The New York Public Library’s (NYPL) Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education Brian Bannon and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle today broke ground on a $17 million renovation project that will modernize the exterior and interior of NYPL’s Castle Hill Library in the Bronx with new reading rooms, a redesigned façade, new skylights for abundant natural light, ADA-compliant upgrades, and additional features for visitors and staff. Construction of the DDC-managed project is expected to conclude summer 2027.
“We have invested more than $230 million toward improving our Bronx library branches in recent years, and we are excited to deepen our commitment to the borough with this $17 million renovation,” said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. “Following the renovation, Castle Hill residents will enjoy a state-of-the-art branch with dedicated reading areas and abundant sunlight that will inspire learning for generations of readers. We are immensely grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, the City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías, and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for funding this transformational project.”
“Libraries are a staple of learning in our communities, and DDC works throughout the City with all three library systems to upgrade these facilities and build new ones,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle. “This $17 million renovation of the Castle Hill Library will turn it into a more modern and spacious building with plenty of natural lighting, several reading areas, a new roof, façade, and other modern sustainability features. The entrance and restrooms will be ADA-accessible, creating a more inclusive space for everyone. Overall, it will be a great upgrade for Bronx residents.”
The library, located at 947 Castle Hill Avenue, first opened its doors to the public in 1981. The renovation will follow the latest ADA standards, including a more inviting entrance, lobby and upgraded restrooms. The renovation will include a new façade and entry to give the branch a clearer street presence and a more engaged relationship with the community. Additionally, skylights will illuminate the new double-height central reading room. There will be dedicated spaces for adults, teens and children, as well as a large multi-purpose room, meeting rooms and computer areas. Several new staff areas will support more efficient customer service, and improved technology, including self-checkout, will be available to both patrons and staff.
The project will also add a new green roof and the building’s environmental systems will be upgraded. Additionally, electric, fire alarm, and plumbing systems will be replaced. Interior and exterior lighting will be entirely new, with LED-based fixtures, and Wi-Fi will be available throughout the 6,183 square foot building. The library will be fully compliant with the New York City Energy Conservation Code, and when completed is expected to achieve LEED Silver rating for environmental sustainability.
The project was designed by Abruzzo Bodziak Architects through DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence Program, which pre-qualifies design firms for public buildings projects, reducing the time required to procure design services while ensuring the highest levels of quality and professionalism in construction projects managed by the agency. Contractors will be Ashnu International, Eastern Plumbing & Mechanical Contracting, ACS System Associates and M & J Electrical Contractors.
“I am incredibly proud to celebrate this groundbreaking alongside NYPL because Castle Hill families’ voices shaped the project to rebuild a library that reflects their needs — and today we can celebrate the realization of this shared vision,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “I was proud to secure $1.5 million in Council funding that helped build more space to read and study, upgraded technology, accessible entrances and restrooms, and dedicated areas for children, teens, and adult learners. This renovation delivers all of that and more — brighter reading rooms, stronger Wi-Fi, modern computers, ADA-compliant design, and flexible new spaces for programming and community use. It’s a meaningful investment in learning, connection, and opportunity that will serve Castle Hill families well into the future.”
“Our libraries and public spaces are more than just buildings; they are where curiosity begins, where community grows, and where opportunity becomes possible,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “By investing in our libraries, we are opening doors to exploration, eliminating barriers to discovery, and ensuring that every member of our community has access to the knowledge and resources they need to learn and grow. I would like to thank the New York Public Library, the NYC Department of Design and Construction, and New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias for their support of the Castle Hill Library renovation and commitment to making our resource hubs accessible for all.”
“Libraries have always been places where people discover who they can become, and this renovation gives Castle Hill a space worthy of that promise,” said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “This investment says to our community: your future matters, and we are going to build places that reflect that. I’m proud to support a project that will lift up our kids, our seniors, and everyone who passes through the doors of the Castle Hill Library.”
“I am honored to take part in today’s groundbreaking for a new and improved Castle Hill Library branch,” said Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N., Chair of the NYS Assembly & Senate’s Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force. “Over the past decade, I have used my time in the Assembly to allocate more funding for libraries in the state budget and allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional funding for the operation of our district’s local library branches, including the Castle Hill Library. The improvements that DDC and NYPL are undertaking for the site will make it more inviting to passersby and inclusive to all community members seeking to use its vital services. I thank the city and the library system for making the multi-million-dollar renovation, the largest in the branch’s 70-year history, a reality for our community and looking forward to its completion in 2027.”
“The Castle Hill Library has been a staple of Bronx Community Board 9 since 1963,” said Bronx Community Board 9. “As such, the board is excited to welcome the new renovations that will be taking place for both the exterior and interior of the library. After highlighting the importance of this redesign and renovation in our District Needs Statements, we are thrilled to see that community advocacy and feedback have been taken into account in bringing necessary improvements to our district. With these upgrades every member of our district can benefit from the free programs and resources offered at the Castle Hill Public Library despite age or ability. We are thrilled to see these renovations in full effect, and we look forward to furthering our collaboration and partnership with the Castle Hill Public Library. Thank you to the NYPL, DDC, our local Elected Officials, and all involved in making this a reality.”
“We designed the branch as a modern building rooted in the New York Public Library’s Carnegie legacy and its rigorous design standards,” said Emily Abruzzo, partner in Abruzzo Bodziak Architects. “The renovation uses a new façade and entry to give the branch a clearer street presence and a more engaged relationship with its community. A new double-height central reading room, illuminated by diffuse daylight from added skylights, is anchored by a 65-foot community table that supports everything from quiet study to large public events.”
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
