The New York Public Library Plans Full Renovations for Two Historic South Bronx Branches

Public feedback sought for extensive $20 million projects at Hunts Point and Melrose Libraries to update Carnegie branches for the future 

MAY 3, 2017 – Two historic libraries in the South Bronx are receiving much needed improvements after serving the community for generations.

New York Public Library President Tony Marx was joined by City Council Member Rafael Salamanca today at Hunts Point Library to share the early plans for extensive renovations to the historic Hunts Point and Melrose Libraries. Each library is to receive approximately $20 million for renovation and will kick off a public survey created to encourage input from local residents on programs and services that are needed in the community and can be better-served by the renovated branches.

“The South Bronx has two beautiful and iconic libraries that represent the diversity of its vibrant community - New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds have come to rely on the Hunts Point and Melrose Libraries to provide essential resources. Children flock to the branches’ early literacy programs and older children rush to afterschool programs. Attendance at the Libraries’ free ESOL classes skyrocketed last year. But more is on the horizon and the renovation of these historic libraries is NYPL’s commitment to this community and our patrons,” said NYPL President Tony Marx.

The public survey will be available on-site at both branches and online at www.nypl.org/capitalprojects. The survey and announcement are part of the Library’s “Building for You” campaign, designed to keep the public aware and informed about NYPL’s current capital projects.

The Library also announced the hiring of the architecture firm Mitchell Giurgola Architects, which has begun early work on the project developing design standards for modernizing and updating the branches, while preserving details of the iconic Carnegie buildings. The firm performed conditions assessments for both buildings and identified significant improvements to be made, such as:

  • updates to accommodate code compliancy;
  • a new elevator for Melrose Library and an upgrade for the elevator at Hunts Point Library;
  • upgrades to HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems;
  • designated teen areas and more meeting rooms;
  • restrooms available on each floor;
  • new stairs and wood flooring;
  • and more efficient staff space.

The 13,500-square-foot Hunts Point Library is also slated to receive a new garden area and improvements to its entrance vestibule. The Library will also take advantage of its third floor custodial apartment to provide a usable area that will improve space efficiency throughout the branch.

Following the city’s historic $300 million 10-year capital investment in libraries in Fiscal Year 2016, The New York Public Library announced its plans to completely renovate five original Carnegie libraries in high-needs areas of New York City, including Port Richmond in Staten Island and the Fort Washington and 125th Street Libraries in Manhattan.

"This is an incredibly exciting day for our community," said Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. "Libraries aren't just for books anymore - they're community spaces, and these are going to be amazing spaces for all in the South Bronx."

Community meetings to update the public on the project will be held in the future.

The schematic design process will incorporate assessments of the buildings and the public feedback. The branches are expected to close in late 2018 for construction and reopen in 2020.

The Hunts Point Library, located at 877 Southern Boulevard, was the last Carnegie branch constructed in 1929. With more than 132,000 visits in Fiscal Year 2016, the number of participants at its ESOL classes has doubled since 2015 and 200 children currently wait for a spot in the Library’s after-school program. The branch also offers early literacy programs, technology classes and provides a strong selection of programs and materials for the neighborhood’s large Spanish speaking population.

The nearly 10,000-square-foot Melrose Library opened to the public in 1914 at 910 Morris Avenue in the Bronx – a stone’s throw from Yankee Stadium. With 116,000 visits last year, the two-story branch hosts a bi-weekly ESOL class, as well as popular storytime and after-school programs for children, including a weekly coding class with Girls Who Code for teen girls.

Media Contact:

Amy Geduldig | 212.592.7177 | AmyGeduldig@nypl.org

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 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, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come 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/support.