Inwood Library

Can you imagine a library nestled within an affordable housing development? Right here in Inwood, the Inwood Library–Joseph and Sheila Rosenblatt Building accomplishes just that. The Inwood Library is a vital community hub. It’s Manhattan’s northernmost branch, serving a diverse population. It boasts robust collections in Spanish and even Russian, including audiobooks and DVDs. The library also offers essential English classes for those new to the language. The building itself is a marvel, with dedicated spaces for all ages. There’s a vibrant children’s room on the second floor. Teens have their own haven, a Teen Center, packed with resources and technology. Adults can find quiet study rooms and flexible community spaces. The history of the Inwood Library reflects the community’s growth. In 1902, NYPL first extended its services to Inwood by partnering with the Dyckman Library. Over two decades later, NYPL broadened its reach, establishing temporary branches in a private home, the study hall of old George Washington High School, and a couple of other locations. Finally, in 1952, the Inwood Library found its permanent home in this very three-story building on Broadway, just north of Dyckman Street. A 2001 renovation made the library wheelchair accessible. The renovation also added a dedicated reference room on the first floor and a spacious reading room for toddlers on the second. They even upgraded the air conditioning and installed an elevator and 16 computer workstations. Did you know that the Inwood Library shares its building with affordable housing units, a rooftop garden, and a community center? This integration makes the Inwood Library more than just a place for books. It’s a vital hub, offering STEM programs, a training kitchen, and even a preschool. The library strengthens the community with bilingual programs and story hours. They help bridge the language gap for kindergarteners. ESL classes empower adults to learn English. The Inwood Library’s partnership with Thos. Moser adds a touch of elegance. The library is filled with Moser-designed furniture, including the iconic NYPL Branch chair and, uniquely, Syracuse Reading Tables. These tables boast integrated power and lighting, a beautiful and functional design. At the library’s opening, Inwood manager Danita Nichols highlighted the importance of community connections. She emphasized that the Inwood Library is more than just its books. It’s a place where the community comes alive. The Inwood Library truly embodies the spirit of community, learning, and accessibility.