Doula Access Expansion, City Sponsored Ruck, NYC NonProfit Week, Housing Court Fast-Track, Business Advisory Council: Mayor Mamdani

Mayor Mamdani, Department of Veterans Services and New York Road Runners Announce Registration for First-Ever City-Sponsored Ruck

New Yorkers can register here

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), in partnership with New York Road Runners, today announced that registration is open for the inaugural Remembrance Ruck, a City-sponsored ruck celebrating and honoring New York City’s veteran and military community.   

The Remembrance Ruck will take place September 13 and kick off at 9:00 a.m. The Ruck will begin at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, cross the Brooklyn Bridge and conclude at Foley Square in Manhattan.   

The event is open to all, including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, caregivers, survivors, Gold Star Families, military families, members of the broader military community and civilians. Anyone who wishes to participate and show their support can register at on.nyc.gov/ruck.  

The Ruck will culminate in a resource fair at Surrogate’s Court, connecting veterans, service members, military families and members of the broader military-affiliated community with resources and services. Attendees will have access to information and support related to housing, mental health, health care, benefits, financial assistance, community engagement and other essential services. The fair will make these resources more accessible and easier to navigate for those who have served and their families.  

“New York City would not be complete without the countless contributions, courage and conviction of the service members, veterans and families who call our City home,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The Remembrance Ruck will bring New Yorkers together to honor and support the people who have served and continue to serve our country and city. We are grateful to our veterans and their families for their sacrifice, and our administration will continue working to ensure they have the support and resources they deserve.”  

“Rucking holds a special meaning within the military community. For so many of our veterans, carrying a ruck was part of their everyday service, a symbol of endurance, resilience, and carrying the mission forward together. This Ruck is an opportunity to honor that service and sacrifice, while also recognizing the families who carried the weight of that service alongside them,” said Department of Veterans Service Commissioner Yesenia Mata. “But honoring our military community must extend beyond a single day. Our veterans and their families deserve to know that the community they served is here to support them in return. By bringing together critical resources, services, and community partners, we are ensuring that veterans and military families know where to turn, how to access the benefits they have earned, and most importantly, that they never have to navigate that journey alone.”  

The NYC Department of Veterans’ Services’ mission is to connect, mobilize and empower New York City’s Veteran community to foster purpose-driven lives for U.S. military service members— past and present — and their caregivers, survivors and families. The Department assists NYC Veteran community members on issues including employment, housing, food security, wellbeing, benefits, culture and targeted advocacy. For more information about DVS programs and services, please visit www.nyc.gov/vets, call (212) 416- 5250 or email connect@veterans.nyc.gov. 

Mayor Mamdani and Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services Recognize Nonprofit Partners During NYC Nonprofit Week 

Mayor Mamdani honors nonprofit partners who strengthen the city’s social safety net

Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services (MONS) announces the City’s second annual Excellent in Human Services Delivery awards    

Mayor Mamdani Expands Access to Doula Care Across NYC as Citywide Initiative Surpasses 4,000 People Served  

Citywide Doula Initiative has served more than 4,000 clients since launching, with participating programs accounting for more than one in four doula-attended births in New York City

Six hospitals receive first-ever certificates through Doula-Friendly Hospital Program

MetroPlusHealth introduces doula coverage for City employees beginning Jan. 1, 2027

NEW YORK — Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene celebrated a major milestone for the Citywide Doula Initiative: more than 4,200 people have received doula care through the program since its launch, many of them in neighborhoods most affected by health and socioeconomic inequities.

The administration also recognized six hospitals — including four NYC Health + Hospitals locations: Elmhurst, Jacobi, Lincoln and Metropolitan — as the first hospitals to complete the Citywide Doula Initiative’s Doula-Friendly Hospital Program, which promotes doula-friendly policies and practices in hospital maternity settings.

MetroPlusHealth, New York City’s health plan for City employees and their families, has also announced an expansion of its Gold Plan benefits to include doula coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Together, these efforts mark a major expansion of access to doula care across New York City. Doula support is associated with improved health outcomes for birthing parents and infants and can help make pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period safer and more supportive.

“This milestone speaks to the power of one of our City’s most successful programs: the Citywide Doula Initiative, which has already supported thousands of families, including in communities that have been too often left behind by our health care system,” said Mayor Mamdani. “4,000 people served is only the beginning. We are expanding access through our public hospitals and to City employees because every New Yorker deserves support to bring a child into this world safely and with care.”

