Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 92-year-old New York Public Library branch on Staten Island will soon undergo a massive renovation project, and officials are seeking input from the community. On Thursday, New York Public Library officials and local politicians announced that the West New Brighton branch, located at 976 Castleton Ave., is earmarked for an $18.4 million project. “For nearly a century, this branch has provided vital services, programs, classes and books to Staten Island residents,” said George Mihaltses, the NYPL’s vice president of government and community affairs. “Last year, the branch received nearly 40,000 visits, circulated over 29,000 items. Now the time has come for a much needed makeover,” he continued. The redesign will be managed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, according to NYPL officials. While maintaining the original structure as much as possible, the plan is to expand the building’s current footprint by 4,000 square feet. This will be used to create spaces for all ages —especially a dedicated teen space —while also installing new furniture, lighting and technology upgrades. “Our libraries are so important, and they’re multigenerational,” said Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a Democrat representing the Island’s North Shore. “The fact that we are now making these libraries more contemporary to fit the needs of our new, young people and our new generation — I’m just really thankful to be here," Hanks, who contributed funding for the upgrades, continued. NYPL officials also thanked Borough President Vito Fossella for providing funding for the redesign. Before any designs are finalized, however, officials in attendance also announced the start of a community engagement process. To inform the design of the revamped library, local residents are being encouraged to give their input in a short survey. The survey asks library patrons how frequently they visit the branch, which services they feel are most important, and even what type of furniture they would prefer. Residents can fill out the survey using a kiosk at the West New Brighton branch. In addition, the survey is available online in both English and Spanish language options. The survey will be available until Dec. 5. After that, the results will be studied and incorporated into designs. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, according to a press release from Hanks’ office. “Libraries really represent a state of the art area where children can come with their brothers and sisters, their mothers and fathers,” said Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo, who was in attendance on Thursday. “It really becomes more of a community involved thing. That’s why we need libraries, because they are the lifeblood of our neighborhood. And as people traverse through the neighborhood, the library is there to help them,” said Pirozzolo, a Republican representing the Mid-Island and parts of the West Shore. The NYPL has invested millions in upgrading several branches on Staten Island in recent years. The Richmondtown branch reopened this summer after a $1.4 million replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and fire alarm systems. The Port Richmond branch underwent a $29 million renovation, which included: updated areas for children, teens and adults; multi-purpose rooms for a variety of programs and classes; the addition of a new elevator and ramps to accommodate the disabled, and upgraded technology and infrastructure.
