Occasionally, Central Library will close early or offer alternate hours of service so that it can host large-scale events in its Grand Lobby, which has a capacity of more than double the Dweck Auditorium. The following dates will offer alternate hours:
- Central Library will close at 4pm on Friday, September 14 to host An Evening with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
During early weekday closures Central Library will keep the Youth Wing open. Visitors will be able to browse and borrow Youth Wing materials. Children and teens will be able to access Youth Wing computers. Visitors can access the Youth Wing through the children's entrance on Eastern Parkway.