Highlawn Library
🏢 Brooklyn Public Library — Brooklyn, New York
Highlawn Library
Highlawn Library is a neighborhood fixture in Bensonhurst since 1972, notable for its unusual circular reading room ringed with walls of multicolored glazed block — an architectural departure that a 2005–2006 renovation by Louise Braverman Architect transformed into three programmatic, color-coded concentric zones.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Tuesday | 1 PM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 1664 West 13th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223
Phone: 7182347208
Website: bklynlibrary.org
📖 About Highlawn Library
<p>Highlawn Library opened in 1972 to serve the Bensonhurst community in southern Brooklyn. Its most distinctive feature is a circular main reading room whose walls are lined with glazed block in a variety of colors — a striking departure from the rectilinear design common to most Brooklyn branches. A renovation completed in 2005–2006 and designed by Louise Braverman Architect amplified this concept by organizing the interior into three programmatic concentric zones, each color-coded for different uses, and added new carpeting and enhanced lighting throughout. The branch serves one of Brooklyn's most diverse communities: over the decades, immigrants from Russia, China, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan, and Mexico have all settled in Bensonhurst, and Highlawn's collections and programming reflect that multilingual, multicultural mix.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Circular reading room with multicolored glazed-block walls — unique among Brooklyn Public Library branches
- 2005–2006 renovation by Louise Braverman Architect created three concentric color-coded zones
- Serves one of Brooklyn's most diverse neighborhoods, with multilingual collections and programs
- Popular Toddler Time program drawing families from across Bensonhurst
- Serves students from Seth Low Intermediate School, Success Academy of Bensonhurst, and two local yeshivas
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Highlawn Library's building design unusual?
Highlawn's main reading room is circular, with walls of glazed block in multiple colors — a deliberate design departure for Brooklyn Public Library. A 2005–2006 renovation by Louise Braverman Architect reorganized the space into three color-coded concentric zones for different activities.
Does Highlawn Library offer programs for young children?
Yes. Toddler Time is one of the branch's most popular recurring programs, and the library regularly offers storytimes and activities for young children and their caregivers.
Does Highlawn Library serve non-English-speaking residents?
Yes. Bensonhurst is one of Brooklyn's most diverse neighborhoods, and Highlawn's collections and programming serve speakers of Russian, Chinese, Spanish, and other languages. The branch supports English-language learners as well.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.