Leonard Library

Leonard Library is currently closed for renovations and will reopen in August 2025. This phase of work included roof repairs, a full modernization of the building's heating and cooling systems, new windows, and the restoration of the historic laylight. Currently, Leonard Library is undergoing comprehensive waterproofing of the foundation and exterior. (updated April 30, 2025)

In the meantime, you can visit Leonard staff around the neighborhood! Meet Nellie the book wagon, check out books, get a library card and more. View the events calendar or our Facebook page to find out where we'll be next.

 


Hours

Closed

Address & Contact

81 Devoe St. at Leonard St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211 Get Directions

Partially accessible

GL

B24B48B62Q54

718.486.6006

Managing Librarian
Lauren Comito

Amenities


Leonard Library is one of BPL's original Carnegie branches and is the iconic library visited by Francie in Betty Smith’s beloved book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. In 2008, Brooklyn Public Library staff joined Smith’s family and the NYC Parks Department to plant a tree in the author’s memory outside of the branch. Located one block from busy Metropolitan Avenue and situated on a residential block in Williamsburg, Leonard Library fills an important niche in this lively community, offering popular children's programming such as Story Play on Tuesdays and Jump, Dance and Wiggle on Fridays. 

Friends of Leonard Library

Friends of Leonard Library was founded in 2008 and reconvened in 2015. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of every month at 12pm in the downstairs meeting room of Leonard Library. For more information about activities and joining the group, visit our website.

Grab & Go Craft @ Talea: Color…

Tue, Jul 22 11:00am
Pop Up leonard Library at Talea Williamsburg

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Colors of my…

Tue, Aug 5 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft -STEAM @ Talea:…

Tue, Aug 12 11:00am
Pop Up Leonard Library @ Talea Williamsburg

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Colors of the…

Tue, Aug 12 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab and Go Craft Kit: Paper Bag Fish…

Fri, Aug 15 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Colors of the…

Sun, Aug 24 11:00am
Pop Up Leonard Library at Talea Williamsburg

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Decorate your…

Mon, Sep 15 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Upcycle Wreath

Wed, Dec 3 11:30am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Monkey Paper…

Thu, Dec 11 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Decorate your…

Fri, Dec 12 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Decorate your…

Mon, Dec 22 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Coffee Filter…

Tue, Dec 23 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft: Celebrate Zebras

Sat, Jan 31 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Create a…

Tue, Feb 3 11:00am
87 Richardson Str & Leonard Str

Grab & Go Craft Kit - Heart garland…

Wed, Feb 11 11:30am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Melting Snowman

Sun, Mar 15 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Ki: Celebrate the…

Wed, Apr 8 10:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Spring upcycle…

Wed, Apr 8 11:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kits: Spring in my…

Wed, Apr 15 10:00am
Leonard Library

Grab & Go Craft Kit: Create your…

Wed, Apr 15 11:00am
Leonard Library