When Will New NY Public Library Roosevelt Island Branch Location Finally Open? Not As Planned For December 2019, Delayed Until Spring 2020 Says NYPL Spokesperson

When will the New York Public Library (NYPL) open it's new Roosevelt Island branch location on the first floor of 504 Main Street

replacing the current overcrowded and dilapidated branch?

Plans for the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch library were first announced way back in July 2012 but construction did not start until October 2018. At that time, we were told to expect substantial completion of the new library by December 2019. As we know, that has not happened.

In October 2019, Main Street Retail Master Leaseholder Hudson Related representative Alex Kaplan reported:

... the NY Public Library will open in the Summer of 2020, later than the December 2019 that had been scheduled....

Earlier this week, I asked the NYPL:

... Completion of construction and opening of the new Roosevelt Island Library was scheduled for December 2019/January 2020.

When do you expect the library to open?

A NYPL spokesperson answered:

There was a slight delay, but we expect to move in to the new branch in the spring. When we've confirmed the exact date for the opening, we'll be sure to let you know (and will be sending an email to patrons to notify them as well!)

Below is NYPL January 2016 presentation on the new Roosevelt Island branch library

Roosevelt Island Library - FINAL Presentation 1/2016


and video of the presentation.

New York Public Library Presents Plans For New $7.5 Million, 5,500 Square Foot Roosevelt Island Branch Library To Applauding Residents Last Night

Image From NYPL January 14 Presentation

Last night, representatives from the New York Public Library (NYPL) held a community conversation with Roosevelt Island residents to discuss plans for the new, approximately $7.5 million, 5,500 square foot, Roosevelt Island branch library scheduled to open in late 2017/early 2018.

Image From NYPL January 14 Presentation

The NYPL reported:

The new branch will now triple in square footage and will contain numerous new features including:

• A 670 sq ft community room with assisted listening devices (there was no community room before)
• A newly formed children's room (640 sq. ft; no children's room before)
• A dedicated space for teens
• 5X as many PCs available for patron usage and twice as many laptops.
• New, padded flooring, furniture and dedicated wall spaces

Construction of the new building begins in Fall 2016, with an expected completion date of late 2017-early 2018.

and released results of their Roosevelt Island community survey of library needs:

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS: WE HEARD YOU

What you want in your library:

• Access to books, information, and expert librarians 
• Programs for children and teens
• Exhibitions and lectures
• Access to public computers and technology
• Spaces to research, write, study, and learn new skills

What you think is important to your community:

• Access to technology
• Larger children’s area

You requested:

• Community room
• Quiet spaces
• Wider selections of DVDs, foreign language materials, and electronic resources

 Image From NYPL January 14 Presentation

Here's full video of the NYPL Roosevelt Island community presentation last night at the Cultural Center Theater.

Part 1 - Introduction,

• history of Roosevelt Island branch, 
• overview of plan and space layout for new library 
• and survey results (456 responses). 

There were 88,000 library visits last year by Roosevelt Island population of approximately 13 thousand residents. Also,  44% of people on Island have a library card.



Part 2 - Roosevelt Island Branch Librarian Nicole Nelson describes some of the programs and services to be available at the new branch.



Part 3 - Roosevelt Island resident Sharon Berman expresses frustration that the NYPL presentation at the Cultural Center theater did not include Americans With Disability Act accommodation for people with hearing disabilities. The NYPL representatives said that the new Roosevelt Island library branch will have looping technology for people with hearing disabilities.



Part 4 - Questions from residents.

• Use of outside space adjacent to library controlled by RIOC - may be used for tables and chairs and tot lot play space,
• size of community rooms for adults, teens and children,
• integration of Cornell Tech population,
• storage of historical materials and exhibits,
• English Learning programs and
• comments from NYC City Council Member Ben Kallos.

Part 5 - Comments from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.



More pictures and info from last night's presentation below.

Roosevelt Island Library - FINAL Presentation 1/2016

You're Invited To January 14 New York Public Library Community Conversation About New Roosevelt Island Branch - Share Your Ideas For Programs And Services At New Roosevelt Island NYPL Branch

The New York Public Library (NYPL) invites you to a community conversation about its new Roosevelt Island branch scheduled to open in late 2017/early 2018.

NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch Library Renderings from Smith-Miller+Hawkinson Architects LLP

According to the NYPL, on:

Thursday, January 14th at 6pm, the New York Public Library will be holding a community meeting to present plans for its new Roosevelt Island library. The meeting will take place at the current branch, located at 524 Main Street, New York, NY. (UPDATE 1/14 - MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET)

The meeting comes at the heels of survey results of over 500 Roosevelt Islanders who were asked what they were hoping for in the new branch.

The new branch will now triple in square footage and will contain numerous new features including:

• A 670 sq ft community room with assisted listening devices (there was no community room before)
• A newly formed children's room (640 sq. ft; no children's room before)
• A dedicated space for teens
• 5X as many PCs available for patron usage and twice as many laptops.
• New, padded flooring, furniture and dedicated wall spaces

Construction of the new building begins in Fall 2016, with an expected completion date of late 2017-early 2018.

Last November 9, Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects and representatives from the NY Public Library presented plans for the new 5,200 square foot NYPL Roosevelt Island branch to a joint meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate and Operations Advisory Committee (audio web cast of meeting here).

Full video of the November 9 presentation and additional plans for the new NYPL Roosevelt Island branch available at this previous post.

Also, video of the December 2014 NYPL Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting is here.

(UPDATE 1/14 - MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, 548 MAIN STREET)

You're Invited To January 14 New York Public Library Community Conversation About New Roosevelt Island Branch - Share Your Ideas For Programs And Services At New Roosevelt Island NYPL Branch

As reported last November 11:

...The new Roosevelt Island NYPL Public Library Branch opening date has been moved up from early 2018 to the fall of 2017. The new library will have about the same number of circulating books, 26 new computers available for the public, expanded community and meeting space for children and adults (with looping technology for the hearing impaired), stroller storage area and an outdoor reading area....

Rendering Of New Roosevelt Island Public Library Entrance Coming In 2017

Roosevelt Island New York Public Library (NYPL) Branch Manager Nicole Nelson invites you to a January 14 community conversation about the new NYPL Roosevelt Island branch coming to the first floor at 504 Main Street. According to Ms. Nelson:

The New York Public Library: Building for You

Please join The New York Public Library for a Community Conversation about the new Roosevelt Island Library
Thursday, January 14, 2016 | 6-8 PM
Good Shepherd Community Center
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island

The New York Public Library is planning for a new home for the Roosevelt Island Library. We would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on the programs and services for the new library.

Learn more or share your feedback: nypl.org/capitalprojects | newrooseveltisland@nypl.org

Thank you

Happy New Years

Image From NYPL

Last November 9, Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects and representatives from the NY Public Library presented their latest plans for the new 5,200 square foot NYPL Roosevelt Island branch

 Front Entrance And Aerial View Of New Roosevelt Island Library From Smith-Miller+Hawkinson

to a joint meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate and Operations Advisory Committee (audio web cast of meeting here).

Full video of the November 9 presentation and additional plans for the new NYPL Roosevelt Island branch available at this previous post.

Also, video of the December 2014 NYPL Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting is here.

Latest Information On Plans For New Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch At 504 Main Street - More Aggressive Construction Schedule Advances Opening Date To Fall 2017

As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Branch of New York Public Library, currently at 524 Main Street, will have a brand new space on the first floor of 504 Main Street.

Front Entrance And Aerial View Of New Roosevelt Island Library From Smith-Miller+Hawkinson

On November 9, Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects and representatives from the NY Public Library presented their latest plans for the new 5,200 square foot NYPL Roosevelt Island branch

Front Entrance And Aerial View Of New Roosevelt Island Library From Smith-Miller+Hawkinson

to a joint meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate and Operations Advisory Committee (audio web cast of meeting here).

