilton, Kings Highway, Midwood, Mill Basin, and Red Hook.

All visitors must continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. In some locations, browsing is limited to a set timeframe, and an appointment is necessary to use computers. The full library catalog is up and running, and some locations are offering a grab-and-go service. Officials hope to open more branches this summer and hope for a full reopening across the board later this year.

Photos by the author