The renovation of The New York Public Library’s largest circulating branch, Mid-Manhattan Library (MML), is proceeding on schedule, with schematic designs expected this calendar year and construction expected to begin in 2018.
As the Library prepares for construction, we have been planning how to accommodate patrons and staff during the temporary closure of MML, which is scheduled for fall 2017. Our objective is to maintain the large variety of services currently available at MML. We will accomplish this by using a combination of four of our Midtown buildings: the Schwarzman Building, Grand Central Library, Science, Industry & Business Library, and the new 53rd Street Library.
The Schwarzman Building will inherit the primary functions of MML. Its circulating collections, computer stations, and many of its public programs will be relocated to space on the ground floor of SASB, which was originally designed for public use, yet has been vacant or used by staff in recent decades. We will be outfitting these ground floor rooms with shelving, desks, and more—first as a temporary site for MML services, and then for continued public use after the new MML opens. Construction on this space – which will not impact service in the rest of the building – will begin in early 2017.
The Grand Central Library will host MML’s community resources, including IDNYC and SingleStop, and technology classes and programs will be moved to SIBL. Some of MML’s many public programs may also be moved to 53rd Street Library.
The Library will continue to update the public and provide opportunities for engagement throughout the Midtown renovation.