Brooklyn Public Library Celebrates Re-opening of Clarendon Library with New York State Senator Kevin Parker

Kevin S. Parker

January 10, 2020

Brooklyn, NY— New York State Senator joined Brooklyn Public Library on Friday to celebrate the re-opening of Clarendon Library.

The branch closed for approximately five months. During that time, the library was painted; new flooring, book shelving, and storage cabinetry were installed; and outlets were added in the main reading room to help modernize the branch.

State Senator Kevin Parker generously provided $250,000 funding for the project.

“I am proud to celebrate and take part in the re-opening of the Clarendon Library,” said Senator Kevin Parker. “Libraries are an important community resource, as they provide students with a safe place to study, learn and gain access to information outside of their classrooms.”

During the opening celebration, Senator Parker read stories to school-aged children. During the closure, BPL provided bookmobile services and patrons were welcomed at nearby libraries. A popular story time program continued at a nearby church. Since 1954, Clarendon Library has been a vibrant mainstay in the East Flatbush neighborhood, offering a wide range of programs from story time for children to resume writing for adults to art and music for the whole family. Clarendon Library is home to an award-winning robotics team.

“Today marks our return to Clarendon Library," said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library."We are grateful to Senator Parker for his commitment and support of this project, which elevates our level of service to the East Flatbush community with a space better outfitted for our patrons’ needs.”