Jerome Park Library
🏢 New York Public Library — The Bronx, New York
Jerome Park Library
Set in Kingsbridge Heights one block from University Avenue, Jerome Park Library serves a neighborhood shaped by one of the 19th century's most storied racetracks — Jerome Park, where the Belmont Stakes was first run and polo was introduced to the United States in 1876. The current stone-clad building opened in 1969 and was fully renovated in 2007 to add expanded public space and a new community room.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–7pm |
| Thursday | 10am–7pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 118 Eames Place, The Bronx, NY 10468
Phone: 7185495200
Website: nypl.org
📖 About Jerome Park Library
<p>Jerome Park Library traces its roots to a storefront branch that began serving the neighborhood in 1957, before the present single-story, stone-clad building opened on April 22, 1969. After nearly four decades of use, the branch closed for a comprehensive renovation and reopened on May 3, 2007, adding more public space, three public restrooms, and a dedicated community room. The branch takes its name from the surrounding Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood, which grew up adjacent to the historic Jerome Park Racetrack — the original home of the Belmont Stakes from 1867 to 1889 and the site of the first outdoor polo match in the United States in May 1876. The library is fully wheelchair accessible and serves Community District 8.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Current building opened April 22, 1969; fully renovated and reopened May 3, 2007 with expanded public space and new community room
- STEAM Discovery Kits available for checkout — hands-on science and engineering sets for children
- Free after-school tutoring for children ages 6–12 offered at the branch
- Neighborhood named for the Jerome Park Racetrack, original home of the Belmont Stakes (1867–1889) and site of America's first outdoor polo match (1876)
- Also serves as a public document repository for NYC environmental remediation projects at nearby brownfield sites in Community District 8
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jerome Park Library offer after-school tutoring for children?
Yes, the branch offers free after-school tutoring programs for children ages 6 through 12. Check the NYPL events calendar at nypl.org or call 718-549-5200 for current schedules and registration.
What is the history of the Jerome Park neighborhood, and how did it get its name?
The neighborhood takes its name from Jerome Park Racetrack, which operated from 1866 to 1894 on land that is now partly the Jerome Park Reservoir. The track — built on the old Bathgate estate and backed by financier Leonard W. Jerome and August Belmont Sr. — hosted the first Belmont Stakes in 1867 and the first outdoor polo match in the United States in 1876. After the racetrack closed, the western half became the reservoir and the eastern half was developed into the present neighborhood.
Can I borrow STEAM kits from Jerome Park Library?
Yes, the branch offers STEAM Discovery Kits — hands-on sets covering science, technology, engineering, art, and math — that can be borrowed just like books. Ask at the circulation desk for available kits.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.