The New York Public Library Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Landmarked Hunts Point Branch

February 21, 2025—On Friday, The New York Public Library celebrated the grand reopening of the newly renovated Hunts Point branch. The landmarked building closed in August 2021 for a top-to-bottom makeover under the Library’s Carnegie Renovation Program, a $176 million program primarily funded by the City of New York that transformed branches operating in underserved areas into state-of-the-art libraries. 

Hunts Point Library has been a civic fixture of the Bronx for nearly a century, especially for Spanish-speaking populations. As early as the 1940s, Hunts Point stood out for its extensive Spanish-language book collection and from the 70s onward it has been a leader in bilingual programming. Today, the branch offers bilingual computer instruction, conversation courses, knitting circles, and storytimes for families. It also boasts a Teen Center, which provides high schoolers with the resources they need to succeed, from homework help to college prep assistance, and includes cutting-edge tech amenities like a 3D printer. 

The Hunts Point branch has worked with several community organizations to expand the Library’s reach, partnering with Urban Health Plan and Homes for the Homeless on storytimes, and Casita Maria for a book club. 

Following an all-encompassing renovation that improved the building’s accessibility and maximized public space, the landmarked building is now better equipped than ever to continue providing the community with services and programming. The Hunts Point Library is now fully ADA-accessible with a new entryway ramp, restrooms, and outdoor programming space. In addition to the new outdoor area, the redesign introduced dedicated spaces for adults, teens, and children, each of which has a new curated collection of books. Colorful furnishings and upgraded technology can be found throughout the building, and each floor is filled with abundant daylight following a restoration of the tall, arching windows. The gut renovation also made structural and infrastructure improvements throughout, replacing the roof, rehabilitating the facade, installing all new electrical, AV and HVAC systems systems, and so much more. 

“Hunts Point Library has long been attuned to the needs of its communities, and this renovation work is an extension of that responsiveness,” said NYPL President Anthony W. Marx. “It is tremendous to see communities flourish when connected with the right resources, and there is truly something for everyone at the newly improved Hunts Point. We hope to continue our impactful partnership with the City, investing more capital dollars into our library system for the betterment of all New Yorkers.”

Construction of all five Carnegie libraries was overseen by the NYC Economic Development Corporation. Mitchell Giurgola Architects led the design of Hunts Point and Gilbane Building Company managed construction. The renovations preserved key historic features of this landmarked building, including fireplaces and mantels original to Hunts Point, while modernizing the interior to optimize public space, codifying new design standards in the process. Hunts Point was the last Carnegie building to be constructed in 1929 and the fourth to reopen under the renovation program. The final branch, Port Richmond in Staten Island, will open to the public on February 24. 

Libraries provide us with a safe space from the daily stressors of life, where we can easily pick up a book and escape into the world of fantasy, solve a murder mystery, or even learn a new skill,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. “This ability to escape, enjoy one’s love for books, or expand one’s knowledge through access to new technology is why libraries are so important to a society – even more so to a community like mine that has historically seen its access to these opportunities restricted and overlooked. For all these reasons and more, I am excited that  the Hunts Point Public Library, after a multi-year wait, is finally reopened for Bronxites of all ages to enjoy, and am proud that I was able to deliver $3.7m in funding to make this day a reality for my constituents.”

"The Hunts Point Library has always been more than a place to borrow books. It is where students find a quiet space to study. It is where job seekers gain new skills. It is where families gather, learn, and grow. This renovation is not just about improving a building. It is about ensuring every person in Hunts Point has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed,” said Assemblymember Emérita Torres. “Libraries create opportunities. They bring communities together. They give people a chance to dream bigger. I am proud to celebrate this reopening and excited to see this space once again filled with the energy of our community." 

"The reopening of the Hunts Point Library marks a significant milestone for our community. For nearly a century, this library has been more than just a place to read—it has served as a cultural hub for our residents, especially for our Spanish-speaking population, offering a space where knowledge, culture, and opportunity come together,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. The $176 million Carnegie Renovation Program has transformed Hunts Point into a state-of-the-art facility that continues to nurture both learning and community engagement. With its expanded amenities, including a Teen Center and bilingual programming, this library remains a cornerstone for our families, empowering them to thrive and grow for generations to come."

The Library is grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, former Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr., and the New York City Economic Development Corporation for their support of this project.

About The New York Public Library

For over 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With over 90 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/give. 

About the Carnegie Renovation Program

Primarily funded by the City and spearheaded by NYPL President Anthony W. Marx, the Carnegie Renovation Program modernized five historic libraries serving under-resourced neighborhoods to better serve patrons as part of the Library’s ongoing commitment to equity. The libraries selected for repair trace back to a pioneering partnership forged in the early 1900s between New York City and the industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who donated funds to build public libraries for the betterment of all New Yorkers.