WILLIAMSBURG — Funds from the controversial sale of Brooklyn Heights library could help get rid of unsightly bars on a Williamsburg library's windows, if a local councilman gets his way.
Antonio Reynoso of City Council District 34 that covers parts of Bushwick and Williamsburg is hoping to direct some of the capital funds headed towards Leonard Library at 81 Devoe St. for much needed window upgrades, he said.
"I don't want any poor looking libraries in my district," said Antonio Reynoso, who added that the bars on the windows reminded him of Rikers Island.
"There were times in Williamsburg when bars and gates were extremely important," Reynoso said. "Those times have come and gone."
The library is currently on track to receive a $3 million slice from the $52 million sale of the Brooklyn Heights library at 280 Cadman Plaza that was approved by the city council in December, said David Wolock, who oversees external affairs at the Brooklyn Public Library.
That funding is going through an approval process now, he said, though the amount covers just a portion of the $7 million the Brooklyn Public Library estimates it needs for capital improvements at Leonard Library to restore the building's windows, facade and interior.
"This branch needs a lot of work," said Wolock.
The most pressing need, Wolock said, is not the windows, however, it's making the facility ADA compliant. There are currently two small staircases leading up to the library's only entrance and there's no elevator.
"We want more than anything for people to use the library," said Erik Boblin, Leonard Library's branch manager. "Anything that improves on our ability to do that is at the top of our list."
Window upgrades, he added, wouldn't just be aesthetic, they'd also make it easier to heat and cool the historic building that's been in operation since 1908.
Leonard Library got upgrades in minor upgrades in lighting, shelves and signage last year, Wolock said, but is waiting for funds to come through in order to deal with more serious issues.
"Taking the bars down is something we'll look into," he said.