The new Roosevelt Island NYPL Public Library Branch opening date has been moved up from early 2018 to the fall of 2017. The new library will have about the same number of circulating books, 26 new computers available for the public, expanded community and meeting space for children and adults (with looping technology for the hearing impaired), stroller storage area and an outdoor reading area.

The NYPL is coordinating its construction with the Catholic Archdiocese which has leased the second floor of 504 Main Street for the St Cabrini Church.

Also, in about 60 days the NYPL will have a Roosevelt Island Town Hall meeting to discuss the programs and services to be offered at the new library.

Here's video of a portion of the meeting,



the full meeting discussion





as well as more plans and pictures.

NYPLRooseveltIsland11:9

Video of the December 2014 NYPL Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting is here.

New York Public Library Architect Presents Plan For New Roosevelt Island Branch To RIOC Board Real Estate Committee - It Looks Good But Probably Won't Open Until Early 2018

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee and interested members of the community heard a presentation yesterday, May 14, from representatives of the New York Public Library (NYPL) about plans for the new Roosevelt Island branch library (full audio web cast of meeting here).

NYPL's architect Christian Uhl presented a plan to place the entrance to the library on the Northwest corner of 504 Main Street site

instead of on the south side of the building

slightly off Main Street.



Also discussed were the timing, funding and interior design of the new Roosevelt Island branch library. According to Mathew Blood, Project Manager at the NYC Department of Design and Construction, the best case scenario for completion of the library is late 2017, early 2018. Mr. Blood added that the project is fully funded. Mr. Uhl described the interior of the library including 650 square foot reading room.



Looping technology for the hearing impaired will be available in the reading room.

Mr Uhl and NYPL's Senior Project Manager David Holowka noted how they tried to respect the original design of the building which both RIOC Director Margie Smith and Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy said they appreciated.



Here's the full presentation.



More information on plans for the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch available at this post on the November 2014 NYPL Roosevelt Island Community Conversation.

2 Days Left To Take Survey Telling The NY Public Library Your Wishes For New Roosevelt Island Branch, Take Survey Online Or At The Library Kiosk Until January 31 - Upcoming Events Too

Image Of Roosevelt Island Branch Survey Kiosk

Roosevelt Island NY Public Library Branch Manager Nicole Nelson report:

Right now, we are beginning to plan our programs and services for the new home of a larger Roosevelt Island Library at 504 Main Street. We truly value your opinion — and here is a chance to have a say in our plans!

Please go to the following website to take a quick survey and help shape our neighborhood library: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NFLVWMW. You can also take the survey at the library using the new Building For You Kiosk located near the information desk.

This is an exciting time to be part of Roosevelt Island. We have new apartments being built, a revitalized Main Street commercial corridor, the recent opening of Four Freedoms Park, and the arrival of Cornell Tech's new Roosevelt Island campus.

Your input is key in making Roosevelt Island Library a part of our community's bright future, and helping ensure that our branch serves everyone: book lovers, adult learners, teens, families, students, small-business owners, writers, creators, and anyone else who comes through our doors.

The New York Public Library spent a century building a network of 88 neighborhood and four research libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. We've spent $250 million over the past 10 years to improve libraries across our system. Moving the Roosevelt Island Library to a larger space is one of many projects that will help give New Yorkers the libraries they deserve.

Your feedback is essential for all of our plans. To get it right, we've been talking to community leaders, recently hosted a community conversation — and now, we're conducting a survey of our users.

Please take the survey by January 31, 2015 at the branch and help shape our plans for the Roosevelt Island Library.

Thank you for helping to guide our future. You are helping us achieve our mission of inspiring lifelong learning, advancing knowledge, and strengthening our communities.

Click here to take the survey or go to the branch kiosk and let the NY Public Library know what you would like to see at the new Roosevelt Island Library.

Future Home of Roosevelt Island Branch Of NYPL At 504 Main Street 1st Floor

As reported last December 2:

On November 20, the New York Public Library (NYPL) convened a Roosevelt Island Community Conversation at the Good Shepherd Community Center to talk about the planned $5.7 million new Roosevelt Island branch library at 504 Main Street....