“Community-based doula programs support the mental, emotional and physical well-being of expecting families, especially in Black and Latino communities where families have faced deep inequities and higher rates of maternal mortality,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “The Citywide Doula Initiative is a powerful program that brings support to those who need it most, particularly those who too often are unable to access critical resources. We look forward to celebrating thousands more New Yorkers served by this remarkable initiative.”

“Serving more than 4,000 clients through the Citywide Doula Initiative is a testament to what’s possible when we commit to equity in maternal care,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Ensuring doulas are recognized as valued members of the care team is critical to strengthening maternal care, so we are proud to recognize six hospitals for adopting doula-friendly policies and practices and increasing referrals to doulas. We also applaud MetroPlusHealth for further expanding access to doulas for City employees and their families, which will improve health outcomes for parents and their babies. The data is clear: expanding access to doula care leads to healthier outcomes, particularly for Black and Latino families, and a more equitable healthcare system, and the Mamdani administration is leaning in.”

Helping Hospitals Become More Doula-Friendly

Through the Citywide Doula Initiative’s Doula-Friendly Hospital Program, the Health Department brings together community-based doula programs and maternity hospitals to strengthen collaboration between clinical providers and doulas and support hospitals in adopting doula-friendly policies and practices.

Participating hospitals create environments where doulas are recognized as an important part of the care team, with the broader goal of advancing equitable birth outcomes for Black and Latino New Yorkers, who are more likely to experience medical complications before, during and after giving birth.

Research shows that doula support is associated with fewer cesarean births, fewer preterm and low-birth-weight babies and lower rates of postpartum depression. People who work with a doula are also more likely to breastfeed and report feeling satisfied with their maternity care. Collaboration between doulas and clinical providers and ensuring doulas are part of the care team in hospital settings can help maximize these benefits.

The following hospitals are being recognized as the first group to complete the Doula-Friendly Hospital Program:

• Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
• Montefiore Medical Center
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan

Referrals tracked by the Health Department from these hospitals to doulas have increased sixfold, from 100 during the three years from 2019 to 2021 to 603 from 2023 to 2025.

An additional group of hospitals is participating in the Doula-Friendly Hospital Program and will receive certificates upon completion. These include NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, St. Barnabas Hospital and SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Additional hospitals will be admitted to the program as capacity allows.

Four community-based doula organizations collaboratively implement the program: Ancient Song, Bronx (Re)Birth and Progress, Brooklyn Perinatal Network and Caribbean Women’s Health Association.

Expanding Access to Doulas Where Needed Most

The Citywide Doula Initiative provides free, nonmedical support to thousands of pregnant New Yorkers who are income-eligible for Medicaid, with a focus on neighborhoods most affected by health and socioeconomic inequities, as identified by the Civic Engagement Commission’s Taskforce for Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE) Neighborhood Initiative. In addition to its geographic focus, the program aims to reach Black and Latino New Yorkers, as well as people who live in homeless shelters or foster care and those who will be teen parents.

On June 30, the Health Department published its annual “State of Doula Care in NYC” report, which examines the landscape of doula care in the city, including populations with lower access to doulas, successes and challenges facing the doula workforce, legislation affecting doula care and recommendations for stakeholders.

The report also analyzes data from questionnaires completed by every person who gives birth in New York City as part of the birth certificate worksheet. New York City is the only place where this level of data collection on the prevalence of doula support exists. In 2025, 6.7% of New Yorkers who gave birth — more than 5,600 people — reported having doula support during pregnancy and 6.1% reported having a doula during childbirth. That marks a significant increase from 4.9% during pregnancy and 4.4% during childbirth reported in 2022, when the Citywide Doula Initiative began.

In addition to the Doula-Friendly Hospital Program, the initiative’s work to promote change across the maternal health care system includes co-leading the New York Coalition for Doula Access, a statewide group of doulas, clinical partners and advocates working to advance equitable access through policy and systems change. The coalition focuses on achieving a livable wage for doulas through Medicaid reimbursement and advancing the doula-friendly hospital model.

Expanding Doula Care Coverage for City Employees

At the request of the Health Department and NYC Health + Hospitals, MetroPlusHealth, New York City’s health plan for City employees and their families, announced that it will introduce doula coverage as part of its commitment to advancing maternal health outcomes.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the new benefit will include up to eight prenatal or postpartum visits, plus one in-person labor and delivery support visit per pregnancy.  MetroPlusHealth serves nearly 700,000 members across New York City, and its network includes tens of thousands of providers, including more than 40 hospitals and urgent care centers.

