The Hunts Point Branch Library is part of Andrew Carnegie’s grand mission to create branch libraries in local immigrant neighborhoods in the early 20th century. Designed by Carrère and Hastings in 1929, this Italianate Revival-style building is now a New York City Landmark.

The existing 12,800-square-foot, two-story building features multiple mezzanines and an abandoned custodial apartment. Program meetings and workshops with librarians and staff identify serious shortcomings in technology, security, accessibility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as bathrooms and meeting rooms. Additionally, there is a lack of defined and dedicated space for the three primary age demographics: adults, teens, and children.

All proposed interventions aim to maintain the essential “Carnegie-ness” of the building while transforming the 100-year-old structure to include necessary 21st-century services and amenities. The revitalized Hunts Point Branch will equally and individually serve children, teens, and adults, accommodating people of multiple backgrounds and the community at large. Andrew Carnegie’s goal of promoting literacy, civic awareness, and community service will continue well into the future.