Jamaica Bay Library
🏢 Brooklyn Public Library — Brooklyn, New York
Jamaica Bay Library
Jamaica Bay Library opened in July 1973 a stone's throw from the Jamaica Bay Coastal Lagoon, giving the Canarsie shoreline its own public library for the first time. A shaded outdoor plaza with benches makes it a favorite spot to read in warm weather, steps from the waters of the Gateway National Recreation Area.
🕑 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: 9727 Seaview Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Phone: 7182413571
Website: bklynlibrary.org
📖 About Jamaica Bay Library
Jamaica Bay Library at 9727 Seaview Avenue near East 98th Street opened in July 1973, one of the more recent additions to the Brooklyn Public Library system. The branch sits in the southeastern corner of Brooklyn close to the Jamaica Bay waterway, serving the Canarsie neighborhood — a predominantly African American community with deep roots in the area's fishing and maritime heritage. The branch features meeting rooms, a laptop lending program, an after-hours book drop, and a wheelchair-accessible elevator (staff assistance required), along with the Bklyn Reach extended Wi-Fi service.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Opened July 1973 near the Jamaica Bay Coastal Lagoon in southeastern Brooklyn
- Shaded outdoor plaza with benches for reading — weather permitting
- Active Friends of Jamaica Bay Library volunteer group supporting advocacy and programming
- Popular Tuesday morning Story Play program for young children
- Brooklyn Robotics League sessions for youth STEM engagement
- Free notary services available on select dates
📱 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
Where exactly is Jamaica Bay Library located?
The branch is at 9727 Seaview Avenue at East 98th Street near Rockaway Parkway in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn (zip 11236). It is served by the B17, B42, and B103 buses and the L train.
Does Jamaica Bay Library have meeting rooms available to the public?
Yes. The branch has meeting rooms available for reservation. Review BPL's meeting room policy and submit a request through the room reservation portal at bklynlibrary.org.
Is Jamaica Bay Library accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the building is fully accessible. The elevator requires staff assistance to operate — ask a staff member upon arrival.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.