135 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003
212-674-0947
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11 AM–7 PM
Regular Hours
Day Hours
Monday 11 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–7 PM
Thursday 11 AM–7 PM
Friday 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday CLOSED
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Discover all the Library has to offer! Visit your local branch for books, Wi-Fi, computers, classes, stimulating and entertaining programs, and much more for all ages. 

Did you know? The Library no longer charges late fines! Find out more and plan your visit. 

Please note: Due to new Library policy, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electronic transportation devices are not permitted inside any NYPL location. This does not apply to mobility aids.

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Learn more about the Library’s wide array of free resources, classes, events, and more! Book an in-person or virtual class visit or group tour now.

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Featured at Ottendorfer Library

  • STEAM Discovery Kits

    Build, code, and investigate with NYPL’s amazing STEAM Discovery Kits! Available to borrow from Ottendorfer Library and select other branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, these kits enable kids and tweens to explore robotics, circuitry, microbiology, engineering, coding, and more using exciting tools, toys, and books at home.

    STEAM Discovery Kits

  • Get Event Updates for Ottendorfer Library

    Sign up to get updates and information about events and more at your local branch.

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  • Discover Books with Shelf Help

    Don’t know what you're looking for? Try Shelf Help, NYPL’s new personalized book-selection service! Tell us your reading interests and our librarians will pick five books for you and have them sent to your branch for pickup!

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  • Explore All Online Classes & Events

    People of all ages can engage with the Library through our online classes, programs, book clubs, and more

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  • Find Community Support Resources

    The Library is here to help our communities to find the resources they need.

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For Kids

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24/7 Resources

  • E-Books & E-Audiobooks

    Explore e-books and e-audiobooks available for free from NYPL—from children's books to bestsellers.

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  • Additional E-Materials & Databases

    Discover bestselling magazines, world newspapers, streaming classical and world music, and more from home with your library card.

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  • Digital Collections

    Search thousands of digitized items, including historic prints, photographs, maps, and manuscripts.

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  • From Our Blog

    Check out explorations on a wide array of topics, programs, and services across the Library.

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About the Library

Interior view of Ottendorfer

The Ottendorfer Branch of the New York Public Library opened in 1884 as New York City's first free public library. Designed by German-born architect William Schickel, this landmark building combines Queen Anne and neo-Italian Renaissance styles with an exterior ornamented by innovative terracotta putti. The branch was a gift of Oswald Ottendorfer, owner of the New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung newspaper.

Learn more about this location Learn about capital construction projects at this location