Coney Island Library
🏢 Brooklyn Public Library · Brooklyn, New York
Coney Island Library
One of Brooklyn's most storied branches, Coney Island Library traces its roots to an 1911 unmanned deposit station and was rebuilt in 2013 after Hurricane Sandy — reopening with new technology, expanded public space, and design details that celebrate the boardwalk neighborhood's colorful history.
🕑 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 | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 1901 MERMAID AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11224
Phone: 718-265-3220
Website: bklynlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G8H2G7+MH (BROOKLYN, NY)
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📖 About Coney Island Library
Coney Island Library has served this seaside neighborhood at the southern tip of Brooklyn since 1911, when it began as an unmanned deposit station. A decade later it moved into the former Coney Island Times offices and became a fully staffed branch. The current building at 1901 Mermaid Avenue dates to 1954, when a purpose-built branch replaced the earlier space. In October 2012 Hurricane Sandy severely damaged the facility; BPL rebuilt and reopened it in 2013 with updated technology, more public space, and design features that evoke the amusement park and oceanfront culture the neighborhood is famous for. The branch serves the dense, diverse residential community of Coney Island year-round — a population quite distinct from the summer visitors who crowd the nearby boardwalk — with strong programming in early childhood literacy and digital access.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Branch history dating to 1911 — one of BPL's longest-serving community libraries
- Current 1954 building rebuilt and reopened in 2013 after Hurricane Sandy damage
- Neighborhood design details reflecting Coney Island's amusement park heritage
- Strong early childhood literacy and ESL programming for the surrounding community
- Free Culture Pass gives cardholders access to 100+ NYC museums and cultural venues
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your free BPL card opens a full suite of digital resources — all accessible from home:
📚 Services
- Public computers and Wi-Fi
- Printing, copying, and scanning
- Children's programming and early literacy
- ESL and adult literacy programs
- Teen programs
- Study and reading space
- Culture Pass museum reservations
🎸 Programs
- Story Time and early literacy for children
- ESL conversation groups and adult literacy
- Teen after-school programs
- Digital literacy workshops
- Community and cultural events
📍 Nearby Libraries in Brooklyn
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Was Coney Island Library really built on stilts over the ocean?
BPL has described the 1954 branch as 'the first-ever library built on stilts over the Atlantic Ocean,' referencing its unique coastal construction. The building's elevated design also proved important context when Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage in 2012, leading to the full rebuild that reopened in 2013.
Was Coney Island Library closed after Hurricane Sandy?
Yes. The branch sustained serious damage during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. BPL undertook a full rebuild and the library reopened in 2013 with new technology, more public space, and design features celebrating the neighborhood's history.
Is Coney Island Library busy only in summer?
No — the library serves the year-round residential community of Coney Island, which is a large and dense neighborhood quite separate from the seasonal tourist activity on the boardwalk. Programs, story times, and computer access run consistently throughout the year.
How do I get a BPL library card at Coney Island Library?
Bring a valid photo ID and proof of a New York State address to any BPL branch, including Coney Island. Cards are free and give immediate access to physical collections, eBooks via Libby, streaming via Kanopy, and the NOVELny statewide database network.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes 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.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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