Brooklyn Public Library - Coney Island Branch — Attraction in New York

It is very small and friendly. However it may not be to everyone's liking. It is more than just a library. It multitasks as a homeless outreach. Cooling centre in the summer. Daycare centre and conduit to government agencies so there are adorable but a little noisy children. All these neighborhood functions and more share one space.

The local community suffers from many social problems and is still recovering from hurricane Sandy. "Stronger than the Storm" is the local motto. The people here are trying really hard to better themselves and where they live. CIPL plays an important in role in that.

Before you enter the building appreciate the sign outside on the wall; it shows the high watermark of the storm surge and tells how CIPL lost so much. Then note how the library structure looks as if nothing bad had ever happened. Very resilient and optimistic...

So taken over by bums that even the children's section on the second floor has them! These bums won't sleep (or shower!) at the shelters but come here to doze off, taking up precious space out of the few seats available at this small neighborhood branch...not a one-star location simply on account of the renovated modern décor and intelligently designed tables with easy-access outlets. Can't wait for the rich folks to further gentrify this nabe...

The library itself is great, but there's one thing only. We wanted to sit outside at the tables, that library puts out there, but all the tables were placed in the sun, and it was impossible to use them when it's 90 degrees outside. So that kinda defeats the purpose of the resting area. Would be nice if there...