Hamilton Fish Park Library reopens for limited service starting today

Photos last month by Stacie Joy

After a two-plus-year closure, the Hamilton Fish Park Library branch reopens today for limited service.

Patrons can pick up and return books and materials, use computers, and receive reference support from staff. 

The branch on East Houston at Columbia Street closed on March 14, 2020, due to an aging HVAC system that, according to NYPL officials, was "no longer capable of heating and cooling the building."

Hamilton Fish Park Library will remain open until the fall of 2023, according to an email from Yolanda Gleason, borough director, Staten Island & Manhattan Neighborhood Library Networks for the New York Public Library.

At that time next year:

...the branch will close for renovation to replace the HVAC system and provide other significant improvements to the building, such as accessible entry and bathrooms, a larger community room, dedicated spaces for children and teens, interior upgrades, rehabilitation of the windows, and increased data and power to support high-tech needs in the community. 

Gleason said that to further support the community, the library will continue to partner with community organizations such as the Henry Street Settlement, which currently hosts in-person services like storytime programs. 

Staff will also regularly visit the neighborhood’s local schools — such as NEST+M, P.S. 15, and P.S. 140 — to share information about print and digital collections, facilitate school workshops, and conduct programs for younger patrons. 

The branch's new hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. 

Updated. 

Stacie Joy shared these photos from re-opening day... not everyone seemed to get the memo about the branch returning to service...