Red Hook Library
🏢 Brooklyn Public Library — Brooklyn, New York
Red Hook Library
Red Hook Library is currently serving the neighborhood from an interim location at 362 Van Brunt Street while its historic 7 Wolcott Street building undergoes a $17.5 million renovation — a transformation that will make the 1975 branch flood-resilient for the post-Sandy era.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 362 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: 9299690166
Website: bklynlibrary.org
📖 About Red Hook Library
<p>The Red Hook Library's story stretches back to April 22, 1915, when its original Carnegie branch — the only one in Brooklyn built in the Mediterranean Revival style — opened to the public. That building was destroyed by fire in August 1946 and demolished, and the branch operated from temporary locations until a permanent home at 7 Wolcott Street opened on March 20, 1975 during a ceremony hosted by Mayor Abraham Beame. After sustaining $750,000 in damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the 7,500-square-foot Wolcott Street building closed in March 2023 for a $17.5 million renovation led by Manhattan firm Levenbetts, which will raise the building above flood level and replace all mechanical systems. An interim Red Hook Library opened at 362 Van Brunt Street on July 9, 2024, with full circulation services, computers, free Wi-Fi, and programming for all ages, supported in part by Amazon.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Currently operating at interim location (362 Van Brunt St) while 7 Wolcott St undergoes a $17.5M renovation
- The original 1915 Carnegie branch was Brooklyn's only library in the Mediterranean Revival style before it was destroyed by fire in 1946
- Permanent 7 Wolcott St building (opened 1975) is being rebuilt by Levenbetts to meet current flood-resilience codes
- Interim library offers full holds pickup, public computers, free Wi-Fi, and programming for all ages
- Interim location at 362 Van Brunt Street opened July 9, 2024; weekday service only (Mon–Fri)
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Red Hook Library located right now?
The Red Hook Library is currently operating from an interim location at 362 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM (closed weekends). The permanent branch at 7 Wolcott Street is closed for renovation. Check bklynlibrary.org/locations/red-hook for updates on the reopening.
Why is the Red Hook Library's permanent location closed?
The 7 Wolcott Street branch closed in March 2023 for a $17.5 million renovation led by architects Levenbetts. The project addresses Hurricane Sandy flood damage, raises the building above flood level, replaces all mechanical systems, and renovates the interior and exterior. The renovation was long-planned but delayed by the pandemic.
What was historically notable about the original Red Hook Library?
Red Hook's first library, which opened on April 22, 1915, was the only Carnegie-funded library in Brooklyn built in the Mediterranean Revival architectural style. It was a singular landmark until fire extensively damaged it in August 1946, after which it was demolished. The current (and future) permanent address at 7 Wolcott Street dates to the 1975 building that replaced a series of temporary locations.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.