Capital Projects: Building for You

Graphic featuring a blue background with white text that reads: Building for You.

For more than a century, The New York Public Library has made neighborhoods stronger. Today, with over 90 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, we're continually working to create library spaces that meet our users’ ever-changing needs. In recent years, we have invested more than $250 million in capital improvements systemwide, and many more projects are underway.

View the full list of active Capital Construction Projects.

Find out more about our: 

Current Projects

 

 

Collage of renderings of the exteriors of Carnegie library renovations.

Carnegie Branch Renovation Program

Thanks to the historic increase in City funding, the Library is in the midst of an unprecedented capital investment in many of our oldest locations, bringing full renovations to five historic branches. These renovations are expected to be completed in 2024; see timeframe information for individual branches below.

Key Updates:

  • All branches will be fully accessible, including the addition of elevators to several branches
  • New children's and teen spaces
  • Upgraded restrooms
  • New heating and cooling systems for patron comfort
  • Technology upgrades

 

 

Rendering of interior of 125th Street Library's planned renovation.

125th Street Library
Manhattan

The renovation of the 117-year-old library will include a remodel of its third floor (which has been inaccessible for decades); new dedicated and flexible spaces for programming; individual reading areas for adults, children, and teens; and additional essential upgrades throughout.

Key Updates:

  • New elevator and additional accessibility upgrades
  • Façade restoration
  • Updates to the building’s windows and floors
  • Upgrades to HVAC and electrical systems
  • New restrooms on each floor
  • Technology upgrades

Following the restoration of Library funding in the FY25 City budget, NYPL looks forward to reopening this location in the near future. We expect to have a timeline soon.

 

 

Cross-section rendering of the renovated Fort Washington Library.

Fort Washington Library
Manhattan

The renovation of the century-old Fort Washington Library—managed by NYC Economic Development Corporation with Cannon Design—will significantly improve the infrastructure of the building and enhance service for all patrons. The branch will feature dedicated and flexible spaces for programming, along with individual reading areas for adults, children, and teens. The Library will also remodel the former custodial apartment on the third floor, transforming it into public space and providing new opportunities for additional programs and services.

Key Updates:

  • Facade rehabilitation
  • New handicap accessible ramp at the entrance and interior accessibility upgrades
  • New interior stairs
  • Installation of a new elevator
  • A newly landscaped front yard

Following the restoration of Library funding in the FY25 City budget, NYPL looks forward to reopening this location in the near future. We expect to have a timeline soon.

 

 

Rendering of interior of Hunt's Point Library's planned renovation.

Hunts Point Library
Bronx

The renovation—managed by NYC Economic Development Corporation with Mitchell Giurgola Architects—will significantly improve the infrastructure of the 92-year-old branch and enhance service for all patrons. The branch will also feature dedicated and flexible spaces for programming, along with individual reading areas for adults, children, and teens. 

Key Updates:

  • A new accessible ramp for the front entrance and other accessibility upgrades
  • Upgrades to the elevator
  • Upgrades to HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
  • Improvements to outdoor space
  • Restrooms available on each floor
  • New stairs and wood flooring, and more

Following the restoration of Library funding in the FY25 City budget, NYPL looks forward to reopening this location in the near future. We expect to have a timeline soon.

 

 

Rendering of interior of Melrose Library's planned renovation.

Melrose Library
Bronx

The renovation of the 107-year-old branch—managed by NYC Economic Development Corporation with Mitchell Giurgola Architects—will significantly improve the infrastructure of the building and enhance service for all patrons. The library will also regain a new, additional top floor (which was lost decades ago in a fire) and feature dedicated and flexible spaces for programming, along with individual reading areas for adults, children, and teens.

Key Updates:

  • Updates to accommodate code compliancy
  • A new elevator
  • Upgrades to HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
  • Restrooms on each floor
  • New stairs and wood flooring, and more

Following the restoration of Library funding in the FY25 City budget, NYPL looks forward to reopening this location in the near future. We expect to have a timeline soon.

 

 

Interior rendering of the renovated Port Richmond Library.

Port Richmond Library
Staten Island

The renovation—managed by NYC Economic Development Corporation with Cannon Design—will significantly improve the infrastructure of the 116-year-old branch and enhance service for all patrons. The landmarked building’s renovations will include updating dedicated areas for the children, teens, and adults as well as multi-purpose rooms for a variety of programs and classes, along with technology and infrastructure upgrades.

Key Updates:

  • Facade rehabilitation
  • New handicap accessible ramp at the entrance and interior accessibility upgrades
  • New interior stairs
  • Installation of a new elevator
  • A newly landscaped front yard

Following the restoration of Library funding in the FY25 City budget, NYPL looks forward to reopening this location in the near future. We expect to have a timeline soon.

 

 

Facade of Aguilar Library, a tall building with columns flying a red NYPL flag.

Aguilar Library
Manhattan

The partial renovation of the 120-year-old library—managed by Shawmut Design and Construction in collaboration with The New York Public Library—will upgrade service, improve infrastructure, and create enhanced spaces for patrons and programs.

Key Updates:

  • Dedicated spaces for programming, along with individual reading areas for adults, children, and teens
  • ADA-accessible public restroom
  • Improved circulation of materials
  • Elevator improvements
  • Upgrades to the electrical and sprinkler systems
  • IT updates

Expected Completion Date: Late 2024

 

 

Rendering of Castle Hill Library exterior.

