Central Library

Open today from 1 pm - 5 pm.

Hours

Monday 9 am - 8 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 8 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 8 pm
Thursday 9 am - 8 pm
Friday 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday 9 am - 6 pm
Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm

Address & Contact

10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238 Get Directions

Fully accessible

23BQ

B41B45B67B69

718.230.2100

Managing Librarian
718-230-2100

Amenities


About Central Library

Central Library first opened its doors to the public on February 1, 1941. With its breathtaking façade, sweeping grand lobby and vast contemporary and historical collections, it has been a Brooklyn icon since its opening. The library was designated a New York City Landmark in 1997 and joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Central Library completed the first phase of major renovations in 2021. 

Central Library is Brooklyn’s home library, and one of New York City’s foremost cultural, civic and educational institutions. It is home to the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Cultural Center, our premiere programming series BPL Presents; the Shelby White & Leon Levy Information Commons, an innovative public co-working and meeting space offering the latest technology; and the Business and Career Center, offering books, resources and assistance on job search, small business entrepreneurship and personal finance. Three floors of collections span a range of subjects, and include reference resources as well as books and materials in more than 30 languages. Central Library is fully accessible. 

In FY24, Central Library received nearly 6,000,000 visits, and items from its collections circulated over 862,000 times. 

Book Donations at Central Library

We are currently not accepting book donations at Central. 

Explore Central Library

Designed to resemble an open book, Central Library is clad in limestone with impressive Art Deco detailing by sculptors Thomas Hudson Jones and Carl P. Jennewein. Perhaps the building’s most striking feature is its 50-foot-high entry portico, set into a concave façade that reflects the elliptical configuration of Grand Army Plaza. The dramatic entrance is adorned by fifteen bronze sculptures of famous characters and authors from American literature, framed by columns with a series of gilded bas-reliefs depicting the evolution of art and science. 

Federal Depository Library Program LogoBrooklyn Public Library is a selective Federal Depository for government publications. It is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the Government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code)   

Central Library Renovations

Central Library is in the middle of a major, multi-phase renovation, with the first phase completed in 2021. The second phase started in July 2024. Learn more about the project here

Alternate Service Hours

Occasionally, Central Library offer alternate hours in order to accommodate large events. For dates, times, and registration information for these events please visit this page.

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Invoke

Sun, Dec 8 4:00pm
Central Library, Dweck Center

Toddler Time

Mon, Dec 9 10:30am
Central Library, Youth Wing

16 Days Resource Fair: NYC Commission…

Mon, Dec 9 11:00am
Central Library

Toddler Time

Mon, Dec 9 11:00am
Central Library, Youth Wing

Drop-In Resume & Career Help (…

Mon, Dec 9 2:00pm
Central Library, Business & Career Center

Virtual Financial Coaching

Mon, Dec 9 3:00pm
Virtual

Tech Help for Your Job Search

Mon, Dec 9 3:00pm
Central Library, Business & Career Center

Creative Writing Workshop

Mon, Dec 9 3:00pm
Central Library, Second Floor Meeting Room

Volunteer Tax Preparation Training with…

Mon, Dec 9 4:00pm
Central Library, Second Floor Computer Lab

English Conversation Group

Mon, Dec 9 4:30pm
Central Library, Info Commons, Room 7

Music Production at the Library:…

Mon, Dec 9 5:30pm
Central Library, Info Commons Lab

Free English Class (We Speak NYC)

Mon, Dec 9 5:45pm
Central Library, Business & Career Center, Classroom

Philosophy Discussion Group: Plato…

Mon, Dec 9 6:15pm
Central Library, Second Floor Meeting Room

Mini Playdate

Tue, Dec 10 10:30am
Central Library, Youth Wing

Want to Become MWBE Certified? Join Our…

Tue, Dec 10 11:00am
Central Library, Business & Career Center, Classroom

Theater Workshop

Tue, Dec 10 3:00pm
Central Library, Trustees Room

Build with LEGO

Tue, Dec 10 3:30pm
Central Library, Youth Wing

Virtual Crafting Circle

Tue, Dec 10 4:00pm
Virtual

Virtual One-on-One Legal Clinic for…

Tue, Dec 10 4:30pm
Virtual

Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational…

Tue, Dec 10 4:30pm
Central Library, Info Commons Lab

Central Library façade
Grand Lobby
An event at Central Library
An event at Central Library
Central Library façade