The Park Slope Library (Flickr user threecee)

The Park Slope Library has already been closed for renovations for two years, and it's showing no signs of reopening anytime soon, frustrating many locals who say the library is an important part of the neighborhood. Think of the children!

The Carnegie-era Library, on 6th Avenue and 8th Street, first closed in October 2009. At the time, the library's goals seemed simple: install a new ramp, elevator and bathroom to make the space more handicap-accessible, although some residents had their doubts as soon as the renovation was announced. Naturally, the price tag and timeframe for the repairs quickly ballooned as the library also decided to install new floors, new air conditioning, new lighting and new furniture, because if you're going to go for it, might as well go for it, right? In the meantime, they've started operating out of a sad-looking Bookmobile instead.

Now, more problems rear their head: "Due to unforeseen interior and exterior field conditions, completion of the work at Park Slope Library is delayed," announced the Library, who estimate their re-opening for some time in the fall of 2012. “Three years is too long,” one Park Slope parent told the Brooklyn Paper. “This is a public space—it should really be a priority.”