Contact Information
(press inquiries only)
The New York Public Library
Public Relations Office
188 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
phone: 212.592.7700
fax: 212.592.7729
FACT SHEET
The New York Public Library
Bronx Library Center: the Building
Designed by Dattner Architects, and constructed by F. J. Sciame Construction, the five-story, "green," or sustainable, structure features an open glass façade that communicates a sense of its internal activity and multiple functions and spaces.
Built on the site of a building formerly owned by Con Edison, the open-floor glass building maximizes an abundance of natural light. A distinctive swooping roof tops the library's glass façade. Each floor is accentuated by open views to the busy thoroughfare of East Kingsbridge Road; streaming daylight nearly eliminates the need for overhead lighting in the public spaces. Windows are lined by banks of comfortable tables, armchairs, and other seating, enabling collective study. Sleekly designed central reference desks are readily accessible on each floor, and clear sight lines improve communication between users and library staff. Conference rooms, available to organizations within the community, are located throughout the building. Ample storage ensures that the Library can continue to grow its collections in the decades to come. Sweeping views of the Bronx skyline, the New York Botanical Garden, and Fordham University's clock tower physically situate the Library within its local community.
The Bronx Library Center building is The New York Public Library's first "green" facility. With its use of local and recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, air quality controls, and natural light, the structure is designed to reduce operating costs and minimize its impact on the environment.
Concourse Level
An AV-equipped, 150-seat multi-purpose auditorium, with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, theatrical lighting, and green room, will be the site of varied programming and may be used by the community for music, dance, and theatre events; readings; and exhibitions.
The award-winning installation Portrait of a Young Reader by Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, a rendering in colored glass of the DNA sequence of an anonymous young person, is built into the walls on either side of the staircase leading from the concourse level to the first floor. Additional open event and exhibit space is located adjacent to the installation.
The Center for Reading and Writing offers literacy improvement for adult new readers of English through small classes of computer-based instruction. Books and software are available for borrowing.
Two state-of-the-art computer training centers help users to learn about the Internet, find electronic information, and utilize word processing.
First Floor/Main Entrance
A media wall with three plasma screen monitors displays the Library's extensive programming, and up-to-date information and news. The circulation desk offers self-checkout and quick-return stations, and an LED display provides useful information.
Circulating new books and digital media - the latest books, DVDs, CDs, videos, audiotapes, books on tape, and CD-ROMs - are available to borrow.
A Young Adult Area houses the young adult collections (materials for ages 12 and above) and teen lounge areas with ambient music, a large flat-panel television monitor, and an LED display screen. Teens are also welcome to do homework, play chess, or read. Age-appropriate programming will include workshops, cultural programs, and educational and career assistance.
Second Floor
Children's Services provides a full range of educational resources for and about children. A large collection of materials, including board books, picture and early reader books, book-and-tape kits, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, is available for borrowing.
16 computers are located throughout the floor, and workshops provide training for children and caregivers.
A separate area for toddlers - complete with coat check and stroller space - and an expansive story hour room for reading, craft, and parenting workshops will instill and nurture an appreciation for reading and learning in children and caregivers.
The Bronx Borough Office is the administrative office for all New York Public Library branches in the Bronx.
Third Floor
Adult Fiction and Nonfiction houses the largest collection of circulating fiction and nonfiction books for adults in the Bronx. Periodicals from scholarly journals to current popular magazines, along with microfiche and microform readers, are available. A life-long learning section serves recent immigrants with books and other materials designed to assist them with adapting to life in the United States. An outdoor reading terrace welcomes readers and will host special programming.
Fourth Floor
The Latino and Puerto Rican Cultural Center is home to an extensive circulating and reference collection of English and Spanish titles reflecting the broad Latino historical and cultural experience. Titles on history, culture, literature, and the arts, as well as classic and popular fiction, are located on the fourth floor and throughout the Library Center.
The Jay M. Gorell Reference & Reading Room houses reference collections particularly strong in business, law, and literature, with unique items focusing on local Bronx history and community information. Workstations with Internet-accessible computers, along with services for the visually and hearing impaired, are provided.
Fifth Floor · Mezzanine
The Career and Educational Information Service offers individual counseling, provides referrals, and works with schools and other community-based organizations to help users realize their educational and career goals.
This building was generously funded by The State of New York: George E. Pataki, Governor; Charles A. Gargano, Chairman, Empire State Development Corporation; the New York State Assembly and Assemblyman José Rivera; and The City of New York: Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor; Christine C. Quinn, City Council Speaker; Adolfo Carrión, Jr., Bronx Borough President; the Bronx City Council Delegation and City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera.
A major grant from Roger and Susan Hertog provided lead private support for the Bronx Library Center. Support for cultural programming was provided by a generous grant from Bank of America, with additional funding from the New York Community Trust.
