The Central Libraries >Donnell Library Center

Building a New Donnell Library Center

The New York Public Library is beginning an extensive transformation that will expand and reshape its services as it moves forward in an era of changing use and information needs. Among the many improvements are a number of new state-of-the-art facilities. The transformation starts at the Donnell Library Center, which will close on September 1 to begin construction of a new library that opens in 2011 as part of a development project with Orient Express Hotels.

All of Donnell’s collections and services will remain available to the public during construction of the new library. A phased transition in service will begin this spring with some collections finding permanent new homes in other NYPL locations. The Library is also planning a temporary site that will provide service until the new library opens. For up-to-date information, please check www.nypl.org.

New Locations of Donnell Collections and Services

Except where noted, new service begins June 2008

Children’s Collections
including Winnie the Pooh and Friends
Humanities and Social Sciences Library
42nd Street and Fifth Avenue
Historic and reference children’s materials will be available in the Rose Main Reading Room. Circulating children’s materials will move to the Humanities Library in the fall. Winnie-the-Pooh and friends are on view now on the Library’s third floor.
Hours: Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tue & Wed: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sun: 1 to 5 p.m.


Donnell Media Center
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
40 Lincoln Center Plaza

  • Reserve film and video collection
  • Circulating audio collection
  • Study Center for on-site viewing
    • Hours: Mon & Thu: Noon to 8 p.m.; Tue, Wed, Fri: 11 a.m. to
    6 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    The Mid-Manhattan Library
    455 Fifth Avenue at 40th Street

  • Documentary and world cinema video collections

    • Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thu, Fri, Sat: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun: 1 to 5 p.m.


    World Languages Collection
    Mid-Manhattan Library
    455 Fifth Avenue at 40th Street
    Hours: See Above


    Adult Materials and Teen Central
    Adult materials and Teen Central will be relocated to a temporary site in midtown while the new library is constructed. Please check www.nypl.org for forthcoming details about this location. Over the summer the Teen Advisory Group meetings and programs for teens, including author talks, gaming, web 2.0 programs, and summer reading related activities, will be held at the Columbus Branch. Teen Central staff will also be there to work with young adult library users.


    Service at 20 West 53rd Street through
    Summer 2008
    Popular adult books, feature film DVDs, paperbacks, large print books, a classics collection and world language books, along with a sampling of circulating teen and children’s materials, will continue to be available at Donnell on the air-conditioned lower level through August 2008. Customers will also be able to pick up their reserves.


    Auditorium Concerts and Film Programs
    Programming will continue in the Donnell Auditorium at 20 West 53rd Street through August 2008. In the fall, programming will be expanded at the Library for the Performing Arts and other Manhattan branches.


    Expanded hours in midtown branches
    Hours will be expanded at midtown branches, including:
    Terence Cardinal Cooke – Cathedral Branch,
    560 Lexington Avenue (at East 50th Street)
    58th Street Branch Library
    127 East 58th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues)
    Columbus Branch Library
    742 Tenth Avenue (between 50th and 51st Streets).
    Sunday service will be available in Manhattan at the
    Mid-Manhattan Library, Countee Cullen Branch, and Seward Park Branch.