Every neighborhood deserves library access, even during renovations.

The Leonard Library (81 Devoe St, Williamsburg) is about to close again for at least two years. We're calling for a replacement library space during renovations, like other neighborhoods have gotten.

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2 neighbors and counting

What's Happening

The Leonard Library at 81 Devoe Street in Williamsburg reopened in August 2025 after a 2.5-year Phase I closure for HVAC, roof, and historic ceiling restoration. Now Phase II is coming: ADA accessibility upgrades including a new elevator and accessible bathrooms. Construction is expected to run from Fall 2027 to Fall 2029.

Meanwhile, the nearby Bushwick branch is closing June 5, 2026 for about two years. Both North Brooklyn libraries could be closed at the same time, roughly Fall 2027 through mid-2028.

When Carroll Gardens, Red Hook, and Fort Greene closed for renovations, they got real pop-up libraries with books, computers, WiFi, and staff. During Leonard's last closure, North Brooklyn mostly got a book cart called 'Nellie.' We're calling for better.

Real neighbors, real stories.

“I grew up close by and spent many weekend afternoons at the local library. It was an important part of my family's weekend ritual and supported my parents in cultivating a love for reading/learning in me. I'm a huge supporter of the public library system across the city, and believe everyone in the neighborhood should continue to have access to this important public service; libraries are one of the only really accessible public spaces we have year-round. When the library opened back up, the neighborhood felt whole again, and it's been wonderful to walk by and pop into the library to pick up or return a book and feel a part of the community in a way that reminds me of the essence of New York. It's devastating to have it close again after a very, very long-awaited reopening. We're losing something very central to our community.”

— Fahima, Manhattan Ave

“I live about a block away from Leonard Library and pass it every day. When I learned it was closing again after less than a year of being open, it felt like a punch in the gut. The plan was apparently to close it for 32 months, open it for 10, and then close it for 24 more. I mean that just makes no sense. The Leonard is the heart of our neighborhood. And now we're losing it again for another two years because no one figured out a better plan the first time around. BPL has done full temporary libraries in Red Hook and Carroll Gardens. They can and should do it here too.”

— Roberto, Devoe Street

Read all stories →

Next CB1 Meeting

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Swinging Sixties Senior Center, 211 Ainslie Street

Learn how to speak up →

This is bigger than Leonard.

The Bushwick branch closes June 5, 2026. North Brooklyn is losing two libraries.

See the pattern →