During the November 20 NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch Community Conversation:

... NYPL Vice President for Capital Planning and Construction Joanna Pestka described the architectural plans for the new library. Ms. Pestka said that the library is scheduled to open in the spring 2018....

and Branch Manager Nicole Nelson:

... discussed present uses and future plans for the new library...

Click here for the video of entire meeting.

Also, upcoming events at the Roosevelt Island Library include:

Money Matters: Healthcare and Taxes - Tuesday, February 3, 10:30am - Adults

Drop by this informative workshop to explore your Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D Coverage Choices. Allan Katz will be available to answer your tax questions and provide insights into tax preparation, amended returns and tax planning considerations.

Allan Katz is the owner of Comprehensive Wealth Management Group, LLC. Allan is very involved in the local community, both on a professional and personal level. Allan is a member of the New York Chapter of the Financial Planning Association, where he does extensive work with the Pro Bono program, the FPA's Mentoring Program and MoneyWorks Program.

Science Fiction Book Discussion - Tuesday, February 3, 6:30pm - Adults

We will discuss "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury. The Science Fiction Book Discussion meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

We Are New York (WANY) English Conversation Groups

Fridays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 & March 6, 13, 20, 27; 10:30am-12:30pm - Adult Intermediate Level English Learners

"We Are New York" is an Emmy Award-winning half hour TV show created to help people practice English. Each story is about everyday situations, like going to the doctor or talking to your child's teacher. The characters speak slowly and clearly.

Intermediate Level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners will have the opportunity to learn English by watching "We Are New York" videos. Come to the library and meet other people who are practicing English, just like you.

This program works best for people who speak a little English already and want to practice.

Valentine's Day Craft - Thursday, February 12, 3-4pm - Children Ages 3-12

Make a garland of hearts to decorate your home for Valentine's Day. Space and materials are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Movie Night: "The Great Escape" - Tuesday, February 17, 6pm - Adults

Based on a true story. During the Second World War, British and American POWs stage a daring escape from a Nazi POW camp. With Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, and Donald Pleasence. (1963, Not Rated, 172 minutes)

How the Monkey Tricked the Crocodile and Other Trickster Tales - Wednesday, February 18, 3pm - Children Ages 5-12

Come and listen to stories presented by performer Regina Ress.

Book Discussion - Thursday, February 19, 6:30-8pm - Adults

We will discuss "Beautiful Mystery" by Louise Penny

Lunar New Year Craft - Friday, February 20, 3-4pm - Children Ages 3-12

It's time to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Beginning on February 19th, it will be the Year of the Sheep. Let's make three-dimensional sheep with paper, glue, cotton balls, and wiggle eyes!
Space and materials are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Movie Night: "Blade" - Tuesday, February 24, 6pm - Adults

A half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes the protector of the human race, while slaying evil vampires. Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, and N’Bushe Wright (1998, Rated R, 120 minutes)

Science Fiction Book Discussion - Tuesday, March 3 - 6:30pm - Adults

We will discuss "Button, Button: Uncanny Stories" by Richard Matheson. The Science Fiction Book Discussion meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

More upcoming NYPL Roosevelt Island branch events here.

Latest Information On New Roosevelt Island New York Public Library Branch Opening - Video Of Community Conversation With NYPL

On November 20, the New York Public Library (NYPL) convened a Roosevelt Island Community Conversation at the Good Shepherd Community Center to talk about the planned $5.7 million new Roosevelt Island branch library at 504 Main Street.

NYPL representatives, together with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos, presented current plans for the new Roosevelt Island branch library (which at approximately 5 thousand square feet is double the size of the current branch) and listened to the thoughts and ideas on the programs and services that residents would like to see implemented for the new library.(Picture of Ms Brewer, Mr. Kallos, NYPL's Dawn Chance, Nicole Nelson and George Mihaltses).

Manhattan Borough President @galeabrewer celebrates Roosevelt Island's newest library with Council Member @BenKallos pic.twitter.com/FB3kQnPNjZ
— Jesús Pérez (@JesusFPerez) November 20, 2014

Here's what happened at the NYPL Roosevelt Island Community Conversation.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer began the Community Conversation noting her strong support for the project and the dialogue between the NYPL and Roosevelt Island community.