“Our doulas provide an invaluable service to our communities by ensuring mothers and birthing people receive comprehensive, personalized care before, during, and after childbirth,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “By expanding access to doulas across the city, we are ensuring families receive the necessary birthing services to improve health outcomes, particularly in neighborhoods where parents and children have been the most affected by years of medical neglect, systemic inequities, and high rates of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity. Today’s announcement is a significant win for birth justice, and I am grateful to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Department of Health and Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin for their continued commitment to championing initiatives that strengthen support systems for families across our city”

“Families of color have for far too long been negatively impacted by longstanding disparities related to maternal care,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Fortunately, the success of the Citywide Doula Initiative and the addition of doula coverage for many city employees are both going a long way toward addressing these disparities and toward creating better outcomes for mothers and their babies overall. I offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who are supporting doulas across Queens and all of New York City as doulas do their great work to empower families and help them thrive.”

“I know firsthand how much a doula can mean during pregnancy and childbirth. To have someone in your corner who makes you feel supported, heard, and less alone shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be a right,” said New York City Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “The Citywide Doula Initiative has spent years bringing that kind of support to the neighborhoods hit hardest by health and economic inequities, and reaching over 4,000 clients is proof of that. That’s why I’ve worked to make sure this program isn’t temporary, but a permanent part of how we support families in this city. Parents deserve to welcome their children with dignity and support.”

“Doula care works. Over 4,000 New Yorkers have been served through the Citywide Doula Initiative, said New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, Chair of the Committee on Hospitals. Hospitals are now getting certified through its Doula-Friendly Hospital Program, and city workers will have doula coverage through MetroPlusHealth starting in 2027. I am a nurse. I know, these are the investments that change outcomes for mothers and babies.”

“At a time when too many New Yorkers continue to face inequities in maternal health care, expanding access to doula support across our communities, hospitals, and health coverage is more important than ever,” said New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Committee on Health. “The Citywide Doula Initiative reaching more than 4,000 clients is an incredible milestone and a powerful testament to the need for culturally responsive, community-based maternal care. I am also thrilled to see hospitals taking meaningful steps to become more doula-friendly and to see MetroPlusHealth expand doula coverage to City employees and their families. These investments help ensure that more New Yorkers can access the support they deserve throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. I commend Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for their continued leadership in advancing healthier pregnancies, healthier births, and better outcomes for families across our city.”

“Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to participate in the Citywide Doula Initiative, which aligns with our core values,” said Dr. Janice Krystal Ascencio, Chair of Jamaica Hospital’s OB/GYN Department. “The patient population we serve faces significant healthcare disparities and socioeconomic challenges, making the delivery of equitable, high-quality maternal healthcare a top priority for us. Through this program, we are committed to expanding access to doula care, which will not only help improve patient outcomes but also foster trust between families and medical teams.”

“We have long recognized the valuable role doulas play in ensuring our patients feel supported, informed, and heard throughout their birth experiences,” said Rodney L. Wright, MD, MSc, FACOG, vice chair, Montefiore Health System and professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “The doulas in our hospitals serve as not only extra hands as part of our comprehensive care team, they also can decrease the risk of postpartum anxiety and depression. We are proud to partner with the New York City Department of Health to expand access to doula services and strengthen advocacy efforts on behalf of our patients and their families.”

Mayor Mamdani and Office of Chief Medical Examiner Announce New Identification of World Trade Center Victim Using Breakthrough Forensic Technique  

Adult woman is first 9/11 victim identified through forensic investigative genetic genealogy

Since 2001, OCME has worked to identify the remains of those who died at the World Trade Center using the most advanced forensic science techniques    

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) today announced the identification of a previously unknown victim of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center using the breakthrough technique of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), in collaboration with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

The adult woman, whose name is being withheld at the request of her family, is the first 9/11 victim identified using FIGG and the 1,654th victim identified overall through the ongoing analysis of remains recovered from the attacks, which killed 2,753 people in New York City. 

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11 attacks, we honor the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were stolen that day, and we remain committed to the families who have spent 25 years waiting for answers,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The identification of this victim through forensic investigative genetic genealogy is a powerful example of what is possible when we pair cutting-edge technology with an unwavering commitment to those we lost. We will continue to work until every possible answer is found and every family that has been waiting can have the clarity and closure they deserve.”

