History
The Ryder Branch opened in April of 1970 in a neighborhood of one and two family houses in Bensonhurst. Built by the City of New York, the library was designed by Arthur Witthoefft and features two open courts with areas for plantings. Within, the library provides adult and children's seating areas running the length of the building. Ryder's combined circulation is one of the highest in the Brooklyn Public Library system. The primary users of the branch are children and parents of school-aged children, while the next-largest group is older adults. The Ryder Branch continues to be a vital resource in its neighborhood, serving the educational and cultural needs of its patrons.
