June 23, 2024
After a false start Friday, the new Inwood Library–Joseph and Sheila Rosenblatt Building at 4790 Broadway near Cumming Street is open for business. By Saturday afternoon dozens of patrons were exploring this brand new community resource. The branch has two floors of bookshelves, computer work spaces, and several community meeting rooms. The library’s second floor features a big opening that overlooks the first, and creates a more spacious, high ceilinged effect when on the ground floor. There are also public rest rooms, comfortable air conditioning, free wifi, a children’s section, and even a newsstand with plenty of current periodicals you can read for free. Throughout the new branch there are lots of places to sit and read or even do some work on one of the small tables that can be found throughout the space. Several uniformed security guards stood watch over the bookish crowd on opening weekend.
The branch was originally slated for completion months ago, and after three years in the making its opening was most welcome. Inwood’s school age children had to trek all the way down the the Washington Heights branch on West 161 Street or make do with the small pop up site at 4857 Broadway during construction here. It should be noted that, in addition to the new library, a huge 174 unit residential tower, The Eliza, is also part of this project and completing that element extended the timeline for completion.
According to an NYPL update sent on Friday afternoon,
“Yesterday, we shared that the new Inwood Library–Rosenblatt Building would open for light service in advance of its formal opening. Unfortunately, we are not able to open the branch today due to an approval issue with other spaces in the building. We are working to quickly resolve this issue.
“We know how important the branch’s opening is to the neighborhood and apologize for the inconvenience. We will provide an update about the reopening of the Library as soon as details are confirmed and have every hope that this situation will be resolved quickly.”
Hours later another update arrived.
“The New York Public Library’s new Inwood Library is reopening to the public on Saturday, June 22, and will continue to offer light service until the formal opening. We apologize to our patrons for the inconvenience and look forward to serving the community again.
“As we prepare for the formal opening and public ribbon-cutting, please come and enjoy the new library, check out materials, and use our computers. The Library’s hours will remain:
- Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–7 PM
- Friday, 10 AM–5 PM
- Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
“The New York Public Library is pleased to welcome patrons to the new Inwood Library–Joseph and Sheila Rosenblatt Building located at 4790 Broadway. Patrons can now visit the library to check out materials, use computers, and connect with staff.
“The library is on the ground floor of a new 174-unit affordable housing development, The Eliza, which also houses a community center and universal pre-K.
“An official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate The Eliza’s grand opening will be held soon! Receive updates by selecting Inwood Library as your home location in your NYPL account.”
Discover all the Library has to offer! Visit your local branch for books, Wi-Fi, computers, classes, stimulating and entertaining programs, and much more for all ages.
Did you know? The Library no longer charges late fines! Find out more and plan your visit.
Please note: Due to new Library policy, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electronic transportation devices are not permitted inside any NYPL location. This does not apply to mobility aids.
The new Inwood Library–Joseph and Sheila Rosenblatt Building at 4790 Broadway.