Midtown Campus Renovation

The New York Public Library’s Midtown Campus will bring together the full spectrum of offerings available across NYPL—from circulating and research services to business resources and educational programs for all ages. Together, the campus will provide more public library space than is currently available in Midtown, longer hours, and enhanced access to the Library’s collections, technology, and staff expertise.

Updates

• April 2016: Research Matters — Impressions from Library’s Mellon Director
• February 2016: Update on Renovation design team outreach and related Midtown Campus projects
• December 2015: Meeting for key stakeholders and members of the public
• September 2015: Architecture firm Mecanoo announced as project lead
• March 2015: Midtown Campus Planning Session

Capital Upgrades

The project includes a major renovation of Mid-Manhattan Library, our most heavily used circulating branch; the creation of more public space and amenities at the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building; and a superior and expanded storage environment for the Library’s world-renowned research collections beneath Bryant Park.

New Programs & Services

The new Midtown Campus will expand resources and classes for the Library’s broad array of users. This will include services and spaces for researchers, scholars, and creators; areas for adult education, English language classes, technology training, and employment help; and educational resources for families, students, and teachers.

Community Engagement

Throughout planning for the Midtown Campus Renovation, The New York Public Library is committed to soliciting public input. We have conducted online and on-site surveys, held in-depth meetings with a wide range of external experts (including the Library’s Researcher Advisory Group); undertaken extensive research and analysis of usage trends, peer institutions, and best practices in visitor experience; and convened public meetings to provide opportunities to provide feedback, ask questions, and hear from project leaders.

“The library has never been more heavily used or more deeply needed. Making the right decisions about how to renovate and integrate our Midtown Campus is just a part of the larger endeavor of positioning the New York Public Library system for the future—but it’s a part we had to get right.”

— NYPL President Tony Marx, op-ed in Library Journal
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