The NYPL Melrose Branch library, located in the central Bronx, was designed by Carrère and Hastings and built in 1914. A fire in the 1950s caused significant damage, reducing the original four-story building to two stories.

Unlike some Carnegie libraries, Melrose retained few of its original architectural characteristics. Programming meetings and workshops involving librarians, staff, and patrons uncovered real and tangible shortcomings and needs. There was a glaring lack of space, technology, security, and accessibility.

The programming phase of work also revealed that more space was required, necessitating the addition of another floor to the building. As a result, the building underwent extensive interior and exterior transformations. The renovated Melrose Branch featured a new, light-filled third floor dedicated to children, serving as a beacon in the neighborhood. A dedicated teen floor was introduced, along with a variety of rooms of different sizes to accommodate the community’s needs. Additionally, the building was made fully accessible.