On Monday, October 16, the New York Public Library's (NYPL) renowned Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem celebrated reopening of several of its renovated spaces after a nearly two-year, $22.3 million renovation project.

NYPL President Tony Marx, Schomburg Director Kevin Young, members of the Schomburg family, local elected officials

and community leaders gave remarks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a tour of the renovated divisions, some of which were closed during construction and are now open to the public.

“The Schomburg Center’s impact is immeasurable in both its scale and importance, and its mission to preserve and protect history and spark real discussion is arguably more important than ever before,” said NYPL President Tony Marx during the ceremony. “The Schomburg is a unique, irreplaceable, beloved global treasure in the heart of Harlem. We are so proud to provide this amazing staff, our patrons, and the materials held here with the inspiring spaces that they need and deserve.”

“Today truly is an exciting day for the Schomburg, which, as you can all see, looks better than ever and with this renovation is now poised and ready to do the important, inspirational work for at least another century,” said Schomburg Director Kevin Young. “The future was already bright at the Schomburg, as we were named a National Historic Landmark earlier this year, and with our updated and upgraded spaces, it looks even brighter now.”

"Libraries are at the heart of neighborhoods across the five boroughs, and now Harlem has a renovated space to celebrate its culture and community. The mission of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is critical in preserving the living legacy of Africans and African Americans, whose contributions to the life of our city are invaluable," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

In 2015, The NYPL began a much-needed renovation to areas in the Schomburg's three connected buildings: the Schomburg Building, the Langston Hughes Building, and the 112-year old Landmark Building, which was named a National Historic Landmark earlier this year. Design and construction were led by Marble Fairbanks Architects, Westerman Construction Company, and the City Department of Design and Construction, and funded by the City of New York, the State of New York, the Ford Foundation, Citi Bank and Carver Federal Savings Bank.

The renovations to the center -- a vital part of The New York Public Library that has for 90 years collected, preserved and provided access to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of materials documenting black life -- included:

• Complete renovation of the Landmark Building; which includes new research space, gallery space, staff space and conditioned storage for collections.
• Renovation of the Rare Books Reading Room on the second floor of the Schomburg Building.
• An exterior signage system that connects what’s happening inside the Schomburg to the surrounding community.
• Construction of a two-story annex that includes a new expanded gift shop at ground level and conference room on second floor.
• Improvements to the Langston Hughes Auditorium, including a state-of-the-art sound system.
• Replacement of roofs on both the Landmark and Langston Hughes’ Buildings.
• Upgrades to building systems, including HVAC air distribution, fire alarms, and security.

The Schomburg Center is open on Mondays from 10 AM to 6PM, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 AM to 8PM, and on Thursdays through Saturdays, from 10 AM to 6PM.

For more information about the Schomburg Center, visit www.nypl.org/Schomburg.