Additionally, plans are underway for West New Brighton Library to receive comprehensive renovation

Projects are the latest in over $100M of improvements to libraries across Staten Island over the past decade

The New York Public Library is pleased to announce it has entered into a long-term lease for a new, state-of-the-art branch to better serve patrons of the Huguenot Park Library, which has been an increasingly popular resource for families and children following the City’s recovery from COVID. 

Working with local owner Woodrow Village, LLC, the new building will be located on Woodrow Road, adjacent to the Woodrow Shopping Plaza approximately one mile from the current location. The new branch will have dedicated parking spaces, as well as double the amount of seats for programs and twice the amount of computers.

This new Library is the latest in a series of capital improvements NYPL has invested on Staten Island over the past 10 years, which total over $100 million. More details on those improvements can be found below. 

The local community and elected officials have advocated for a new and improved library for many years. City Council Member Joe Borelli has provided $1M to outfit the new Huguenot Park Library. The 7,500 square-foot, single level branch will feature amenities such as: 

  • dedicated spaces for adults, children, and teens, 
  • a program room available to host library and community events, 
  • added computers, doubling the current number,
  • outdoor programming space, 
  • ADA accessible bathrooms

Construction of the project, which will be managed by the developer in consultation with the Library, is expected to begin in spring 2024. The Library plans for the current location to remain open while the new branch is under construction.

In other exciting Staten Island news, plans are underway for West New Brighton Library to receive a $16.5M makeover. The 7650-square-foot branch will undergo a comprehensive renovation that includes an expansion of the building, as well as key infrastructure improvements to include new mechanical and building systems (Heating, plumbing, cooling, etc.), as well as technology upgrades. The project will enter the design phase of planning this fall, after which renderings and construction timelines will be shared with the community. The funding for this project has been provided by Mayor Eric Adams. 

“The New York Public Library loves being part of the unique, wonderful and close-knit community that is Staten Island. We’ve delivered over $100 million in capital improvements over the past decade and I’m thrilled to announce we are continuing the improvements with a new building for Huguenot Park Library and a makeover for West New Brighton Library. Thank you to our Staten Island patrons and elected officials who have worked with us over the years to promote literacy and free access to knowledge for all. More to come!,” said Iris Weinshall, Chief Operating Officer for The New York Public Library.

“Libraries are an essential resource to countless New Yorkers, providing a safe space for our young people, acting as community centers, and teaching people the joy of reading. And that’s why every borough deserves access to quality, state-of-the-art library facilities,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our administration is proud to deliver $16.5 million in funding towards the West New Brighton Library for Staten Islanders. Today’s investment ensures that the residents of Staten Island will enjoy the best our city’s library system has to offer.”

“The Huguenot Library was my library. It was where my mom took me on rainy days, it’s where we went on hot days, it’s where we went for storybook hour. I can tell you the name of the first book I ever took out from the adult section there. “The Maya”, by an archeologist named Michael Coe. It’s special to me. This will keep it special for the next generation too,” said City Council Member Joseph Borelli.

“Our branches reflect the cultural, social, and educational fabric of the Island. The essence of Staten Island and its residents can be found in the families who visit our storytime programs, the teens that use the new teen center at West New Brighton, and even the lovers of Italian culture and food who visit Huguenot Park Library’s weekly Italian Language club. Staten Island’s libraries are loved by their communities and we are proud and grateful to be such a valuable resource for the borough,” said Yolanda Gleason, Borough Director for Staten Island and Manhattan Neighborhood Library Networks.

Huguenot Park and West New Brighton are the latest examples of the Library’s unwavering commitment to Staten Island, which includes 14 neighborhood branches. The $100 million in investments the Library has made in Staten Island over the past decade also includes the addition of two brand new branches—Mariners Harbor Library completed in 2013 and Charleston Library completed in 2022. 

The Library’s investments on Staten Island have also included top-to-bottom renovations to three branches that are major community hubs in the borough — Stapleton Library, which was completed in 2013; Port Richmond Library, to be completed next year; and the aforementioned West New Brighton Library.

These three comprehensive renovations, which total $53.5 M, include extensive upgrades and enhancements, such as:

  • All new mechanical & building systems (Heating, plumbing, cooling, fire alarm, elevator when needed, façade work)
  • Reconfigured spaces to better serve parton and staff needs; including ADA-compliant restrooms;
  • All new technology upgrades (new wiring, WiFi, computer equipment); and
  • All new finishes and furnishings (flooring, lighting, paint, shelving, furniture).

In addition to the six branches that are being renovated, rebuilt, or created, branches throughout the borough also received $17M worth of upgrades or replacements for infrastructure needs such as roofs, HVAC systems, and boiler replacements. 

“The New York Public Library continues to be an essential part of New York City. We are fortunate to have among the most active library branches in the City, including the Huguenot branch,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “This branch is very popular among South Shore residents, and will continue to be a destination spot for thousands. Now, it will be a better fit for a community that has grown quite a bit since the current branch opened.”

About The New York Public Library

For over 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With over 90 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.