New Amsterdam Branch Information

Branch History

Historically Lower Manhattan was a manufacturing, business, and government center with little residential population. This has been changing since the 1970s when individuals began to live in converted commercial space. The resulting population boom became a key factor in the establishment of the New Amsterdam Branch in 1989. The branch is housed on the ground floor of an office building, one block west of City Hall. Although small in size, the library bustles with activity and people all day long. Fully accessible to persons who use wheelchairs, the branch offers collections, services, and programs for all ages.

Collections & Services

• Book collections for all ages available for borrowing and use in the library
• Videos, DVDs, and CDs for all ages
• Large Print collection
• Lifelong Learning collection for adult new readers of English
• Small collection of books in Spanish, French, Chinese, and Russian
• Community Information collection
• Personal computers and software for free public use by appointment
• Internet access for free public use by appointment

Programs

• Book sales
• Special events for all ages, including magic shows, puppet shows, films, picture book hours, workshops, and author readings
• Class visits by appointment

Other Neighborhood Branches

Community Information