BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON AND COUNCIL MEMBER DINOWITZ PRESENT CHECK TO WAKEFIELD LIBRARY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND ADA UPGRADES

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Bronx, NY - On Tuesday, September 3^rd, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz presented a $360,000 check to The New York Public Library's Wakefield Branch located at 4100 Lowerre Place, Bronx, New York 10466, for infrastructure upgrades that will make the site more accessible for residents living with disabilities.

Built in 1938, and designed by the architect Thomas Dunn, the Wakefield Library has two floors: A first floor where the main reading room and collections are located and a ground floor where there are program rooms. The branch has an exterior accessible entrance; however, it lacks an intermediate landing. The funding received will help fund an accessible, ADA compliant ramp into the entryway on the main floor with an ADA upgrade to the restroom near this entryway.

The combined investment of $180,000 from the Office of the Bronx Borough President and $180,000 from the New York City Council aligns with the goals outlined in the Borough President`s Strategic Policy Statement for People with Disabilities that include improving city services and upgrading existing public infrastructure.

"Libraries play a fundamental role in our society. They are places of learning, exploration, and connection. They bridge gaps and bring people together, serving as beacons of knowledge and community support," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "This $360,000 allocation is not just about improving infrastructure; it is about aligning with our broader policy goals of creating equitable and inclusive public spaces. By enhancing the accessibility of our libraries, we are making a tangible impact on the quality of life in our borough. We are ensuring that every member of our community, including those with disabilities and from historically underserved neighborhoods, have the opportunity to access the knowledge and resources they need to thrive. I want to thank Council Member Dinowitz for his partnership on this allocation and the New York Public Library for their work empowering our communities."

"Libraries are an important resource for many and provide all of us with a safe space for learning and recreation. They are not only educational, but they also serve as community centers through which constituents can receive free resources and support from the city," said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. "As an educator working with students with disabilities, I know the importance of ensuring that all our educational resources are accessible, and that includes our precious libraries. I am proud to partner with the Borough President on jointly allocating $360,000 to make our libraries more accessible to the communities that we serve and want to thank The New York Public Library for its incredible partnership."

"We are immensely grateful that Bronx Borough President Gibson and Council Member Dinowitz were able to secure $360,000 in capital funding for the Wakefield Library in this year's budget," Brian Bannon, Merryl and James Tisch Director of the New York Public Library, said. "The funding will go directly towards the construction of a new ADA accessible entrance and ramp outside of Wakefield Library, ensuring that the library continues to serve all patrons who rely on its vital services and programs."

With New York Public Library Branches in the Bronx, Staten Island and in Manhattan, each play a vital role in providing support for our neighborhoods - particularly those in historically underserved communities. Wakefield Library's Early Literacy Program, College and Career Pathways, and English as a Second Language (ESL), are just some of the classes and programs offered. For more information on this Branch, or other the New York Public Library Branches, go to www.nypl.org.