“A quarter century after the day that forever changed our world, we are keeping the promise to identify those who died at the World Trade Center in 2001 and return them to their loved ones,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Graham. “This sacred commitment is propelled by our dedication to apply the most innovative scientific techniques, and FIGG represents a promising new addition to our toolkit. Thanks to this collaboration with the NYPD Investigative Genetic Genealogy Squad, we are generating identification leads that otherwise might not have been possible.”  

Since 2001, OCME has worked to identify the remains of those who died at the World Trade Center using the most advanced forensic science techniques. This latest identification is the result of a new collaboration that combines OCME’s forensic capabilities with NYPD’s genealogical expertise. 

FIGG pairs specialized DNA technologies with genealogical investigative techniques to produce identification leads that are then confirmed by OCME through DNA or other forensic methodologies. 

In addition to the new 9/11 identification, OCME continues to link remains to previously identified victims so they can be returned to their families. Recent links have been confirmed for three individuals using FIGG, DNA reference samples obtained through renewed family outreach and ongoing retesting of remains recovered since 2001. 

The new identification is the latest identification of a World Trade Center victim since August 2025. Some 1,099 victims — 40% of those who died — remain unidentified. The Administration will continue this work in the coming months and years ahead, using every available scientific tool to identify victims and provide answers to the families who have been waiting for them.

Mamdani Administration Applauds Launch of Housing Court Fast Track to Get Tenants Urgent Relief Faster  

Mayor Mamdani, New York Junior Tennis & Learning Unveil 10 Newly Resurfaced Tennis Courts in Crotona Park

Through NYC Parks’ Adopt-a-Park program and a partnership with NYJTL, USTA Foundation and Yonex, the Bronx’s only public tennis courts with lights for night play receive professional-grade treatment  

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) today unveiled 10 newly resurfaced, professional-grade NYC Parks tennis courts in Crotona Park. The courts are the only public tennis courts in the Bronx with lights for night play and are home to many of NYJTL’s programs and events, including the Mayor Dinkins Cup, the nation’s largest free junior interscholastic tennis competition.   

The refurbishment included patching the court and applying a new sports coating. The project was completed in just three weeks through NYC Parks’ Adopt-a-Park program, which allows organizations and individuals to support the renovation and beautification of parks, playgrounds, recreation centers and other public amenities.  

As one of the USTA Foundation’s 10 nationwide Community Impact Hubs, NYJTL received a grant of approximately $500,000 from the USTA Foundation and Yonex, the official equipment sponsor of the Community Impact Hubs initiative, to improve and expand no-cost school and family play programs at sites across the city. Through NYC Parks’ Adopt-a-Park program, NYJTL dedicated half of the grant – $250,000 – to renovate the courts at Crotona Park. Contributions from the USTA Foundation’s Young Professional Initiative also supported the project.  

“The Crotona Park courts are ready to host the fiercest matches as tennis season peaks in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “In just three weeks, these 10 NYC Parks courts have been transformed into professional-grade public spaces for play, learning and connection. This partnership reflects what we have seen time and time again this summer: every New Yorker, no matter their age, experience or skill level, deserves a beautiful, welcoming place to play the sports they love.”  

“All New Yorkers deserve access to high-quality, safe and welcoming recreation spaces in their communities, just like these refurbished courts in Crotona Park. With demand for Parks tennis courts at an all-time high, we’re thrilled that Bronx residents can enjoy these upgraded facilities to work on their serves and backhands, or maybe discover the sport for the first time,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “We’re grateful to NYJTL, the USTA Foundation and Yonex for making this project possible and for helping to increase access to tennis programming across New York City.”  

“Sports access is the founding principle of NYJTL, which for 55 years has developed the character of young people through tennis and education,” said NYJTL CEO & President Udai Tambar. “We are proud to increase tennis access in the 15th Congressional District, the poorest in the country; to contribute to the vitality of Crotona; and, in partnership with NYC Parks, to continue our programs and events in Crotona Park with revitalized courts for all.”  

