The New York Public Library System Begins Reopening with ‘Grab-and-Go’ Service
Photo: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL
It’s a somewhat return to normalcy for library lovers.
After a four month temporary closure, the New York City public libraries are figuring out how to operate during the coronavirus outbreak. Yesterday marked the reopening of 22 branches across the five boroughs. Eight of the locations will allow for limited, grab-and-go service; patrons will have access to small areas of the participating branches to pick up and return checkouts that have been placed online or via phone. Masks are mandatory and social distancing guidelines will be enforced.
As at the beginning of the pandemic, the library systems will continue to provide a variety of free, educational, cultural and business virtual offerings.
The first 8 Grab-and-Go locations are below. Unfortunately, neither the Seward Park nor Chatham Square branches are part of this initial run:
BRONX
Belmont Library
610 E. 186th Street
Bronx, NY, 10458
718-933-6410
Francis Martin Library
2150 University Avenue
Bronx, NY, 10453
718-295-5287
Parkchester Library
1985 Westchester Avenue
Bronx, NY, 10462
718-829-7830
MANHATTAN
George Bruce Library
518 West 125th Street
New York, NY, 10027
212-662-9727
Epiphany Library
228 East 23rd Street
New York, NY, 10010
212-679-2645
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), formerly known as Mid-Manhattan Library
455 Fifth Avenue (at 40th Street)
New York, NY 10018
212-340-0863
(Please note that as of July 13 only a portion of SNFL’s first floor will open to the public for limited service. The renovated library’s full eight floors of services and amenities are expected to open in the fall)
STATEN ISLAND
Richmondtown Library
200 Clarke Avenue
Staten Island, NY, 10306
718-668-0413
Todt Hill–Westerleigh Library
2550 Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, NY, 10314
718-494-1642
To begin, hours for all but one of the grab-and-go locations will be:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 11 AM–6 PM
Wednesday: 12–7 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11 AM–5 PM
Sunday: Closed
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) will have the following hours:
Monday to Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–5 PM
Sunday: Closed
For a complete list of New York Public Library’s open branches (including Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx) click here; for Brooklyn Public Library’s open branches, click here; for Queens Public Library’s open branches, click here.
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