Picture this grand building. It stands tall on West 231st Street. This is the Kingsbridge Library. Its story begins long ago. In 1894 a small library opened above a drugstore. It quickly outgrew its tiny space. A devastating fire swept through the area. The library survived. However much of the building was destroyed.
Then came Andrew Carnegie. His generous donation changed everything. The New York Public Library established a branch in Kingsbridge. It incorporated the old Kingsbridge Free Library. The new library opened in 1905. It was designed by the famous architects McKim Mead & White. It was the second NYPL branch in the Bronx. The first was Mott Haven.
The library thrived. The northwest Bronx boomed. The IRT subway extended to 242nd Street in 1908. The library’s collection expanded rapidly. From 4500 volumes in 1905 to almost 14000 by 1935. It still wasn’t enough. The library outgrew its space again. Plans for expansion were considered. But they were never implemented.
The 1940s and 1950s brought further growth. Apartment buildings rose. So did the Marble Hill Houses public housing project. The library’s collection swelled to 30000 volumes. The small building was bursting at the seams. It lacked space for classes and programs. Finally in 1958 the city agreed to build a new library.
The new Kingsbridge Library opened in 1959. It was three times larger than its predecessor. It was located at 280 West 231st Street. It was leased from Francis J Ambrosio. Even this larger building eventually proved too small. The neighborhood continued to grow. The library became overcrowded again. It needed more space for seating and computers.
So a new building was planned. David W Prendergast designed the current structure. It’s located directly across the street from the 1959 building. Construction was delayed. Rising costs and funding issues caused setbacks. But finally the Kingsbridge Library you see today was completed. This library is a testament to the enduring power of community. It is a hub of learning and growth. It continues to serve the evolving needs of Kingsbridge. It’s more than just a building. It is a symbol of community and perseverance.