“The Community Impact Hub Initiative builds on the USTA Foundation’s efforts to transform the lives of young people by expanding access to school and family play opportunities, coach training and investment in courts. These added elements create a surround sound of growth, play and learning for the young people involved,” said USTA Foundation CEO Ginny Ehrlich. “With our valued partner Yonex and with strong community anchors like NYJTL, we are creating opportunities for young people to get ready for life, on and off the court.”  

“At Yonex, we know that tennis can change lives and equally important, strengthen communities,” said LaNiece Douglas, Yonex USA President. “We are proud to partner with the USTA Foundation to help expand tennis access to the sport, increase safe and welcoming places to play and support tomorrow’s leaders on and off the court.” 

“Tennis can open doors that go far beyond the court,” said NYS Assembly Member & Black Legislative Task Force Chair Chantel Jackson. “For a lot of our young people, especially in urban communities, tennis has not always been the sport they’ve had the same access or exposure to. That has to change. When we create spaces where our kids can learn the game, compete, build discipline, and develop relationships, we’re also creating pathways to scholarships, college opportunities, mentorship, travel, and careers they may not have considered for themselves. The Crotona Park courts give our community another place to move, stay well, and see what’s possible. I’m proud to see NYJTL making that opportunity more accessible right here in the Bronx.” 

“New York Junior Tennis & Learning has been a longstanding and reliable partner in my district for years, and their commitment to our young people is something The Bronx cannot live without,” said Council Member & Bronx Delegation Co-Chair Amanda Farías. “This revitalization is about more than improving tennis courts — it is about bringing professional-grade facilities and world-class opportunities to our Bronx youth, all while keeping these courts free and accessible to the community. I am proud to celebrate this investment with NYJTL, the USTA Foundation, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and all the partners helping ensure that our young people have every opportunity to discover their potential, build confidence and succeed both on and off the court.” 

“Every year, the best tennis players in the world come to New York for the US Open, and the incredible field of talent that we see time and time again is made up of stars from everywhere on the globe and all walks of life,” said Council Member & Bronx Delegation Co-Chair Justin E. Sanchez. “Venus and Serena Williams got their start on public courts in Compton. There’s no reason the next champion can’t get their start right here at Crotona Park. These courts give Bronx kids a place to fall in love with the game and begin their road to Flushing Meadows.” 

“Access to safe, high-quality recreational spaces is an investment in the health, development and future of our young people,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “The refurbishment of the Crotona Park tennis courts will help ensure that Bronx youth and families have welcoming spaces to stay active, build confidence and discover new opportunities through the game of tennis. I’m proud to support New York Junior Tennis & Learning and its continued commitment to expanding access to sports, education and mentorship for young New Yorkers, and I thank NYJTL, USTA, Yonex and all of the partners who helped bring new life to these courts.” 

“Bronx Community Board Three is proud to celebrate the newly refurbished Red Courts at Crotona Park,” said Etta Ritter, District Manager of Bronx Community Board 3. “This investment demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships and our shared commitment to providing Bronx residents, particularly our young people, with safe, high-quality recreational spaces. We thank NYJTL, the USTA Foundation, NYC Parks and all of the partners who helped make this revitalization possible.”

Mayor Mamdani Cracks Down on Hidden Fees at Rental Car Companies 

56 summonses issued across 62 inspections in DCWP’s first citywide car rental sweep in a decade  

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine today announced the results of a citywide enforcement sweep of car rental businesses. Between May and July, DCWP conducted 62 inspections and issued 56 summonses for violations of the City’s Consumer Protection Law, marking the agency’s first comprehensive review of the industry in roughly a decade.

“New Yorkers and visitors renting a car should know exactly what they’ll pay before they drive off the lot,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Working people shouldn’t have to worry about hidden costs being tacked onto the price they were promised. This administration will hold businesses accountable when they try to profit from confusion.”

“Hidden fees and undisclosed policies are a tax on working people who are already stretched thin,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “DCWP’s enforcement sends a clear message that this administration will not let businesses surprise New Yorkers with costs they weren’t told about.”

Inspectors found that most businesses failed to post required price signs or disclose prices as required, and many lacked a posted refund policy. DCWP is continuing to review the inspection results and will pursue further enforcement against businesses that remain out of compliance.

“When you rent a car, you deserve to know the price and the policy up front,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “This sweep makes clear that businesses need to disclose their prices and policies or face consequences.”

