Bedford Library
🏢 Brooklyn Public Library · Brooklyn, New York
Bedford Library
Bedford Library — BPL's founding branch and a Carnegie gem in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant — reopened in April 2025 after a $2.4 million energy-efficiency renovation, its stained-glass vaulted ceiling and tiled fireplaces fully restored.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 496 FRANKLIN AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11238
Phone: 718-623-2134
Website: bklynlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G8M2JV+PH (BROOKLYN, NY)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Bedford Library
Bedford Library holds the distinction of being Brooklyn Public Library's founding branch, first organized on December 20, 1897, in the old P.S. 3 building on Bedford Avenue. After moving twice in subsequent years — first to 26 Brevoort Place in 1899, then to Avon Hall in 1902 — the branch finally received a permanent home in 1904–05, funded by Andrew Carnegie as part of Brooklyn's $1.6 million Carnegie library grant. The building was designed by the architectural firm Lord & Hewlett, who created seven of Brooklyn's Carnegie libraries. The interior is a marvel of Edwardian craftsmanship: stained-glass archways, freestanding columns, a vaulted stained-glass ceiling, and a pair of tiled fireplaces. The branch closed in July 2021 for a four-year, $2.4 million renovation that added a new HVAC system, LED lighting, a modernized elevator, updated flooring, and a new Adult Learning Center. Bedford Library celebrated its grand reopening on April 24, 2025, returning full service to the Bedford-Stuyvesant community after a years-long wait.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Brooklyn Public Library's founding branch — first organized in 1897
- Carnegie-funded 1905 building by Lord & Hewlett with original stained-glass vaulted ceiling
- Reopened April 24, 2025 after $2.4M renovation including new HVAC and Adult Learning Center
- Interior features tiled fireplaces, freestanding columns, and Edwardian stained-glass archways
- Serves the historic Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood with Sunday hours
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Access thousands of free digital resources with your BPL card — including eBooks, audiobooks, and New York's statewide online library:
📚 Services
- Free public computers and Wi-Fi
- Printing, copying, and scanning
- Adult Learning Center with dedicated classrooms
- Children's collections and storytimes
- Meeting and community room space
- Free library card (NYC residents and workers)
- Notary services (by appointment at select BPL branches)
🎸 Programs
- Adult literacy and ESL classes (Adult Learning Center)
- Storytime for toddlers and young children
- Homework help and after-school programs
- Community cultural events and exhibits
- Summer Reading Challenge
📍 Nearby Libraries in Brooklyn
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedford Library a Carnegie library?
Yes — Bedford Library was built in 1904–05 with funding from Andrew Carnegie's gift of $1.6 million to Brooklyn. The building was designed by the architectural firm Lord & Hewlett and is one of the first five Carnegie branches constructed in Brooklyn, alongside DeKalb, Pacific, and Williamsburgh. The interior retains its original Edwardian features including a vaulted stained-glass ceiling, tiled fireplaces, and freestanding columns.
When did Bedford Library reopen after its renovation?
Bedford Library celebrated its grand reopening on April 24, 2025, after a roughly four-year closure that began in July 2021. The $2.4 million renovation upgraded the building's HVAC system, electrical systems, elevator, flooring, and lighting to modern energy-efficiency standards, and added a new Adult Learning Center with dedicated classrooms.
What is the Bedford Library Adult Learning Center?
The Adult Learning Center, added as part of the 2025 renovation, provides dedicated classroom space for adult literacy instruction, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and workforce development programming. It is part of BPL's broader adult learning network serving communities across Brooklyn.
Why is Bedford Library considered BPL's founding branch?
Bedford Library was the very first branch of what became Brooklyn Public Library, opening on December 20, 1897 in the old P.S. 3 building on Bedford Avenue. It predates the formal establishment of BPL as a consolidated system and moved twice before settling into its permanent Carnegie building in 1905, making it the institution's oldest continuous branch.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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