The Bedford Library will soon reopen after being closed to the public since 2021.

Longtime residents say something has been missing in their neighborhood ever since the library closed. The historic Brooklyn Public Library branch, which closed in 2021 for heating and cooling system upgrades, is set to reopen this spring, though an exact date has yet to be announced.

The library initially shut down after serving as a learning lab during the COVID-19 pandemic. The renovation was originally expected to be completed much sooner, but delays pushed back the timeline.

"It's a 126-year-old building—sometimes supplies don’t come, or you discover a problem that wasn’t there at the onset," said Brooklyn Public Library spokesperson Fritzi Bodenheimer. "But we're working diligently. We miss our patrons so much and can't wait to see everyone back here."

For longtime library-goers like Christina, the closure has been tough. She brings her grandson to a weekly pop-up library and storytime event hosted outside the building.

"Until then, I love the people who come here!" she said.