NEW YORK, NY.- The New York Public Library celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated Fort Washington branch, which closed in August 2021 for a top-to-bottom makeover under the Library’s Carnegie Renovation Program. Funded primarily by the City of New York, the $176 million program prioritized branches operating in underserved areas for transformative capital work. Following the three-year project, the building was added to the New York State Register of Historic Places.

Fort Washington Library has been a civic pillar of the upper Manhattan community for over a century. The newly improved Fort Washington branch will continue working with community organizations like Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, which provides an array of social, legal, educational, and career services. The Library’s College and Career Pathways program will help train branch staff on how to assist high school students as they apply for college or transition into the workforce. Come February, the branch will begin offering English as a second language classes and bilingual storytimes to help meet the needs of the community’s large Spanish-speaking population.

The all-encompassing renovation work has improved the accessibility and functionality of the 111-year-old building. Fort Washington Library is now fully ADA-accessible with a newly installed elevator and entrance lift, and the addition of four bathrooms for a total of six. The renovation also restored the facade, upgraded technology throughout, and installed energy-efficient windows and all new mechanical and electrical systems.

When Fort Washington Library was initially constructed in 1914, it was heated by coal and housed a live-in custodian who was tasked with keeping the building warm among other things. Located on the top floor, the custodial apartment went unused for decades, eventually falling into disrepair, until the renovation converted it into a bright and expansive area for teens. With this addition, the branch now boasts dedicated floors for children, teens, and adults, each of which include flexible programming spaces, curated collections, and new furnishings to enhance the patron experience.

A centerpiece of this redesign was honoring the original Carnegie emphasis on volume, light, and natural materials. This fastidious attention to historical features was recognized by New York State when it added Fort Washington Library to its State Register of Historic Places and nominated it for consideration to the National Registry as well. This historic designation will strengthen protections of Fort Washington, preserving it for future generations.

NYPL President Anthony W. Marx, Chair of the Board of Trustees Abby Milstein, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, Senator Robert Jackson, NYC Economic Development Corporation’s Chief Infrastructure Officer Josh Kraus, CannonDesign (the design team), Gilbane (Construction Manager), and dedicated patrons celebrated the reopening at a small public ceremony followed by a storytime and crafts for families.

“Fort Washington Library has been a civic pillar for this diverse community, connecting individuals with resources to help the neighborhood flourish. Now, thanks to a tremendous partnership between the Library and the City, a new and improved Fort Washington can continue to make an impact on generations to come,” said NYPL President Anthony W. Marx. “The Library hopes to extend our fruitful partnership with the City to keep investing in libraries through capital funding for the betterment of all New Yorkers.”

Construction of all five Carnegie libraries was overseen by the NYC Economic Development Corporation. The remaining branch – Port Richmond – will open in the coming months.

With design led by CannonDesign and construction led by Gilbane Building Company, the renovations preserved key historic features while modernizing the interior to maximize public space, codifying new design standards in the process.

"Our city's libraries are a hub for innovation, vital community space, and an equitable, integral place where all New Yorkers — no matter their zip code — can access knowledge. The brand-new, modernized Fort Washington Public Library branch will deliver all of this and more to the people of Washington Heights as we make New York City the best place to raise a family," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “As a young man who struggled with dyslexia, I understand firsthand how important libraries are for children, families, and every New Yorker in leveling the playing field. That’s why we baselined $42.8 million in funding every year moving forward — providing peace of mind to our entire library system. Thank you to the New York Public Library and all the city agencies involved for helping open the doors to this state-of-the-art library."

“Libraries are the epicenters of public knowledge, and congratulations to all who worked to bring the renovation of the Fort Washington Library full circle,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “A jewel of our community, the Fort Washington Library first opened in the 1900s and this nearly $40 million will be put to great use to ensure a full modernization of the library to include improved elevator access and ADA compliance, new restrooms on all floors, structural improvements including separate children and teen floors, among other amenities. Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the library remains a public center for education, civic engagement, and social services for all throughout our community.”

“The renovation and reopening of the Ford Washington Library is a testament to our ongoing effort to provide high-quality public services to all New Yorkers. This transformative project provides improved spaces for programming and events, enhances educational resources, and better meets the evolving needs of the community,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “Investing in our libraries is crucial to creating vibrant, resilient communities where all New Yorkers can flourish and succeed.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome this state-of-the-art, fully accessible library to Washington Heights. Whether you’re looking for a fully equipped tech space, great programming for kids and teens, or just a good book to read, the brand new Fort Washington branch has something for everyone,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “Thank you to the NYPL for making this modern community hub a reality.”

“The reopening of the Fort Washington Branch library is a moment of pride and joy for our entire community,” said Manhattan Community Board 12 Chair Katherine Diaz. “This cherished space, now enhanced with vital accessibility, is a testament to creating safe and welcoming spaces for all to learn, gather, and thrive. Libraries are more than buildings—they are gateways to opportunity, lifelong learning, and connection. The upgrades at our branch is a powerful reminder as to why sustained investment in our libraries is essential to building a more just and vibrant community.”

"The Fort Washington Library stands as a testament to the power of preservation and progress, a space where history meets the future. With its doors reopened and its purpose renewed, it emerges as a sanctuary of knowledge and opportunity, blending its storied past with a bold vision for the future," said State Senator Robert Jackson. "This transformation reflects the values we fight for every day—a commitment to education, equity, and access. Proud to have fought for the State to include hundreds of millions of dollars in the capital budget to support all public libraries in NYS. This project exemplifies how such investments make monumental impacts possible. I commend the NYPL for preserving this legacy and expanding its impact to better serve my constituents and all New Yorkers.”