Brooklyn Public Library Central

Complete Guide to Brooklyn Public Library Hours 2025

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation's largest library systems, serving Brooklyn's 2.7 million residents with 60 neighborhood branches plus the iconic Central Library at Grand Army Plaza. Whether you're searching for the nearest branch hours, planning a visit to the flagship location, or exploring Brooklyn's extensive library network, this comprehensive guide has everything you need.

Brooklyn Public Library Central: The Grand Army Plaza Flagship

Central Library Hours

Location: 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: (718) 230-2100
Website: bklynlibrary.org

About the Central Library

The Brooklyn Public Library Central Library is an architectural masterpiece and cultural landmark. Opened in 1941, this stunning Art Deco building features distinctive gold-leaf entrance doors, grand reading rooms with soaring ceilings, and extensive collections spanning literature, history, arts, and Brooklyn's unique cultural heritage.

The Central Library houses:

• Brooklyn Collection: Rare books, photographs, and documents chronicling Brooklyn's 400-year history
• Business & Career Center: Resources for entrepreneurs, job seekers, and small businesses
• Special Collections: Music library, art books, government documents, and periodicals
• Technology Center: Public computers, 3D printing, scanning, and digital media labs
• Children's Library: Dedicated space with 100,000+ children's books and educational programs
• Teen Center: Study spaces, gaming, and teen-focused programming

Major Brooklyn Public Library Branches

BPL operates 60 neighborhood branches across Brooklyn. Here are the major locations with extended hours and comprehensive services:

Park Slope Branch

Address: 431 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 832-1853
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Subway: F/G to 7th Avenue or R to Union Street

Williamsburg Branch

Address: 240 Division Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 302-3485
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Subway: J/M/Z to Marcy Avenue

Carroll Gardens Branch

Address: 396 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: (718) 596-6972
Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun Closed
Subway: F/G to Carroll Street

Brighton Beach Branch

Address: 16 Brighton First Road, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: (718) 946-2917
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Subway: B/Q to Brighton Beach

Sunset Park Branch

Address: 5108 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Phone: (718) 965-6533
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Subway: R to 45th Street

Brooklyn Heights Branch

Address: 280 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 623-7100
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Subway: A/C to High Street or 2/3 to Clark Street

Getting to Brooklyn Public Library Central

By Subway (Recommended)

The Central Library is easily accessible by multiple subway lines:

• 2 or 3 Train: Exit at Grand Army Plaza station (Eastern Parkway/Flatbush Avenue). The library is immediately visible when you exit at Plaza Street East. 1-minute walk.
• B or Q Train: Exit at 7th Avenue station (Flatbush Avenue). Walk north on Flatbush Avenue toward Grand Army Plaza. 5-minute walk.
• S Train (Franklin Avenue Shuttle): Transfer to 2/3 at Franklin Avenue. One stop to Grand Army Plaza.

By Bus

Multiple bus routes serve Grand Army Plaza:

• B41 (Flatbush Avenue): Stops directly at Grand Army Plaza
• B43, B45, B69: All stop within 2 blocks of the library

Parking

Limited street parking is available around Grand Army Plaza. Metered parking spaces can be found on:

• Eastern Parkway (both sides)
• Flatbush Avenue (south of the plaza)
• Plaza Street East and West

Parking Rates: $1.50/hour (metered), maximum 2-hour limit during business days.
Note: Parking is often scarce. Subway access is highly recommended.

Bike Access

Bike racks are available on the library's eastern side (facing Prospect Park). The library is accessible via the Prospect Park bike path system.

How to Get a Brooklyn Public Library Card

A Brooklyn Public Library card is free and gives you access to millions of physical and digital resources.

Eligibility

You can get a BPL card if you:

• Live in New York State
• Work in New York State
• Attend school in New York State
• Pay property taxes in New York State

What You Need

• Proof of Address: Current utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government-issued ID showing your NYS address
• Photo ID: Driver's license, passport, school ID, or government-issued ID

How to Apply

1. In Person: Visit any BPL branch with your documents. Cards are issued immediately.
2. Online: Start your application at bklynlibrary.org/card and finish at any branch.

Digital Access: Once you have a library card, you can immediately access thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and online databases from home.

Brooklyn Public Library Services & Resources

Digital Resources (24/7 Access)

• Overdrive/Libby: Ebooks and audiobooks
• Kanopy: Stream movies and documentaries
• LinkedIn Learning: Professional development courses
• Mango Languages: Learn 70+ languages online
• Newspapers.com: Historical newspapers archive
• Ancestry.com: Genealogy research (in-library access)

Technology Services

• Free WiFi (no library card required)
• Public computers with Microsoft Office
• Printing, scanning, and copying
• 3D printing (at select locations)
• Video and podcast recording studios
• Tech help desk and digital literacy classes

Programs & Events

• Author talks and book clubs
• Children's storytime (multiple languages)
• Teen programs and homework help
• ESL and citizenship classes
• Job search and resume workshops
• Art exhibitions and cultural events

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Visiting Brooklyn Public Library

• Peak Times: The library is busiest after school hours (3-6pm) and weekend afternoons. Visit mornings for quieter study sessions.
• Study Rooms: Book study rooms online through the BPL website up to 7 days in advance.
• Exhibitions: The Central Library regularly hosts free art exhibitions - check the events calendar before your visit.
• Coffee: No food or drinks (except water) are allowed in the library. Plan accordingly.
• Accessibility: All BPL locations are wheelchair accessible with elevators and accessible restrooms.

Related Brooklyn Resources

• New York City Library Hours - Complete Guide
• University Libraries in Brooklyn & NYC
• 24-Hour Study Spaces in New York
• Libraries with Free WiFi in NYC
• New York Public Library Main Branch Hours
• Queens Public Library