NYC Council Member Ben Kallos also expressed his support for the new Roosevelt Island library, announced a student summer reading challenge for next summer and described constituent services provided by his office.



George Mihaltses, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, reported that last year the Roosevelt Island branch library had 89 thousand visits, circulated 115 thousand items and ran 526 programs all within its 25 hundred square feet of space. Mr. Mihaltses described the Roosevelt Island library as:

... being used very much by this community. We are really excited about building another branch that is going to be twice the size of that branch and we are sure that those numbers will continue to go up.

We will be able to do more programming and more exciting things for the community....

Christoper Platt, NYPL Vice President Of Library Services (and a Roosevelt Island resident) provided an overview of NYPL services.



Carolyn Broomhead, NYPL Research Community Manager described historical research materials available about Roosevelt Island located at NYPL including:

• a volume titled The Heritage of Roosevelt Island by Susan Wade which contains all the public documents relating to the history of Roosevelt Island,
• the Blackwell Family first mortgage in 1792,
• the original plantings at Lighthouse Park
• Meridith Monk Roosevelt Island performance and
• a fascinating newspaper story from the 1820's about a stolen violin resulting in concert recitals on Welfare Island.

NYPL Vice President for Capital Planning and Construction Joanna Pestka described the architectural plans for the new library. Ms. Pestka said that the library is scheduled to open in the spring 2018. It was previously announced that the library would open in 2017. Ms Petska noted if NYPL can shorten the construction schedule they will do so.



NYPL Library Network Manager Dawn Chance reported on how the current library is used by residents and noted that the library and its staff act like;

... the little engine that could...

Roosevelt Island Branch Manager Nicole Nelson discussed present uses and future plans for the new library.



Following the NYPL presentations, Roosevelt Island residents shared some of their ideas.

Roosevelt Island Community Literary Associates (RICLA) member Lorraine Lasker suggested a research library dedicated to Eleanor Roosevelt and additional branch library space on the second floor

 Future Home Of NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch At 504 Main Street

of 504 Main Street.



Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach reported on suggestions from parents for the new library.



Resident Joan Markey asked the NYPL to digitally scan Roosevelt Island historic materials including our first newspaper, the Island View.



Matt Katz requested performance space at new library and encouraged NYPL to work with Cornell Tech on the future library.



Background information on the new Roosevelt Island NYPL branch at previous post here and here.

Also, don't forget to nominate the Roosevelt Island library for the 2nd annual NYC Neighborhood Library Awards to win $20 thousand. Here's how.

You're Invited To Share Ideas About New Roosevelt Island NY Public Library At Community Town Hall Meeting Tonight -Come Join NYPL Reps, NYC Council Member Ben Kallos And Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer 6 PM Tonight At Good Shepherd Community Center

 Image from NYPL

As reported previously:

Please join The New York Public Library for a Community Conversation about the new Roosevelt Island Library
Thursday, November 20, 2014 | 6-8 PM
Good Shepherd Community Center
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island

The New York Public Library is planning for a new home for the Roosevelt Island Library. We would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on the programs and services for the new library.

The new Roosevelt Island NY Public Library will be located on the ground floor of 504 Main Street and is scheduled to open in 2017.

Future Home Of Roosevelt Island NY Public Library

According to Diane Chin of the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library:

The following NYPL staff members will be speaking at the Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, November 20:

Nicole Nelson, Library Manager of the Roosevelt Island Library
Dawn Chance, Library Network Manager
Christopher Platt, Acting Vice President of Public Service
George Mihaltses, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs

Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos will be at tonight's NYPL Town Hall Meeting as well as Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer:

Looking forward to learning about the future of the #RooseveltIsland @NYPL tonight. Join me at 543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, 6pm.
— Gale A. Brewer (@galeabrewer) November 20, 2014

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator (RIPN) Eva Bosbach adds:

Most parents are very happy with our local library, especially with the fact that we do have a NYPL branch right here on the island. Among the appreciated services RIPN members often mention are the children's books and play area, the three age specific story times as well as the craft workshops, the friendliness of the staff and the bathroom.

