Flatlands Library
🏢 Brooklyn Public Library — Brooklyn, New York
Flatlands Library
The Flatlands Library, opened January 25, 1955, holds the distinction of being the first library built in Brooklyn under the Beame Plan — a financing model that shaped dozens of New York City public buildings for a generation. Today it is one of BPL's primary Inclusive Services sites, housing a Braille collection and adaptive programming for children of all abilities.
🕑 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: 2065 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234
Phone: 7182534409
Website: bklynlibrary.org
📖 About Flatlands Library
<p>Flatlands Library first opened in 1949 in a former Prudential Savings Bank building on Flatbush Avenue, then moved in 1955 to its current purpose-built home at 2065 Flatbush Avenue — the first branch constructed in Brooklyn under the Beame Plan, which had private investors build to city specifications and lease the property back. The 6,000-square-foot branch was renovated in 1985 and again in 1987, when it became one of the first BPL branches to offer a video collection. Today Flatlands is a designated focus site for BPL's Inclusive Services program, maintaining a curated Braille and large-print collection and hosting adaptive storytimes, sensory-friendly crafts, and the system-wide Lego Club for children of all abilities.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- First library built in Brooklyn under the Beame Plan, opened January 25, 1955
- Designated BPL Inclusive Services focus site with a Braille and large-print materials collection
- Child's Place–style adaptive programs: Read and Play inclusive storytime (birth–age 5) and After School Stories (ages 5–12)
- One of the first BPL branches to add a video collection (1987)
- ASL interpretation available upon advance request for programs and services
📱 Free with a Brooklyn Public Library Card
Any New York State resident can get a BPL card free and unlock:
📍 More Brooklyn Public Library branches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Inclusive Services program at Flatlands Library?
Flatlands is one of BPL's primary Inclusive Services locations, offering programs designed for children and teens with and without disabilities. Regular offerings include Read and Play, an inclusive storytime for children birth to age 5, and After School Stories for ages 5–12, with adaptive tools such as scissors and paintbrushes. The branch also holds a Braille and large-print collection and can arrange ASL interpretation for programs with advance notice.
Is Flatlands Library a Carnegie library?
No. Flatlands Library opened in 1955 under the Beame Plan, a post-war financing model in which a private investor built to library specifications and leased the building to the city. It is not one of Brooklyn's 21 historic Carnegie branches, which were all built between 1901 and 1924.
Does Flatlands Library have materials in languages other than English?
Yes. As part of BPL's broader multilingual collection, Flatlands carries materials in multiple languages serving the surrounding Flatlands and Canarsie neighborhoods. The branch also maintains a specialized Braille and large-print collection for patrons with visual impairments.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.