Castle Hill Library
Bronx

The full renovation of the branch—managed by New York City Department of Design and Construction—will upgrade service, improve infrastructure, and create enhanced spaces for patrons and programs.

Key Updates:

  • Dedicated spaces for programming, along with individual reading areas for adults, children, and teens
  • New facade design with inviting entrance, windows, and roof
  • ADA-accessible public restroom
  • New heating and cooling systems, fire alarms
  • Upgrades to the electrical and technology

Expected Completion Date: Spring 2027

 

 

Facade of Aguilar Library, a tall building with columns flying a red NYPL flag.

Huguenot Park Library
Staten Island

Huguenot Park Library will be relocating to a new, state-of-the-art building that will better serve the needs of patrons. Working with local owner Woodrow Village, LLC, the new building will be located on Woodrow Road, approximately one mile from the library’s current location. The new branch will have dedicated parking spaces, as well as double the amount of seats for programs and twice the amount of computers.

Key Updates:

  • Dedicated spaces for adults, children, and teens
  • Program room available to host library and community events
  • Improved circulation of materials
  • Added computers, doubling the current number
  • Outdoor programming space
  • ADA-accessible bathrooms

Expected Completion Date: Summer 2025

 

 

Exterior photo of Muhlenberg Library.

Muhlenberg Library
Manhattan

The Muhlenberg Library improvement project—funded by City Council, the Manhattan Borough President, and the Mayor—includes significant upgrades to the century-old Carnegie library.

Key Updates:

  • Infrastructure upgrades to heating and cooling units, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems
  • Replacing the old elevator
  • Sidewalk repair

Expected Completion Date: Winter 2024

 

 

Interior of the Visitor Center at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, featuring interactive display tables and screens.

Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Manhattan

In spring 2023, the latest phase of improvements to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building was completed. These major enhancements are designed to make this landmark, 1911 building and the Library’s extensive collections more accessible to all who visit. Among the notable updates are:

  • A 3,600 square foot Visitor Center with interactive exhibits that illustrate the Library’s history and legacy, tactile displays, and multilingual features
  • New ADA-accessible public entrance at 40th Street and the Marshall Rose Plaza
  • Modern public stair and elevator on the 40th Street side of the building

 

Completed Projects

 

 

 

Interior of Bloomingdale Library's Teen Center, featuring a colorful mural, colorful shelves of books, and seating.

Bloomingdale Library
Manhattan

The New York Public Library has renovated portions of the Bloomingdale Library. This project will create space for teens where they can talk, conduct group study, play games, and work independently on upgraded computers in their own dedicated area. This project will also provide for much-needed updating of existing restrooms on the second floor for both patrons and staff and provide drinking fountains.

 

 

Exterior photo of Charleston Library with a red NYPL banner on a pole in front of the location.

Charleston Library
Staten Island

The 10,000-square-foot branch offers areas for adults, children, and teens, books, computers, and multi-purpose rooms for a wide range of programs and classes. It is also LEED Gold certified, making it the first net-zero energy library in New York City. The branch opened to the public in March 2022.

 

 

Interior of Inwood Library featuring a long table under a skylight, surrounded by walls of bookshelves.

Inwood Library–Joseph and Sheila Rosenblatt Building
Manhattan

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development partnered with The Robin Hood Foundation and The New York Public Library to redevelop Inwood Library and create new 100% affordable housing on the site. The new, state-of-the-art library offers dedicated areas for adults, kids, and teens; updated technology and systems; and flexible community spaces and study rooms. The branch opened to the public in summer 2024.

 

 

Exterior of Jefferson Market Library featuring a wheelchair-accessible entry ramp.

Jefferson Market Library
Manhattan

Originally a courthouse, Jefferson Market Library has served the Greenwich Village community for over 40 years. The building, a New York City landmark, was erected between 1875 and 1877. The renovation has improved ADA accessibility, rehabilitated the lobby, upgraded several restrooms, and installed a new elevator. 

 

 

Interior of Macomb's Bridge Library, featuring computer work stations, bookshelves, a skylight, and more.

Macomb's Bridge Library
Manhattan 

In January 2020, the Library opened the new Macomb's Bridge Library in Harlem, across the street from the old branch. The new location offers nearly five times the space of the old—including dedicated teen and children's spaces—giving the community more seats, programs, classes, and computers. 

 

 

Interior photo of Roosevelt Island Library, featuring book shelves and a bright blue desk with red text that reads: Welcome.

Roosevelt Island Library
Manhattan

The New York Public Library opened a new, larger building to replace the existing Roosevelt Island branch in January 2021. The 5,200-square-foot building doubles the size of the former building, and adds much-needed public programming space, as well as dedicated teen and children's spaces, and an adult reading room.

 

 

Atrium at SNFL featuring several floors lined with bookshelves.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)
Manhattan

In 2021, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) opened, following a complete transformation designed by architects Mecanoo and Beyer Blinder Belle, with generous support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the City. Our state-of-the-art circulating library features:

  • Five levels of open, browsable book stacks fronting on a dramatic, 42-foot-high atrium
  • The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown
  • The Thomas Yoseloff Business Center, providing the services and circulating collections of the former Science, Industry and Business Library
  • The Pasculano Learning Center—the Library’s largest adult learning center
  • The new Children’s Center and Teen Center, with computers, books, programming spaces, podcasting studios, reading nooks, and more