Car rental agencies in New York City must:

• Honor all reservations within one-half hour of the reserved time at the reserved price, unless the consumer is told in advance that the reservation is not guaranteed.
• Post a sign explaining the Consumer Protection Law’s rule on rental car reservations, including how to file a complaint.
• Provide a car that seats as many passengers and meets the consumer’s needs if the reserved car is unavailable.
• Disclose prices to consumers, including the minimum rental price and any conditions that affect it.

New York City’s Consumer Protection Law prohibits unfair trade practices in the sale of consumer goods and services, including false advertising, phony sales and special offers with hidden conditions.

DCWP urges consumers with a car rental complaint to file at nyc.gov/Consumers.

Mayor Mamdani Breaks Ground on $36 Million Transformation of Eastern Parkway Library

Major renovation will expand the branch by more than 50%, make it accessible and preserve its historic architecture

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa and Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson today announced the start of a $36 million project to renovate and expand the Eastern Parkway Library, increasing the branch’s public space by more than 50% while preserving its historic site architecture. DDC expects construction to be completed in summer 2028.  

“Libraries are where New Yorkers go to learn, discover and imagine what is possible, and they deserve spaces that meet the needs of our city today,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This $36 million investment will make Eastern Parkway Library fully accessible, more energy efficient and more welcoming, while honoring the architecture that has made this branch a beloved part of Crown Heights for more than a century. With more natural light, a green courtyard, a reading terrace and spaces for kids, teens and families, we are giving New Yorkers a library worthy of the community it serves.”

“The Eastern Parkway Library has served Brooklyn for over a century. The renovation — which will bring more natural light into the branch, add modern technology and create inspiring spaces — will ensure that Eastern Parkway Library can serve the community for another 100 years,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “Thanks to Settlement Housing Fund, Amazon and IKEA, we are opening a temporary library in the neighborhood this fall, ensuring vital library services remain accessible throughout the construction process.”

“The Eastern Parkway Library is an architectural gem in the Crown Heights community and one of the busiest libraries in Brooklyn, and we are thrilled to break ground on this amazing project,” said DDC Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa. “This project is not only upgrading the interior of this unique, two-story building, but we are also making it fully ADA-compliant and expanding public space by more than 50%! This is what the community asked for, and what we’ll be delivering.”  

The Eastern Parkway Library has served the Crown Heights community since 1914. The Carnegie library is a two-story Classic-Revival building with a limestone façade and distinctive long, arched windows. The library features double-height reading rooms with abundant natural light and mezzanines overlooking the lower floor.   

The expansion will add a large glass façade to bring more natural lighting into the library and make the building fully ADA-compliant with a new elevator and entrance ramp. The redesigned branch will include dedicated reading and learning spaces, including a multipurpose room with a projector, a main reading room, a teen zone, two children’s zones, a STEAM room, a community room and a classroom in the restored fireplace room.   

Renderings of the renovated Eastern Parkway Library interior.  

The library will also feature a renovated courtyard with outdoor seating and a third-floor reading terrace surrounded by greenery. Through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Percent for Art Program, artwork by New York-based artist Oasa DuVerney will be displayed throughout the library.  

The building will receive modern, energy-efficient lighting, as well as upgrades to its plumbing, HVAC and fire alarm systems. Following the renovation, the library is expected to achieve a LEED Silver certification.  

During construction, library services will continue at a temporary pop-up location provided by Settlement Housing Fund, with furnishings donated by IKEA and additional support for interim library services provided by Amazon. When the pop-up library opens this fall, patrons will be able to check out books, attend programs and use technology.  

Funding for the renovation is provided by the Office of the Mayor, the New York City Council, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and the New York State Assembly.

“The Eastern Parkway Library has been opening doors to opportunity for Brooklynites for more than a century, and I am proud to help fund the transformation of this beloved landmark,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Libraries are one of the most important public resources we can invest in, and this redesign will create more modern, accessible spaces that our communities deserve. Thanks to the Brooklyn Public Library and the Department of Design and Construction for ensuring that the Eastern Parkway Library continues serving Crown Heights and Brooklynites for generations to come.”

“We are so thrilled to be able to host this temporary library space while renovations are completed at the Eastern Parkway Library,” said Judy Herbstman, President of Settlement Housing Fund. “Settlement Housing Fund has been working in Crown Heights for more than 35 years and we’re proud to partner with Brooklyn Public Library to host this temporary pop-up, ensuring that learning, connection and opportunity remain within reach for our residents and neighbors while the Eastern Parkway Library is renovated.”