New York Public Library - Roosevelt Island Branch

History

In 1976, Dorothy and Herman Reade of Forest Hills, Queens, retired to Roosevelt Island and made it their goal to create a community library. Their endeavors at collecting used books and mobilizing supporters resulted in the Roosevelt Island Community Library. Run solely by volunteers, this one-room library served residents for twenty years. After several years of negotiations between The New York Public Library and Roosevelt Island Community Literary Associates, Inc., capital and operating money was secured from the New York State Assembly and the New York City Council. In 1997, Roosevelt Island Library became the 85th branch of The New York Public Library and moved to its more spacious quarters at 524 Main Street. With access to the larger library network, the branch will be able to provide its diverse community with more materials, programs, and services.