On New Lots Avenue in Brooklyns East New York, the communitys library is located on land used as an African American burial ground during the Revolutionary War. Drawing from this history, MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architects have conceived a new library and community hub for the site centered on learning and reconciliation. The library sits on a historic burial ground for enslaved and free African Americans from the Revolutionary War era. In 2017, fragments of human bone, pieces of tombstones were found, suggesting the burials beneath the site. The redesign honors this legacy, integrating the African Burial Ground into the librarys identity while creating a meaningful community space that fosters dialogue centered on reconciliation.New childrens area with inspiration from traditional African palaver concepts. (Courtesy MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architects)Its our job as designers to incorporate history into the future of place and try to acknowledge and heal the past, creating a new and shared future that benefits the community, said Jonathan Evans, principal at MASS Design Group. Growing up in New York, I saw architectures potential, and its complicity, in controlling the narrative and priorities of those in power. Being able to deliver change through the reformation of New Lots Library is a clear demonstration of change to honestly reflect history and celebrate the people and community the library serves. The 25,000-square-foot design draws inspiration from traditional African gathering spaces, shaped through extensive community input. The concept of palaveror dialoguetranslates in the design through radial, branch-like beams that extend outward to define reading areas and the childrens and teen zones. Large windows flood light into the open-plan space where collaborative workstations, computers, and flexible seating options will be available. When it opens, new technology will support childrens digital learning and foster creativity. As one of seven projects in the inaugural NYC Mass Timber Studio cohort, the library also showcases timber as a sustainable building material model.The facade recalls themes of Sanford Biggerss Lifting the Veil. (Courtesy MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architects)The new librarys distinct facade does away with its current, tired and dated concrete predecessora single brick building, with no distinct facade or outdoor gathering spaces. MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architectss design was influenced by the themes in Sanford Biggerss 2023 Lifting the Veil. In this work, Abraham Lincoln is seated as the ignorant man being led to enlightenment by the standing Frederick Douglass. The sculpture seeks to recontextualize Frederick Douglass in history, giving him the wisdom, power, and foresight. The themes of Lifting the Veil resonate with the New Lots Library project and its complex history. The timber panels, arranged in a crisscross, woven pattern, add dynamism, while reinforcing the designs connection to the sites history. In this way, the design connects past struggles with a vision for the future, offering a space for reflection and growth. Beyond shelves and books and a collection of media resources East New Yorks New Lots Avenue Library will also house a heritage center and continue the communitys ongoing work for reconciliation. Past work in the area has included, in 2013 renaming the block to African Burial Ground, and creating of a Remembrance Plaza and Reflection Circle to connect the burial ground, library, and Sankofa Parka neighboring site renamed to honor African Americans who endured enslavement in East New Yorks history.The new third-floor terraces and surrounding landscaped plaza will offer expanded community space. Outdoor seating on the terraces will provide sweeping views of the plaza, as well as a connection to the broader city landscape.New third floor terrace with views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Skyline (Courtesy MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architects)New Lots Library is expected to close in fall 2025 when construction on the new library begins.