Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch (Central Library)

The Basics

Walking tours often include a photo stop at the historic library, which is a short stroll from Prospect Park. Even if you don't have a library card, enter to discover the library’s vast collection. Explore the temporary exhibits on borough history, literary greats, and other relevant topics; settle back with a book, a coffee, and a pastry from the library cafe; or attend a film screening or concert at the Dr. S. Stevan Cultural Center.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The library is free.

• The library has books for all ages, including a dedicated children’s space and an area for teens and young adults.

• The on-site cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

• The library offers free Wi-Fi and also has computers available.

• The library is fully wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is located at Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway on Grand Army Plaza. By subway, take the 2, 3, 4 to Grand Army Plaza and then walk across Grand Army Plaza to reach the library.

When to Get There

The library is open from morning until late at night on Monday to Thursday, closing earlier on Friday and Saturday evenings, with afternoon hours only on Sunday.

Prospect Park

The library sits at the northern end of Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s largest and most popular green space. Consider combining a visit to Brooklyn Public Library with a visit to the park. Along with its walking trails, cycling paths, and boating lakes, park highlights include a Saturday Greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza; the Prospect Park Zoo; a winter ice skating rink and summer roller rink at LeFrak Center; and summer concerts.

Ways to explore

Admittedly, libraries typically have limited travel appeal, but there are more than a few reasons to visit the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch. First, the portico and period architecture are worth gawking at—the building is an official New York City Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Some Brooklyn walking tours start on the library entrance steps or stop there while making the rounds to nearby Prospect Park and other areas. Secondly, while readings and literary events are geared toward residents, they can be fun free diversions organized by a leading NYC cultural institution.

Accessibility

The library is wheelchair accessible and suitable for people with mobility impairments. It offers inclusive programs for kids and teens with disabilities. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

All ages are welcome. Check the library website for family-friendly events.

What to pack

Library card (not needed for entry)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, light sweater

Not allowed

Eating outside designated areas, talking on the phone, talking loudly

Amenities

Public computers, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, café

Address

The Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch is behind Grand Army Plaza on the north side of Prospect Park in Brooklyn. It’s accessible by bus and subway, and features on the itinerary of some Brooklyn walking tours.

Driving

From Lower Manhattan, cross the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn and continue down Flatbush Avenue to Grand Army Plaza. The library doesn’t have a public parking lot, but there is street parking on Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway.

Public transportation

By subway, take the 2 or 3 trains to Grand Army Plaza or the Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn Museum stations. You can also take the B and Q trains to Seventh Avenue. Alternatively, ride the B41 bus and get off at the Flatbush Avenue/Grand Army Plaza stop.

Best times to visit

There’s never a bad time to visit the library; consider a trip around midday after a morning jaunt around Prospect Park, or during evenings for scheduled events.

Best days to visit

Visit on weekends to attend author talks, public screenings, and other cultural events.

Best months to visit

If you only want to see the building facade, visit during spring for NYC’s best outdoor weather. Bookworms will love the Summer at the Library program of language classes, book talks, and other reading events for teens and adults.

Special events

In May—usually in tandem with the Met Gala—the library hosts “The People’s Ball,” during which the public can dress up and strut down a runway in the lobby. LitFilm, a film festival about writers, is typically in October.