Riverside Branch Information

Branch History

In 1897, the Riverside Association gave its small collection of books to the New York Free Circulating Library. Just four years later, Riverside became a branch of The New York Public Library and, in 1905, moved in at 190 Amsterdam Avenue, a building constructed with funds from Andrew Carnegie. The branch remained there for nearly 87 years, the last 23 in a modern building that replaced the old one at the same site. In September 1992, the Riverside Branch re-opened in a new building at 127 Amsterdam Avenue. The main floor features extensive collections for adults and teenagers. The Children's Room on the second floor combines materials from the Riverside Branch with the specialized children's collections formerly housed at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Collections & Services

• Book collections for all ages available for borrowing and use in the library
• Videos, CDs, and audio tapes for all ages
• Collections for children about the performing arts
• Books/cassettes for children and books-on-tape for adults
• Community Information collection
• Personal computers and software for free public use by appointment
• Internet access for free public use by appointment

Programs

• Preschool story and picture book hours
• Programs, workshops, and live performances for all ages
• Book discussion group for adults
• Class visits by appointment

Other Neighborhood Branches

Community Information