Improvement suggestions include sorting or at least labeling the books according to the age and reading level of the children and providing reading level recommendations lists, adding children's books and story times in different languages (and we have moms who would volunteer for that), expanding the children's area into a large space so that children of different ages have enough room to read and play, implementing more music classes and craft workshops while minding the lunch-nap time window (12-3pm), or adding a changing table at the bathroom.

Recently a concern was raised that books do not always get back to our library after they had been returned at other branches and that the toys need cleaning. Parents would also appreciate a more efficient communication strategy on the programs with the community, like a newsletter for the month where all upcoming children's workshops and activities would be listed. Since there already is a calendar paper version at the desk in the library, it should be possible do distribute such information electronically.

Overall, the library is a very valuable resource for families with children of all ages, especially during the winter time. We thank Nicole and the entire RI library staff for all their work and efforts!

Members of the RIPN had these suggestions for the new library.

• The library has been a very important part of our lives since moving to the island eight years ago. My children have loved the accesibility of the children's books and the friendly librarians.
We recently learned that the NYPL has stopped returning to our branch books that have been returned at other branches. This means the stack have been depleted. Nothing is more important than having full stacks and for our librarians to be able to order books for our community with our needs in mind.

• I would love for it to take on more of a community meeting space function. RIRA and RIOC meetings could be held there, boy scouts or girls scouts could meet there and so on. I think that the research function the library used to have is fading because most people do research online and they have computers so to keep libraries relevant they have to start doing other things, like serving a purpose in the community by meeting the primary meeting space/place for community info.
• Here are my wishes. More Japanese/Spanish Books ( for kids and adult ) Spanish story time. Japanese story time. Clean the toys frequently especially in the winter ( I don't know how frequently they wash/clean the toys but I have never seen them cleaning them...). I notice they have a mandarin class (with little birds or something like that). With the high Hispanic population in the island it would be wonderful to also have Spanish for toddlers.
• The most important part is that the library remains accessible for moms with babies, toddlers, both in strollers and that stairs are not involved. This branch has a shelf for children's book in Chinese, 10 books in Spanish and that's it. So being an International Island I don't see the point of only having a shelf in Chinese and not the rest of languages. If possible to have the super quiet reading area far far away from the children's area. I do not know why, adults complain more about toddler/babies being excited or not comfortable rather than school age children and early teenagers being to loud. So if possible, if the 2 areas are in opposite sides or different levels parents will be more comfortable going in the afternoons.
• Library is for adults as well. What I believe is missing is books about art. Painting and history of music. This is something that interests me and I did not find it, although I have not asked the librarians.
• I would also like to see expanded hours and a larger, more private kids area. Kids are loud, and instead of silencing them all the time, put their space far away from the tables where older people study. 
• The Westport, CT library and Chicago libraries were featured earlier this week in the Wall Street Journal for investing in interactive robots (~$6k each for high end models) and 3D printers for their patrons' use, changing the way we see libraries as mere repositories for books but also as a community's resource for technology. Is NYPL considering a similar program? In light of Cornell tech campus moving to Roosevelt Island, it may be worth bringing this up. Who knows, Cornell may contribute to costs associated with such purchases.
• The only other suggestion would be to have a small computer kiosk where we can look up books we are interested in either by author or title (specifically the children's books where we know the book and not the author). The labeling isn't great at the library, and I always need to ask a librarian for a book, or author, or where to find a certain level of reading for my child. They are always helpful but I remember back in the day, I was taught how to find books through the library card files (before everything became digital). It truly teaches children and adults how to research something individually. I feel like right now I'm always at the mercy of the librarians.
• I would add more variety of activities for different ages (puppet shows, music activities...) and a more flexible schedule. Currently the only suitable activities for older kids is always at 3pm which often coincides with nap time.
• I would also hope that they fix the outdoor space and remove that old "playground" which is terrible! It would be nice to have grass instead and a couple of benches and tables where some programs could be held in the good weather months.
• I am also interested in the living library project. I see the beautiful garden but never quite understood how families can participate, specially the little ones. It would be great to see this program expanded.

