Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, New York City Council Member Shirley Aldebol, NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Ochoa, and New York Public Library COO Iris Weinshall today joined members of the City Island community for a check presentation celebrating $600,000 in capital funding for City Island Library.
The funding will be added to $5.1 million in capital funds previously committed by the City Council and the Mayor and represents the final amount needed to advance planned upgrades to the library’s roof and HVAC system, helping move these infrastructure improvements closer to completion. The DDC-managed project will enhance the overall library experience, increase building efficiency, and help foster a comfortable, welcoming environment.
The City Island Library serves as an important neighborhood resource for residents of all ages, providing access to books, technology, educational programming, community space, and other essential services. Investments in the branch’s physical infrastructure will help ensure that the library remains a safe, comfortable, and reliable space for the community for years to come.
Libraries across New York City serve as a vital place for learning, connection, and access to public resources, often serving as a central hub for many New Yorkers. The City Island Library is no exception. As an important neighborhood institution, the library provides residents with a welcoming space to learn. These infrastructure improvements are critical to ensuring that the library can continue serving the City Island community for years to come.
The $600,000 capital allocation, jointly supported by Council Member Shirley Aldebol and Bronx Borough President Gibson, closes the funding gap for the project and will support roof replacement and HVAC improvements at City Island Library. NYC’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC), led by Commissioner Paul Ochoa, will manage and oversee the project.
“City Island Library is a place where residents of all ages from the island come to relax, enjoy the AC on a hot summer day, read, learn, connect, and spend time with their neighbors and friends,” said Council Member Shirley Aldebol. “I am proud to have worked alongside Bronx Borough President Gibson to secure the final $600,000 needed for this project. After years of planning and investment, I’m excited that we have reached this important milestone and can continue moving these much-needed improvements forward.”
“Libraries play a fundamental role in our society as hubs of learning, exploration, and connection. They bridge gaps and bring people together, serving as beacons of knowledge and community support,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “That is why I am proud today to join Council Member Aldebol in announcing a joint allocation of $600,000 in FY`27 to advance planned upgrades to the City Island library`s roof and HVAC system. As the only library on City Island, it serves as a vital space for our community and deserves our continued support, so we can ensure that future generations of City Islanders can fully immerse themselves in the wonder and opportunities it offers.”
“Public libraries serve as important community hubs in every neighborhood, and support from the City to keep these spaces welcoming and well-maintained is critical to their success,” said Iris Weinshall, Chief Operating Officer of The New York Public Library. “We are grateful to Council Member Shirley Aldebol and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for securing these crucial funds to complete a much-needed renovation. This investment will help ensure City Island Library remains a vital learning center and community resource for generations of New Yorkers.”
A new chapter for the City Island Library and residents will soon be underway, thanks to the recent funds allocated by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Councilmember Shirley Aldebol,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa. “While the island is surrounded by water, we want to keep the water out of the library. With these funds, DDC will upgrade the library’s roof, building envelope and HVAC system. This will give the City Island community a comfortable space to read and partake in the great programming NYPL offers, regardless of whether it’s a summer heatwave or a cold, breezy island day.”
For Council Member Aldebol, whose district includes City Island Library, this investment is part of her efforts to ensure that residents have access to high-quality public facilities and spaces.
The completion of the funding marks an important milestone for the project and collaboration between Bronx Borough President’s Office, the New York City Council, the New York Public Library, NYC Department of Design and Construction, and the City Island community.
Featured image courtesy of: Jonathan Blanc / The New York Public Library.
