March 16, 2022

The Charleston Branch of the New York Public Library, the first Net Zero public library in NYC, celebrates its Grand Opening in Staten Island

March 16, 2022, Staten Island, NY: The 14th branch of the New York Public Library celebrated its grand opening today in Staten Island. The first Net Zero high performance public library in New York City, The Charleston Branch is a 10,000 square foot facility designed to meet the City’s goals of reducing 80% of its carbon emissions by 2050. The new library also provides educational programming and services to the underserved community of Charleston, Staten Island – a community that previously did not have access to a public library. The $17-million project, designed by ikon.5 architects, was managed by NYCEDC in partnership with Gilbane Building Company.

Inspired by the cultural connections to its site in Charleston, a century old craftsmen community known for brick and terracotta manufacturing, the library is conceived as a stylized brick vessel for information and community gathering. The building is uniquely located in Bricktown Commons, a suburban retail shopping complex that is bordered by a parking lot and Fairview Park. The design addresses these site conditions through the creation of a community plaza and entry portal off the parking lot with an angular stainless-steel portal announcing the library entrance. The exterior is clad in a textured Roman brick whose unique composition and dark iridescent color contrasts with the adjacent, light-colored big box stores. Internally, the library program spaces are oriented toward the park and take advantage of its views. At the center of the interior spatial composition are the main reading room and information commons.

Charleston Branch welcomes a diverse community of patrons and provides access to intergenerational programming, digital and printed collections, and engaging environments for children and young adults that encourage reading, learning, and collaboration. The program rooms allow the community to hold public meetings and presentations, even after library hours.