Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Council Member Eric Dinowitz partnered to provide the Wakefield branch of the New York Public Library with a $360,000 check to cover infrastructure upgrades that will make the library more accessible for those with disabilities.
Gibson and Dinowitz are each contributing $180,000 for this cause, which line up with the goals Gibson outlined in her Strategic Policy Statement for People with Disabilities. This policy statement includes improving city services and upgrading public infrastructure to make sure they are ADA-compliant.
“We are so proud to allocate $360,000 cash money to enhance the accessibility and the infrastructure of the Wakefield branch library,” Gibson said. “This investment reflects our collective commitment to ensuring every resident can fully access and benefit from all of our libraries. We will improve physical accessibility, such as installing ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. This allocation is not just about improving infrastructure, but it’s really about aligning with the broader policy goals of creating equitable and inclusive public space.”
The Wakefield Library, located at 4100 Lowerre Pl., was originally built in 1938. While this library does have an accessible entrance, there is no intermediate landing. Through this funding, an ADA-compliant ramp into the entryway of the main floor will be installed. Additionally, an ADA upgrade will be made to the restroom near the entryway.
“In the City Council, we believe all of our libraries are very special, and that is why we fought tooth and nail to ensure that this year our libraries were not cut,” Dinowitz said, referring to the city budget battle ensuring libraries remain fully funded. “One of the things we said throughout this budget battle was that libraries are for everyone. We look around this city and there are people with disabilities who can’t access the great resources our libraries have. I am thrilled that we are allocating this funding to ensure that this branch is truly for everyone.”
The library’s ground floor consists mainly of program rooms. Meanwhile, the first floor houses the main reading room, as well as the collections of books.
“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,” said Brian Bannon, the Merryl and James Tisch Director of the New York Public Library. “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.”
In addition to the Bronx, the New York Public Library also has branches across Staten Island and Manhattan. Each location in the city plays a role in its respective community, providing support for those in the neighborhood, including those in underserved communities. For example, some of the classes and programs Wakefield Library offers include an Early Literacy Program, College and Career Pathways and English as a Second Language (ESL). For more information on the New York Public Library branches, go to www.nypl.org.
Additional reporting by Paul Frangipane.
