Leonard Library
🏢 Brooklyn Public Library · Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York
Leonard Library
The literary landmark of Williamsburg — Betty Smith checked out books here as a child, and the library she immortalized as Francie's refuge in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn has served the neighborhood since Carnegie funds opened these doors on December 1, 1908.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 1pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 81 Devoe Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 486-6006
Website: bklynlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G8P372+FR (Brooklyn, NY)
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Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Leonard Library
Leonard Library is one of Brooklyn Public Library's original Carnegie branches, built with $84,265 in funding and designed by architect William B. Tubby in the Classical Revival style at the corner of Devoe and Leonard streets in Williamsburg. It opened on December 1, 1908, and in 2018 was designated a Literary Landmark by the American Library Association in honor of Betty Smith — who grew up four blocks away on Grand Street and visited this branch throughout her childhood — and her 1943 novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, in which protagonist Francie calls the library her 'wonderful paradise.' Closed in late 2022 for a comprehensive renovation including a new HVAC system, laylight repair, a new roof, energy-efficient lighting, and a backyard reconfiguration, the branch reopened on August 5, 2025, with refreshed interiors that honor its 116-year history. In 2008, BPL staff joined Smith's family and the NYC Parks Department to plant a tree outside the branch in the author's memory.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Designated a Literary Landmark by the American Library Association in 2018 — the branch Betty Smith visited as a child and immortalized in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1943)
- Original Carnegie branch designed by William B. Tubby in the Classical Revival style, opened December 1, 1908 — one of three Carnegie libraries in North Brooklyn retaining its original architecture
- Comprehensively renovated and reopened August 5, 2025, with a new HVAC system, restored laylight, new roof, and energy-efficient lighting after a nearly three-year closure
- Betty Smith memorial tree planted outside the branch in 2008 by BPL staff, Smith's family, and the NYC Parks Department
- Located in the heart of Williamsburg at Devoe and Leonard streets, part of Brooklyn Public Library's 60-branch system
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Leonard Library cardholders can borrow, stream and research free through Brooklyn's shared digital collections and New York's statewide resource:
📚 Services
- Book lending and holds from BPL's 60-branch system
- Free public computers and printing
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the branch
- Digital borrowing via Libby/OverDrive, hoopla and Kanopy
- Library card registration and Welcome Card issuance
- Community gathering and reading space in a renovated historic Carnegie building
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and family programs
- Teen programs and homework help
- Community events and author readings
- Summer Reading Challenge for all ages
- Adult programming and lifelong learning
📍 Nearby Libraries in Brooklyn
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Leonard Library called a Literary Landmark, and what is its connection to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn?
Betty Smith, author of the beloved 1943 novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, grew up four blocks from this branch on Grand Street and visited the Leonard Library throughout her Williamsburg childhood. In the novel, her protagonist Francie calls the library her 'wonderful paradise' — the place where 'the world was hers for the reading.' On November 14, 2018, the American Library Association's United for Libraries designated the branch a Literary Landmark on the 75th anniversary of the novel's publication, in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library and HarperCollins Publishers.
What happened during the Leonard Library renovation, and when did it reopen?
Leonard Library closed in late 2022 for a comprehensive renovation of its nearly 120-year-old Carnegie building. The project included a new HVAC system, a new roof, laylight repair, energy-efficient lighting and ceiling tiles, new stair treads, and a backyard reconfiguration. During the closure, Managing Librarian Lauren Comito built a mobile book cart called 'Nellie' to circulate library materials through the neighborhood, and the branch also hosted pop-up services at local venues. The library celebrated its grand reopening on August 5, 2025.
Who designed Leonard Library, and when was it built?
Leonard Library was designed by architect William B. Tubby in the Classical Revival style and built by F.J. Kelly's Sons at a total cost of $84,265 (including $27,500 for the site and $56,765 for construction and equipment), funded by Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy. It officially opened on December 1, 1908, making it one of four Brooklyn libraries Tubby designed for the Carnegie program, and one of three Carnegie libraries in North Brooklyn that still retain their original architecture.
Is Leonard Library open on Sundays, and what are its late-night hours?
Leonard Library is closed on Sundays. The branch is open late — until 8 p.m. — on Tuesdays (with a 1 p.m. start) and Thursdays (10 a.m. start). Standard hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. These are the hours following the branch's August 2025 reopening after renovation.
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