Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library shows consistent financial growth and strong asset accumulation over the past decade.
EIN: 111904261 · Brooklyn, NY · NTEE: B71Z · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $227.0M |
| Total Expenses | $164.3M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $158.6M |
| Transparency Score | 90/100 |
Is Brooklyn Public Library Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Brooklyn Public Library directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (EIN: 111904261) is a nonprofit organization based in Brooklyn, NY, classified under NTEE code B71Z. The organization reported total revenue of $227.0M and total assets of $226.9M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Brooklyn Public Library's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Brooklyn Public Library is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 67 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 3.9%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $163.2M |
| Total Expenses | $164.3M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-1,176,025 |
| Total Assets | $209.5M |
| Total Liabilities | $51.0M |
| Net Assets | $158.6M |
| Operating Margin | -0.7% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 24.3% |
| Months of Reserves | 15.3 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Brooklyn Public Library reported a deficit of $1.2M with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 15.3 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 24.3% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Brooklyn Public Library's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -9.1% | +14.2% | +8.9% |
| 2022 | +7.5% | +3.6% | +0.9% |
| 2021 | -0.7% | -4.4% | +9.3% |
| 2020 | +4.9% | +0.1% | +15.4% |
| 2019 | +12.1% | +6.1% | +10.0% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1959 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Brooklyn Public Library with a Mission Score of 90 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Brooklyn Public Library allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $1.2M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 24.3%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The consistent reporting of 0% for Officer Compensation across all available filings is highly unusual for an organization of this size, suggesting that executive compensation may be categorized differently or is exceptionally low, which is a positive indicator of fiscal responsibility.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Brooklyn Public Library's IRS 990 filings:
- Officer compensation consistently reported as 0% across all filings, which may obscure actual executive pay if it's reported under other expense categories.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Brooklyn Public Library:
- Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $107,366,637 in 201406 to $226,952,010 currently.
- Significant asset accumulation, nearly tripling from $89,274,583 in 201406 to $226,912,503 currently.
- Strong financial transparency with 12 years of available IRS 990 filings.
- Low reported officer compensation (0% across all filings), suggesting efficient use of funds for leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brooklyn Public Library
Is Brooklyn Public Library a legitimate charity?
Brooklyn Public Library (EIN: 111904261) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New York. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 90/100. It has 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $227.0M. 1 red flag identified. 4 strengths noted. Financial health grade: B.
How does Brooklyn Public Library spend its money?
Brooklyn Public Library directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 5%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to Brooklyn Public Library tax-deductible?
Brooklyn Public Library is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 111904261). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Brooklyn Public Library's spending goes to programs?
Brooklyn Public Library directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Brooklyn Public Library compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 90/100 (Excellent), Brooklyn Public Library is above average for NTEE category B71Z nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Brooklyn Public Library located?
Brooklyn Public Library is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 111904261. It is classified under NTEE code B71Z.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Brooklyn Public Library have?
Brooklyn Public Library has 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $227.0M in total revenue.
Is Brooklyn Public Library a good charity?
Based on its consistent financial growth, strong asset base, and apparent commitment to program spending, the Brooklyn Public Library appears to be a very well-managed and effective organization. The consistent 0% officer compensation reported is a strong positive indicator of fiscal prudence.
How has the Brooklyn Public Library's financial health changed over the last decade?
The Brooklyn Public Library has shown significant financial growth over the last decade. Revenue has more than doubled from $107,366,637 in 201406 to $226,952,010 currently, and assets have nearly tripled from $89,274,583 to $226,912,503, indicating robust financial health and expansion.
What is the trend in the organization's assets and liabilities?
Assets have shown a strong upward trend, growing from $89,274,583 in 201406 to $226,912,503 currently. Liabilities have also increased, but at a slower rate, from $18,261,996 in 201406 to $50,962,665 in 202306, maintaining a healthy asset-to-liability ratio.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Brooklyn Public Library showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Brooklyn Public Library's revenue has grown by 51.9%, moving from $107.4M to $163.2M. Total assets increased by 128.5% over the same period, from $91.7M to $209.5M. Total functional expenses rose by 59.8%, from $102.8M to $164.3M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Brooklyn Public Library reported a deficit of $1.2M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $51.0M in liabilities against $209.5M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 24.3%), resulting in net assets of $158.6M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $163.2M | $164.3M | $209.5M | $51.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $179.4M | $143.9M | $192.4M | $51.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $166.9M | $138.9M | $190.7M | $48.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $168.1M | $145.2M | $174.5M | $53.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $160.2M | $145.0M | $151.2M | $34.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $143.0M | $136.7M | $137.4M | $25.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $154.8M | $130.7M | $134.8M | $25.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $130.3M | $125.1M | $106.8M | $25.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $122.3M | $114.8M | $100.2M | $23.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $107.4M | $105.1M | $89.3M | $18.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $117.5M | $99.5M | $127.3M | $62.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $107.4M | $102.8M | $91.7M | $40.7M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $163.2M, expenses of $164.3M, and assets of $209.5M (revenue -9.1% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $179.4M, expenses of $143.9M, and assets of $192.4M (revenue +7.5% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $166.9M, expenses of $138.9M, and assets of $190.7M (revenue -0.7% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $168.1M, expenses of $145.2M, and assets of $174.5M (revenue +4.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $160.2M, expenses of $145.0M, and assets of $151.2M (revenue +12.1% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $143.0M, expenses of $136.7M, and assets of $137.4M (revenue -7.6% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $154.8M, expenses of $130.7M, and assets of $134.8M (revenue +18.8% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $130.3M, expenses of $125.1M, and assets of $106.8M (revenue +6.6% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $122.3M, expenses of $114.8M, and assets of $100.2M (revenue +13.9% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $107.4M, expenses of $105.1M, and assets of $89.3M (revenue -8.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $117.5M, expenses of $99.5M, and assets of $127.3M (revenue +9.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $107.4M, expenses of $102.8M, and assets of $91.7M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Brooklyn Public Library:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Brooklyn Public Library is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.