Monday, August 10, 2026

Tompkins Square Library branch books a temporary closure

Photos by Stacie Joy

The Tompkins Square Library is checking out a two-week late-summer break. 

The New York Public Library branch at 331 E. 10th St., between Avenue A and Avenue B, will be temporarily closed from today through Aug. 22 for "needed building work ahead of next year's major renovation," per door signage for patrons.
During the closure, patrons are encouraged to use the Ottendorfer Library, Seward Park Library or Epiphany Library. Hold requests made during the closure can be picked up at Ottendorfer, 135 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street.

The temporary closure comes ahead of a $30.2 million comprehensive renovation of the 122-year-old Carnegie branch, as we first reported here. The project, now in the design phase, will reconfigure the library to create dedicated spaces for children, teens and adults.

Plans also call for ADA upgrades to the entrance, bathrooms and elevator, along with new furniture, upgraded technology and modernized building systems. 

Construction on the major renovation is currently projected to be completed in December 2028. 

Previously on EV Grieve:
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1 comment:

  1. cmarrtyyAugust 10, 2026 at 1:41 PM

    December '28? Hmm. I have no problem with a renovation if it involves infrastructure... but the timeline is the challenge. Libraries today are not only for books. They have morphed into community centers. They provide cooling for summers heating for winter... wifi... for the digital age... printing... copying... computers (laptops and desktops... state and fed income tax help... and courses from language to crafts... Libraries provide space for workers who work from home, students to study and research and of course child care programs... And whatever else I might have missed. But my point... what happens to all the people who used the services at Tompkins. Most are not going to go to the other local libraries... especially seniors and nannies with children... And it's for 2 years. Out of the 30.2 million cost of the renovation... money should be put aside to rent a local space to continue the services of Tompkins. It's a small price to pay... to at least consider for an asset for many who depend on the services of a multi purpose institution that has changed along with a changing city.

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