About 96th Street Library

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The 96th Street branch
The branch opened in 1905. 

The 96th Street branch opened on September 1, 1905 and is one of the locations built with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie. Since then, it has become a vital center of information, learning, and recreation for a diverse community.

Bridging the neighborhoods of Yorkville and East Harlem, the library was designed by the noted architecture firm Babb, Cook and Willard. Both beautiful and functional, the interior is distinguished by tall arched windows, lofty ceilings, wide staircases, and dark oak bookshelves. A renovation in 1991 considerably expanded the space available to the public and modernized the building while retaining its original architectural beauty.

The two-story library features public computers that can be reserved for 45-minute sessions and unlimited WiFi. The branch contains an adult reading room, a children's room with a separate space for story hours, an expanded reference center, a conference room, and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 50. Monthly art exhibits are among the many programs and events offered for adults, children, and teens.

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Community District Information

For more information about your Community District, including census data, community board information, local schools, and other resources, see here.

Information About Environmental Remediation Projects in Your Community

Brownfields are properties where redevelopment is complicated by actual or suspected environmental contamination from past land usage. Because of New York City's long industrial history, brownfields are found in areas throughout the five boroughs. The New York City Office of Environmental Remediation offers programs that encourage environmental investigation of lightly-to-moderately contaminated sites, and that oversee clean up appropriate to a site's new end use. Information about these projects is available below:

New York City Voluntary Cleanup Program
Brownfield Educational Video series –Cleaning Up NYC

Holmes Tower

AKRF, Inc. is submitting a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Entry into the BCP will facilitate the subsurface investigation and remediation of the property located at East 92nd Street and 1st Avenue, prior to redevelopment as a future affordable residential building.  

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