Brooklyn Art Library Closes After 17 Years

A Williamsburg Gem Shuts Its Doors

Hundreds of Thousands of Books Find New Homes

After 17 years of serving the Williamsburg community, the Brooklyn Art Library has closed its doors. The 2,500-square-foot brick building has been a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike, housing a vast collection of over 500,000 books, sketchbooks, and other artistic resources.

The library was founded in 2004 by artists Susannah Joel and Jerry Smith. Their vision was to create a space where artists could access a wide range of materials and connect with other creative individuals. The library quickly became a hub for artistic activity, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and other events.

The Sketchbook Project was one of the library's most popular initiatives. Visitors were invited to create and donate sketchbooks, which were then added to the library's collection. Over 50,000 sketchbooks were collected over the years, providing a unique glimpse into the creative process of countless artists.

The closure of the Brooklyn Art Library is a significant loss for the Williamsburg community. It was a place where artists could find inspiration, connect with others, and grow their creativity. The library's legacy will live on in the countless artists whose work it has supported.