Now it's your turn to tell the NY Public Library your thoughts and ideas on programs and services for our new library. You can tell them at tonight's Community Conversation.

More background on getting a new Roosevelt Island NY Public Library branch at this previous post.

You're Invited To New York Public Library Community Conversation About New Roosevelt Island Library On November 20 - What Are Your Thoughts And Ideas For New Library At 504 Main Street?

According to the New York Public Library:

The New York Public Library: Building for You

Please join The New York Public Library for a Community Conversation about the new Roosevelt Island Library
Thursday, November 20, 2014 | 6-8 PM
Good Shepherd Community Center
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island

The New York Public Library is planning for a new home for the Roosevelt Island Library. We would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on the programs and services for the new library.

The NYPL Capital Projects web page adds:

Roosevelt Island, Manhattan

NYPL is building a new, larger building to replace this branch. The 5,200-square-foot building, which will add much-needed public programming space, will more than double the current building. Opening expected in early 2017.

Diane Chin of the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library adds:

The following NYPL staff members will be speaking at the Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, November 20:

Nicole Nelson, Library Manager of the Roosevelt Island Library
Dawn Chance, Library Network Manager
Christopher Platt, Acting Vice President of Public Service
George Mihaltses, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs

The new Roosevelt Island branch library will be located on the first floor of 504 Main Street.

Image Of 504 Main Street Future Home Of NYPL Roosevelt Island Branch

Here's some background on the future brand new Roosevelt Island Public Library at 504 Main Street.
.
As reported July 16, 2012:

Image of NYC Council Member Lappin, NYPL President Anthony Marx and Roosevelt Island Kids

Last Friday, Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin stood in front of our current dilapidated library accompanied by NY Public Library President Anthony Marx and Roosevelt Island children. Ms. Lappin and Mr. Marx were here to announce that she has secured $2 million from the NYC 2013 Fiscal Year Budget to move the Roosevelt Island Library to a new location at 504 Main Street's first floor. Here's what Ms. Lappin and Mr. Marx had to say about the new Roosevelt Island library.

As reported July 3, 2013:

... the New York Public Library (NYPL) signed a lease with Hudson Related Companies for a new Roosevelt Island branch at 504 Main Street....

and:

... Current projected schedule is to start design 12/2013 or 1/2014, start construction some time in 2015, and open the new branch in 2017, and the current budget is approximately $4.5 million....

As reported August 25, 2014:

... More than 2 years after the announcement that Roosevelt Island will be getting a new library and 1 year after the lease signing, what is the status of our new library?

The new Roosevelt Island NYPL library branch was discussed during July 30 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Advisory Committee meeting (video of meeting here and audio web cast of meeting here). During the meeting, Hudson Related Main Street Master Leaseholder David Kramer expressed frustration with the "pace" in moving the library project forward due to RIOC's delay replacing the windows at the 504 Main Street building.

Here's what Mr. Kramer had to say.



RIOC Director Margie Smith asked Mr. Kramer if RIOC was responsible for delaying the project. Mr. Kramer replied yes, but that RIOC was about to begin work on the window project which was confirmed by RIOC President Charlene Indelicato who anticipates window replacement work to begin at end of August.

Here's that discussion

On September 15, 2014, RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reported about the window work for the future Public Library at 504 Main Street:

...At 504 Main Street, the fabrication and installation of new windows is underway. Now that the windows have been manufactured to specifications, installation has begun. Installation work is currently scheduled to be completed in November....

On October 2, 2014 the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Island Services Committee reported:

New Public Library ‐ Installation of new windows was completed by RIOC for the first floor of 504 Main. We expect that work will now begin to renovate the space for the new library. We don’t have an official date for the start of operations at the new site, but it’s unlikely that we’ll have a new library before 2016.

Now it's the Roosevelt Island community's turn to tell the NY Public Library your thoughts and ideas on programs and services for our new library. You can tell them at the November 20 Community Conversation.