On Monday, January 25th, we welcomed the opening of the New York Public Library’s brand new Roosevelt Island branch. The 5,200-square-foot library, located at 504 Main Street, has doubled in size from the previous space and will offer grab-and-go service from 11 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday.
Boasting 16,000 books, 29 computer workstations, a community room, a reading room for adults, a teen area, a separate children’s area, a book drop, and outdoor space, this modern library has truly grown with our evolving community.
“After years of anticipation, we’re thrilled to welcome this much-needed innovative and accessible library with its thoughtful services, bridging urban and modern designs,” added Shelton J. Haynes, Acting President & CEO of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. “We’re thankful for such a technologically advanced, spacious, and essential resource that will act at a place where our community can borrow adventure in a time when it’s most needed.”
Originally started in 1976 by a Queens couple who retired here to Roosevelt Island, the branch officially joined the New York Public Library System in 1998. The branch was designed with community considerations in mind, built with eco-friendly materials and fixtures, is fully ADA accessible, and includes an audio induction loop to help the hearing impaired.