City Island Library
🏢 New York Public Library — The Bronx, New York
City Island Library
Perched on a mile-long island community surrounded by Long Island Sound, City Island Library has served this tight-knit maritime enclave since November 2, 1903 — making it one of the Bronx's longest-running branch libraries. Its signature Ship Collection, covering everything from America's Cup racing to lighthouse history, is unlike anything else in the NYPL system.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 11am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 11am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–6pm |
| Thursday | 11am–7pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 320 City Island Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10464
Phone: 7188851703
Website: nypl.org
📖 About City Island Library
<p>City Island Library has been part of this island neighborhood since 1903, moving to its current home on City Island Avenue in 1970 and undergoing a complete renovation in 1997 that more than doubled its size. The branch sits in the center of a three-block-wide stretch of land jutting into Long Island Sound — a community defined for generations by shipbuilding, oyster harvesting, and yacht racing. The building houses a community room that seats 45, separate reference and children's sections, a small public garden, and eight laptops plus four computer workstations for public use.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- 1,000+ volume Ship Collection covering boat construction, naval history, pirates, the America's Cup, famous shipwrecks, lighthouse history, and sea fiction — unique in the NYPL system
- Operating continuously since November 2, 1903; one of the Bronx's oldest branch libraries
- 1997 renovation more than doubled the building's footprint, adding a 45-seat community room
- Island Writers and City Island Book Club meet regularly at the branch, reflecting the neighborhood's literary community
- Why Knot? — an adult knitting circle — meets at the library, alongside teen and family programs including storytime and art workshops
📱 Free with a New York Public Library Card
Any New York State resident can get a free NYPL card and unlock:
📍 More New York Public Library branches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does City Island Library have materials specifically about nautical and maritime subjects?
Yes — the branch maintains a Ship Collection of more than 1,000 volumes dedicated to maritime topics: boat construction, naval history, pirates, the America's Cup, famous shipwrecks, fishing techniques, lighthouse history, sailing instruction, sea fiction, and surfing. It is one of the most distinctive specialized collections in any NYPL branch.
How do I get to City Island Library without a car?
Take the MTA Bx29 bus, which connects City Island to the Pelham Bay Park subway station on the 6 train. The library is on City Island Avenue near the center of the island, a short walk from the bus stop.
Does City Island Library have a community room available for events?
Yes, the library has a community room with seating for up to 45 people that is used for branch programs and may be available for community events. Contact the branch at 718-885-1703 for availability and reservation details.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.