RIRA Supports Relocation Of Roosevelt Island Public Library To Larger Space At 504 Main Street - Urges RIOC To Fund Library Move

Image of Roosevelt Island Library From Travis

As previously reported, there is a possibility that the Roosevelt Island Public Library currently occupying the dilapidated, water leaking and cramped premises at 524 Main Street may be relocated to a larger renovated space at 504 Main Street at some point in the future.


View Larger Map of 504 Main Street

Both RIOC and the New York Public Library are in favor of such a move. Of course, the primary obstacle to this move is funding.

During the September meeting of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council, the Roosevelt Island Community Literary Associates (RICLA) submitted a statement to RIRA in favor of moving the Roosevelt Island Library to 504 Main Street. RICLA was seeking a Resolution from RIRA in favor of the relocation which RIRA provided.

Below is the RICLA statement supported by RIRA.

I. Whereas, the Roosevelt Island Community Literary Associates, as Founder of the Roosevelt Island Library, Has Led the Way in the Past, and Currently is an Advocate for Development of the Branch Library on Roosevelt Island:

The Roosevelt Island Community Literary Associates (RICLA) founded and operated the community library for 18 years. Recognizing the importance of a library to the community, RIOC provided the present Library Space. This space was deemed adequate at a time when the Island population was housed in four buildings.

In the 1990's RICLA mounted a successful drive to have the New York Public Library (NYPL) complete the Island plan of the early 1960's by assuming responsibility for the Roosevelt Island Library. Being relieved of the day to day operations of the library, RICLA now includes within its program ongoing support and encouragement of the Roosevelt Island Branch of NYPL.

Since the Island now has sixteen large residential buildings (with more proposed in the RIOC plans), NYPL and the library users recognize that the present Library is completely inadequate to serve the expanded island population with its numerous seniors, children and disabled individuals.

II. Whereas, Roosevelt Island Needs a Larger, State-of-the-art, Wheelchair-Accessible Library, that Would Be the Cultural Hub of the Island:

Based on a consulting survey of Roosevelt Island residents, it was revealed that “…the library is truly the most beloved presence on Main Street.” The consultants recommended relocation of the Library to 504 Main Street. RICLA strongly supports this move, to effect a significantly larger, state-of-the-art, wheelchair-accessible Library.

The civic presence of the relocated Library would anchor the gateway to Main Street on the east side, where it would be ‘that much more a centerpiece of the Island.’

In addition to the basic Library functions housed on the first floor of 504 Main Street, RICLA urges RIOC to convert a portion of the second floor of 504 Main Street to a first-class meeting and cultural space. Located above the Library, it would, in addition to general community group use, provide needed space for larger branch library events. RIOC has recently re-roofed this building, making it a weather-tight shell for a public space.

III. Whereas, RICLA Urges RIOC to Lead the Way in the Development of the Future, Enhanced Roosevelt Island Library:

Over a period of time the RIOC administration has worked closely with NYPL staff on this proposed relocation. The present sticking point is the difficult financial position of the City which is reflected in its uncertain support for expansion plans of the Branch Library portion of the NYPL. Therefore RICLA asks RIOC to underwrite the necessary additional funds to open an adequate Library space at 504 Main Street, with the modification of the annual leasehold rent to include provision for repayment of the funds as agreed upon by RIOC and the NYPL.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT RICLA URGES RIOC TO LEAD THE WAY WITH NEW YORK CITY AND NEW YORK STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND LIBRARY LEADERSHIP, TO EFFECT FORTHWITH A MUCH NEEDED ENLARGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND BRANCH LIBRARY, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL ROOSEVELT ISLANDERS.

Drafted by the Board of Roosevelt Island Community Literary Associates
Submitted by Janet Falk, Executive Director