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The Bronx Library Center anchors an pivotal spot on a major Bronx thoroughfare and provides cultural and social amenities in an under-served part of the City. The Library Center houses more than 200,000 books, periodicals, and multimedia materials. With expanded circulating and reference collections, state-of-the-art information technology, and a full range of education, business, and technology training it has become a cherished community resource. At the time of its opening, the Bronx Library was NYPL’s largest capital project in two decades, and it remains the largest library in the borough.

The Bronx Library Center anchors an pivotal spot on a major Bronx thoroughfare and provides cultural and social amenities in an under-served part of the City. The Library Center houses more than 200,000 books, periodicals, and multimedia materials. With expanded circulating and reference collections, state-of-the-art information technology, and a full range of education, business, and technology training it has become a cherished community resource. At the time of its opening, the Bronx Library was NYPL’s largest capital project in two decades, and it remains the largest library in the borough.

The design features a transparent, articulated façade. Each floor is conceived as a rational, rectangular public space surrounded by service, circulation, and smaller program spaces fitting into the irregularities of the site. Circulation through the building is an important part of the visitor’s experience. The staircase leading from the concourse level to the ground floor incorporates site-specific artwork, offers natural light, and is an inviting view into the interior.

The design features a transparent, articulated façade. Each floor is conceived as a rational, rectangular public space surrounded by service, circulation, and smaller program spaces fitting into the irregularities of the site. Circulation through the building is an important part of the visitor’s experience. The staircase leading from the concourse level to the ground floor incorporates site-specific artwork, offers natural light, and is an inviting view into the interior.

A Model For Publicly Funded Sustainable Design

This was New York City’s first project to receive LEED Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council. Sustainable features include high performance curtainwall, extensive daylighting, energy efficient mechanical and lighting systems and controls, and environmentally friendly materials with high recycled content. It is also one of the City’s first Active Design projects.

This was New York City’s first project to receive LEED Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council. Sustainable features include high performance curtainwall, extensive daylighting, energy efficient mechanical and lighting systems and controls, and environmentally friendly materials with high recycled content. It is also one of the City’s first Active Design projects.

Largest Program Attendance in NYPL System

Program attendance has soared since the library opened. Multiple community resources were consolidated from scattered sites to  provide services for career and education training, Adult Literacy and ESL programs, and computer training. A 150-seat auditorium offers performances, lectures, film screenings, and community forums.

Program attendance has soared since the library opened. Multiple community resources were consolidated from scattered sites to  provide services for career and education training, Adult Literacy and ESL programs, and computer training. A 150-seat auditorium offers performances, lectures, film screenings, and community forums.

The Bronx Library Center also houses the Latino and Puerto Rican Cultural Center, with extensive bilingual collections, educational and cultural programs, and multi-media exhibits. The auditorium, conference rooms, and computer labs are located on the lower concourse level. The pioneering project was the first library in the New York Public Library system to receive LEED certification.

The Bronx Library Center also houses the Latino and Puerto Rican Cultural Center, with extensive bilingual collections, educational and cultural programs, and multi-media exhibits. The auditorium, conference rooms, and computer labs are located on the lower concourse level. The pioneering project was the first library in the New York Public Library system to receive LEED certification.

“This project is truly a result of inspired effort by the design team, community members, elected officials, and supporters who came together with termination to forge a spectacular new library for the Bronx"
— Paul LeClerc, Former President & CEO of The New York Public Library
Location
Bronx, New York
Area
78,000 sf
Completion
2006
Clients
The New York Public Library
Recognition
AIA NYS—Citation for Design Excellence
BD+C—Building Team Silver Award
Environmental Design + Construction—Excellence in Design
GE Edison Lighting—Award for Sustainable Design
IIDA IES—Award of Merit; GE Edison Lighting—Award of Excellence
NYC Small Business Services—Neighborhood Achievement Award
US EPA—New York City Green Building Award
LEED Silver Certified
View Project Facts
Location
Bronx, New York
Area
78,000 sf
Completion
2006
Clients
The New York Public Library
Recognition
AIA NYS—Citation for Design Excellence
BD+C—Building Team Silver Award
Environmental Design + Construction—Excellence in Design
GE Edison Lighting—Award for Sustainable Design
IIDA IES—Award of Merit; GE Edison Lighting—Award of Excellence
NYC Small Business Services—Neighborhood Achievement Award
US EPA—New York City Green Building Award
LEED Silver Certified
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