About the Columbus Library

Columbus branch

The Columbus branch opened in 1909.

View library address, hours, and more.

The Columbus Branch of The New York Public Library has been a center for education in the multiethnic, working-class neighborhood of Clinton since the branch opened on September 24, 1909.

It is one of 65 libraries built in the early 20th century with funds contributed by Andrew Carnegie. The nucleus of the collection came from the reading room of the Columbus Catholic Club, a social and educational club for young men. In 1901, the club's library was incorporated into the Cathedral Free Circulating Library, and in 1905, as the city's library movement developed, it became part of the New York Public Library.

The Columbus Branch reopened in 2005 after the first complete restoration and modernization of the elegant Renaissance Revival, Indiana limestone building since the 1960s. From the 1970s until its closure in 2004, the library operated on only one floor. The renovation retained many of the building's historic elements, including the original iron-railed staircase and the oak-paneled entrance vestibule. The major changes include: complete redesign and reconfiguration of the interior public service areas, restoration of the second floor as a dedicated children's and teen space, and an elevator serving all floors. The branch also added a NYPL TechConnect computer lab on the lower level, which provides free weekday computer classes conducted by trained professionals.

Community District Information

For more information about your Community District, including census data, community board information, local schools and other resources, see here.

Information About Environmental Remediation Projects in Your Community

Brownfields are properties where redevelopment is complicated by actual or suspected environmental contamination from past land usage. Because of New York City's long industrial history, brownfields are found in areas throughout the five boroughs. The New York City Office of Environmental Remediation offers programs that encourage environmental investigation of lightly-to-moderately contaminated sites, and that oversee clean up appropriate to a site's new end use. Information about these projects is available below:

New York City Voluntary Cleanup Program

Brownfield Educational Video series –Cleaning Up NYC

Brownfield Cleanup Program Application

550 Tenth Avenue Filling Station Site