“Petite Miss Edith Patridge” That’s what a library historian called the librarian who once worked at the Brooklyn Public Library Marcy Branch. Can you imagine? The branch started life as the Tompkins Park Free Library. It opened in 1899 in a charming Grecian-style building. It was a small space. It was in the heart of Tompkins Park.
The Brooklyn Public Library Marcy Branch wasn’t always here. This current building opened in 1969. The community had grown. The old building was too small. Today the Marcy Branch is a vital part of Bedford-Stuyvesant. This neighborhood has a rich history. It’s the birthplace of famous performers like Lena Horne and Jay-Z. The library serves a diverse community. It welcomes long-time residents and newcomers alike.
The Marcy Branch offers many services. There are 17 public computers and 10 laptops. These laptops are part of the New York City Connected Communities program. This is a collaboration between the BPL and the city’s Department of Information Technology. Children’s programs are very popular. Toddlers and tweens especially enjoy the activities.
But there’s more. Did you know the Marcy Branch has access to a beautiful garden? It’s on Bedford Avenue. Neighborhood groups designed it. The New York Restoration Project was involved. So was renowned garden designer Sean Conway. Target provided funding. The garden hosts performances and horticultural programs. It’s a wonderful outdoor learning space.
The Brooklyn Public Library Marcy Branch is more than just books. It’s a community hub. It’s a place where history lives. It’s a place where people connect. It’s a place where dreams grow in the garden and on the pages of a book. It is a vital part of Bedford-Stuyvesant’s vibrant fabric. It’s a testament to the power of community and learning.