At 53rd Street Library, it’s all hustle and bustle as the final details are being hammered out—literally. It’s a gorgeous day: the floor to ceiling windows on the first floor allow for immense amounts of light to saturate the space, and librarians, construction workers, and security are scurrying to get the final touches ready for opening day, June 27. 

Genoveve Stowell, 53rd Street’s Managing Librarian, is prepared to take it all on. Having worked as a librarian both in her native Nevada and abroad—she spent four years working as a librarian after receiving an MLS in Liverpool, England—she feels at home at the Library. With previous experience at Epiphany and Grand Central the past few years, Genoveve feels comfortable at NYPL.  Her enthusiasm is contagious, and, coupled with her knowledge and experience, she's prepared to tackle her next adventure.

“The last six months were a marathon,” she exclaims, between hiring staff, relocating, and being flexible with change, “but it’s been so exciting and fun.” Armed with “hand-picked staff” ranging from supervising librarians to pages, she feels ready to take on anything. “I love the energy, and there are just so many opportunities here."

One such opportunity is the library’s close proximity to the Museum of Modern Art. Even slightly mirrored in its architecture, 53rd Street has a modern, urbanesque look and feel, with minimal decor to enhance the immense open spaces. Genoveve hopes to further establish the branch’s relationship with MOMA, already setting up art-related programming for children and displaying MOMA art books around the library. After 53rd Street's grand opening, MOMA will do a program for children after a library storytime in the morning.

Storytimes is just one of the many programs her team has created, which will range from Science Fridays to Little Artist classes for children. Starting in July, there will be adult coloring clubs and meditation classes, and they’re hoping to add coding programs in the fall. Whether patrons are toddlers, teens, or older adults, Genoveve and her team are ensuring that there’s something offered for everyone at the library, down to its most basic necessity: books.

The branch's best kept secret is its fresh, new books. The Library worked with the cataloging and BookOps teams, which not only handpicked what books went in the branch but also bought all of them new. After Genoveve mentions this, she runs over to the stacks and opens one, breathing in that glorious new-book smell. She is beaming, clearly in her element.

As the opening day approaches, everyone bands together to add the finishing touches and are anxious to start serving the public. With new books, new space, and knowledgeable, friendly staff, 53rd Street Library is ready to open its doors.

Remarks Genoveve, “There’s so much potential...I want to make this [space] not just for The New York Public Library, but for all of New York City.”