Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

125th Street library reopens in East Harlem after years of renovations

By

Giulia Heyward

Published Oct 24, 2024

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

The 125th Street Branch in Harlem, before and after its three-year, $100 million renovation. The historic building now features modern amenities, including new heating and air conditioning, restrooms, an elevator and dedicated spaces for teens and children.

 

Courtesy NYPL

By

Giulia Heyward

Published Oct 24, 2024

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

The New York Public Library is reopening its 125th Street branch in East Harlem, more than three years after the building was shuttered for renovations. The reopening will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m., according to library officials.

The East Harlem library — housed in a landmarked building at 224 E. 125th St. — originally closed for renovations in April 2021. The renovations were funded by $100 million allocated to the library from a citywide capital plan. However, repairs were delayed, partly due to proposed budget cuts under Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which were later restored.

The site now boasts new restrooms, heating and air conditioning systems, an elevator, a teen center, and a dedicated children’s library, made possible by a combination of city funding and private donations.

The updated heating and cooling systems come as a relief, especially considering that the New York Public Library shut down two Staten Island locations this summer due to busted air conditioners. In addition to the delays at the Harlem site, the proposed budget cuts also threatened weekend service at some of its locations.

Tagged

new york city

education

manhattan

Giulia Heyward

Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

MORE news

Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says

Police said they're searching for a person of interest.

By

Ryan Kost

and

Elizabeth Kim

Published Oct 17, 2026

Modified Oct 17, 2026 at 4:10 p.m. ET

Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home

Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.

By

Ryan Kost

News

Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home

Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.

By

Ryan Kost

Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.

By

Catalina Gonella

Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.

By

Willow Higgins

Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn

By

Rosemary Misdary

Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .