Following a cheerful reopening in August 2025 after being closed for two and a half years of renovations, the Leonard Library (81 Devoe St.) will close again for roughly two years, the Brooklyn Public Library has confirmed to Greenpointers.
The closure is expected in fall 2027, when the renovation’s second phase of construction is scheduled to begin. Until then, the city Department of Design and Construction (DDC), which is responsible for the project, will be finalizing designs, securing permits and contracts, said BPL’s senior press officer, Fritzi Bodenheimer.
At a Brooklyn Community Board 1 meeting, BPL said library programs and services during the closing would include pop-up libraries at local cafes, story times in parks, street fair pop-ups and events organized in partnership with local nonprofits. These activities are intended to better serve community needs, particularly in response to concerns raised by many neighbors about the lack of replacement space and services during the Phase I closing.
“When Carroll Gardens, Red Hook and Fort Greene closed for renovations, they got real pop-up libraries with books, computers, wifi and staff,” the Neighbors for Leonard Library’s website says. “During Leonard’s last closure, North Brooklyn mostly got a book cart called ‘Nellie.’ We’re calling for better.”
The $5 million Phase II is being led by Ricardo Zurita Architecture & Planning P.C. The work includes upgrading bathrooms for ADA accessibility, installing an elevator, replacing flooring on the main level, constructing two exterior stairs, a new interior exit stair and adding two exit doors at the rear side of the library.
“Right now, Leonard Library is not fully accessible to everyone; patrons who are unable to navigate stairs cannot use the bathrooms or attend programs,” Bodenheimer said. “This project is critically important and will ensure that the entire neighborhood can, for the first time, fully access the library.”
Leonard Library is one of Brooklyn Public Library’s original Carnegie branches.