Central Library Plan: Building a Center of Inspiration for All

This animated fly-through video takes you into The New York Public Library’s Central Library Plan, designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Norman Foster.

What Is It?

The New York Public Library’s Central Library Plan will create a state-of-the-art circulating library within its flagship 42nd Street location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, restoring the 101-year-old landmark to its original mission while preserving its historic public spaces and enhancing research services.

The new circulating library will incorporate the books, programs, and services now found at our heavily used but seriously deteriorating Mid-Manhattan Library across Fifth Avenue and at our innovative Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) on 34th Street.

The project is expected to be completed in 2018. All three locations will remain open throughout construction.

Among the Benefits:

• More public library space than is currently available in all three locations combined
• Open 7 days a week, 12+ hours most days
• Updated facilities for Mid-Manhattan patrons without closing for renovations
• Books and DVDs to browse and check out
• Natural light and views onto Bryant Park
• New spaces for children and teens
• Classrooms, computer labs, expanded research areas
• Business Research Center and Job Search resources
• Expanded spaces for scholars and writers
• Research materials properly preserved beneath Bryant Park
• Savings that can be spent on new librarians and curators and more books

The Latest

On January 8, Community Board 5's Joint Landmarks and Education, Housing & Human Services Committee will hold a public meeting on the Library's plan at 6 p.m.

The Central Library Plan is a unique public-private partnership made possible with generous support from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, The New York City Council, the Empire State Development Corporation, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Abby S. Milstein and Howard P. Milstein, and an anonymous donor.