Shawmut Design and Construction and Brooklyn Public Library break ground on one of first public mass timber projects

Brooklyn, NY Shawmut and Brooklyn Public Library have broken ground on the new Canarsie Library, one of the first public mass timber buildings in the city and a major neighborhood investment that will double the public space of the previous building.

The new two-story, 11,000 s/f library is designed to meet both present and future needs with the mass timber construction enabling a sustainable, low-carbon facility that offers beauty and natural warmth, along with climate benefits.

“Today we mark another important step toward providing Canarsie with a modern light-filled library with space for all to read, learn and explore new interests and career paths," said Linda Johnson, president and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “I extend my sincerest thanks to our elected leaders for helping us to build a library both for the books it will hold and the dreams they are sure to inspire.”

To inform the design of the new library, Brooklyn Public Library and the architects at Studio Joseph engaged hundreds of Canarsie residents, library patrons, community organizations, elected representatives, service providers, and other key stakeholders. This extensive public process helped to ensure the design of the new library will truly reflect the priorities and needs of the surrounding community.

Patrons will enter through a dramatic new façade which floods the building with natural light during the day and serves as a beacon for the neighborhood in the evenings.

Exposed mass timber and abundant daylight will create a welcoming interior that feels both calm and accessible. Shawmut Design and Construction will oversee construction of the new library; they previously built the Sunset Park and Adams Street Library.

“Breaking ground on the Canarsie Library is an exciting milestone for the community and project team,” said David Margolius, executive vice president of Shawmut Design and Construction’s New York Metro region. “This is our third project with Brooklyn Public Library, and it’s rewarding to see how thoughtful planning, design, and construction translates into spaces that truly serve New Yorkers. We’re especially proud that the cross-laminated timber structure will make this one of the city’s first public mass timber buildings, advancing a more sustainable built environment. We’re grateful for Brooklyn Public Library’s trust and partnership and look forward to delivering this project through a safe, community-focused construction process.”

At 11,000 s/f, the new design will double the space available to the public with separate areas for adults, teens and children, including stroller parking. A new flexible meeting room—which can accommodate up to 50 people— will be available for public use. A public recording studio, maker space and outdoor terrace are also planned. The new building will provide all-new heating, cooling, and electrical infrastructure, as well as sustainable features including on-site stormwater management and solar panels. Together, these features provide an environment that feels open, warm, and unmistakably rooted in the community it serves.

"The library is forged by public engagement. The ideas of natural materials, a landscaped terrace, special areas for teens and children, and spaces for community gathering emerged from listening to the community. The building is transparent by day and a lantern by night—and an open invitation for education and social bonding," said Wendy Joseph, principal, Studio Joseph.

The public groundbreaking Feb. 6 also was attended by Deputy Mayor Julie Su, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, NY State Senator Roxanne Persaud, New York State Assembly Member Jaime R. Williams.

The funding for Canarsie Library is generously allocated by Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, the Office of the Mayor of New York, New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud, New York State Assembly Member Jaime Williams, the New York State Education Department, the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services, and with proceeds from the redevelopment of Brooklyn Heights Library. The design and construction team includes Studio Joseph, Shawmut Design and Construction, Envoie Projects, Mercer Mass Timber, Plus Group, TYLin, and W Architecture.

While the current library is closed, visitors are welcome at any of BPL’s 62 branches, including the Jamaica Bay Library, less than a mile away.