Bright Lights, Big Library: New Harlem River Library Offers More Space
On January 30, the New York Public Library (NYPL) celebrated the grand opening of the new Macomb’s Bridge branch, located at NYCHA’s Harlem River Houses. The new library, at 3,375 square feet, is nearly five times larger than the one it replaced at its previous location across the street. The bright, attractive facility offers more space for classes, events, computers, and seats.
“We look forward to continuing our long association with the NYPL to provide Harlem residents free access to books and educational materials,” said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. “The library is an especially important community fixture for so many NYCHA residents, offering a place for them to find job opportunities, learn new skills, and connect with neighbors.”
The new Macomb’s Bridge branch is part of the New York Public Library’s year-long celebration of its 125th anniversary this year, which includes several capital projects throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. It is the Library’s first capital project completed in 2020.
“For 65 years the mighty Macomb’s Bridge Library offered Harlem patrons exceptional service for a space that was too small,” added Anthony W. Marx, President of The New York Public Library. “Together with NYCHA, the City, and local officials, it is an honor and privilege to introduce the community to the branch’s new and much larger home, and we look forward to celebrating the New York Public Library’s 125th anniversary this year with everyone—enjoying good books and good friends. ”
The building project, which was managed by the Library’s Capital Planning and Construction team and part of the Library’s “Building for You” program, used feedback from surveys and public meetings to ensure it would address the community’s specific needs. In addition to dedicated spaces for children and programming, which the previous branch was not able to accommodate, the new library will feature an adult reading room; more computers and laptops; on-site programs, classes, and workshops for all ages; and charging stations for personal devices at tables.
The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations — including research and branch libraries — throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming, and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years.
“Modern libraries are vital for New Yorkers of all ages, in every neighborhood,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, who helped cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. “I’m thrilled that my office could support this project. This community has always deserved to have a fully functional library of its own, and I’m so happy that it will now have one.”
