Growing Community at Brooklyn Public Library's Stone Avenue Branch

This past June, New York Restoration Project’s Gardens for the City program partnered with Brooklyn Public Library to transform an underused outdoor space into a vibrant new community garden at the Stone Avenue Branch in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The project marks the fourth garden NYRP has built in partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library system, following successful collaborations at the DeKalb, Flatbush, and Pacific branches.

Officially opened on September 24, 1914, the Stone Avenue Branch was originally known as the Brownsville Children’s Library and is widely believed to have been the first library in the world devoted exclusively to serving children. More than a century later, the branch continues to serve as a cornerstone of the neighborhood—now with a new outdoor space that invites visitors to read, learn, and connect with nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In just three days, and with help from volunteers from National Grid, NYRP removed a full dump truck of debris and old wood before installing three raised garden beds, two arch trellises, and fresh soil for future plantings. The team also built a shade structure with an attached rain barrel irrigation system, planted a fig tree alongside shrubs and perennials, spread stone dust, wood chips, and mulch throughout the site, assembled five benches, and installed 60 linear feet of wooden edging to define the new garden.

The result is an inviting green space that will serve as an extension of the library itself. Brooklyn Public Library plans to use the garden for programming while offering visitors a peaceful place to read, enjoy lunch, or simply spend time outdoors. NYRP’s Urban Agriculture team will also continue supporting the garden over the next year by helping library staff and community plant the raised beds while providing ongoing technical assistance.

The Stone Avenue garden is part of NYRP’s Gardens for the City program, which has completed more than 300 garden builds and renovations across New York City. Of those, 75 have been created adjacent to schools, libraries, and campuses.

Integrating gardens with libraries creates opportunities for environmental education, storytelling, and hands-on learning while making these trusted neighborhood institutions even more welcoming. “This is a wonderful testament to the work that libraries and organizations like NYRP can do together,” says Edward Maxwell, Director of Neighborhood Services at Brooklyn Public Library. “In a bustling New York City, having a garden where you can be tucked away is a beautiful thing.”