BY JILL D’AMICO

In an effort to provide the community with a “front porch,” the Brooklyn Public Library’s (BPL) central branch unveiled its new look after a little over two years of construction. A refurbished plaza, which faces Grand Army Plaza, features stone benches, fountains, and a refinished façade also holds some goodies for the community.

In keeping with the Library’s commitment to staying at the forefront of information technology, there is free WiFi access available on the plaza. Rounding out the changes is better accessibility for the disabled and a larger area for gatherings. The Library is hosting concerts there through the end of September, which it hopes will encourage borough denizens to come and enjoy all the resources the nation’s fifth-largest library system has to offer.

The biggest news might just be what took shape underneath the plaza – a new, state-of-the-art, 200-capacity auditorium, featuring a gallery and meeting spaces.

New Cultural Center
As part of the $16 million renovation, the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture will host its opening weekend on Sept. 29-30, complete with a family circus, author talks, and concerts.

“We are thrilled about BPL’s new Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture and renovated Central Library Plaza,” said Dionne Mack-Harvin, Brooklyn Public Library’s Executive Director. “Both venues will transform the way that people experience the library and emerge as two of the borough’s premier cultural and entertainment venues for Brooklynites of all ages.”

For more information about the Brooklyn Public Library, go to their Web site. This Saturday, Sept. 15, there will be a concert on the plaza featuring Harry and the Potters and the Band of Thieves. The music starts at 2 p.m. For a schedule of events at the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture, go to www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/dweck.