In July 2012, plans were announced for the relocation of existing Roosevelt Island Public Library

Image of NYC Council Member Lappin, NYPL President Anthony Marx and Roosevelt Island Kids to new premises on the first floor at 504 Main Street

and in July 2013 the NYPL announced the signing of a lease for the space with Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related. The new library was expected to open in 2017. Unfortunately that timetable was delayed several times but the good news is that construction has begun on the new Roosevelt Island library, scheduled to be completed in Winter 2020, and a groundbreaking ceremony is taking place 10 AM Friday, October 12. You’re invited to the Groundbreaking Ceremony. According to the NYPL:

Roosevelt Island Library Groundbreaking Ceremony

Join The New York York Public Library to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Roosevelt Island Library. The new home of Roosevelt Island Librarya short walk from the existing branchwill be more than double the size to better accommodate the growing community, with more space for reading, programs, and computers.

The NYPL Capital Projects web page adds:

The New York Public Library is outfitting a new, larger building to replace the existing branch. The new 5,200-square-foot building, which will add much-needed public programming space, will more than double the size of the current building. Construction is scheduled to start in the Fall of 2018.

Key Updates

  • Dedicated community room
  • Teen space
  • ADA accessibility

Status: Construction
Total Budget: $7.8 million
Expected Completion Date: Winter 2020

Below is NYPL January 2016 presentation on the new Roosevelt Island branch library Roosevelt Island Library – FINAL Presentation 1/2016 including video of the community meeting. Also, NYPL 2015 presentation to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp.