Webster Branch Information

Branch History

Among the oldest libraries in New York City, the Webster Branch has a history that can be traced back to 1893, before its incorporation into The New York Public Library Branch system. Founded as the Webster Free Library, it was named after Charles B. Webster, who donated the building on East 76th Street where the library was originally located. The current site on 78th Street and York Avenue was designed by architects Babb, Cook & Willard and was constructed from funds donated to New York by Andrew Carnegie. The branch opened to the public on October 24, 1906. The three story facility houses an adult, young adult, and children's collection. While the branch originally served a predominantly Czech immigrant population in the early part of the century, it now serves a diverse community of New Yorkers on the Upper East Side.

Collections & Services

• Book collections for adults, teenagers, and children available for borrowing and use in the library
• Videos, CDs, audiotapes
• Small collection of books in languages other than English available for borrowing
• Community Information collection
• Personal computer and software in children's room for free public use by appointment
• Internet access for free public use by appointment

Programs

• Picture book hours, story hours, films, and special events for all ages, including magic shows, puppet shows, workshops, and concerts
• Class visits by appointment

Other Neighborhood Branches

Community Information