NEW YORK—The newly refurbished, towering, bronze and gold-leaf decorated entryway at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch was unveiled Sept. 19.
In May 2012 the library was awarded $250,000 to refurbish the main door and entryway. The funding was awarded through a citywide vote via social media.
Partners in Preservation hosted the citywide competition in which 40 New York City historic places competed for a portion of $3 million in funding. Brooklyn Public Library got the most votes, winning 9 percent of the popular vote. Other top winners were synagogue Congregation Beth Elohim and New York Botanical Gardens.
The library was designed to look like an open book. Gold-leafed figures on the majestic 50-foot columns show key figures in the development of art and science. The ornate bronze screen above the doors is made up of 15 panels. The panels depict characters in American literature.
Partners in Preservation is a partnership between American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The group funds preservation of historic sites across the country through grants.
