Stone Avenue Library
🏢 Brooklyn Public Library · Brooklyn, New York
Stone Avenue Library
Opened September 24, 1914, as the Brownsville Children's Library, Stone Avenue Library is believed to be the first public library in the world built exclusively for children — a 1914 Carnegie gem in Brownsville now serving all ages from its landmark Jacobethan building at 581 Mother Gaston Boulevard.
🕑 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: 581 Mother Gaston Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11212
Phone: (718) 485-8347
Website: bklynlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87G8M37V+QW (Brooklyn, NY)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Stone Avenue Library
Stone Avenue Library occupies a two-story Carnegie-funded building designed by architect William B. Tubby in the Jacobethan Revival style, constructed in 1913–14 at a cost of $87,206. It opened on September 24, 1914, as the 25th branch of the Brooklyn Public Library and was originally called the Brownsville Children's Library — believed to be the first public library in the world devoted exclusively to serving children. The branch was built to relieve chronic overcrowding at the nearby Brownsville Branch, and proved so popular that lines of children waiting to enter reportedly blocked neighboring storefronts. Original interior details that survive include a Rookwood storybook-tiled fireplace, carved wooden benches with rabbit-head finials, and decorative Jacobethan plaster ceilings. In April 2014, on its centennial, the branch completed a renovation funded by the NYC Department of Design and Construction's See ChangeNYC program, adding a life-size chess set, a Word Wall of the 1,000 most-used reading words, updated furniture and lighting, and two self-checkout machines — while preserving the historic millwork. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the building an individual landmark in 2015.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Believed to be the world's first public library built exclusively for children, opened September 24, 1914, as the Brownsville Children's Library
- Designed by William B. Tubby in Jacobethan Revival style; features original Rookwood storybook fireplace tiles and carved bench rabbit-head finials
- Designated a New York City Individual Landmark in 2015, recognized for its architectural and cultural significance
- 2014 centennial renovation added a life-size chess set and a Word Wall of the 1,000 most-used English reading words, while restoring original millwork
- Fully accessible branch with laptop loans for in-library use, meeting room, and BPL's 24/7 'Bklyn Reach' outdoor Wi-Fi extending up to 300 feet outside
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Brooklyn cardholders can borrow, stream and research free through BPL's digital collections and New York's statewide resources:
📚 Services
- Laptop loans for in-library use
- Public computers, printing and free in-branch Wi-Fi
- 24/7 outdoor 'Bklyn Reach' Wi-Fi (up to 300 feet outside the building)
- Meeting room available for community reservations
- Material returns accepted during open hours
- Self-checkout machines
- Cooling center (designated NYC heat emergency site)
🎸 Programs
- Knit & Crochet Club (all skill levels welcome)
- Children's programming and family storytime
- Teen gaming and creative activities
- Life-size chess set for drop-in play
📍 Nearby Libraries in Brooklyn
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Was Stone Avenue Library really the first children's library in the world?
Brooklyn Public Library describes it as believed to be the first public library in the world built exclusively for children. It opened September 24, 1914, as the Brownsville Children's Library — purpose-built for young readers at a time when Brownsville was packed with immigrant families eager for books. The branch proved so popular that children lining up outside reportedly blocked neighboring store entrances. Today it serves all ages, but the original storybook fireplace and carved bench rabbit-head finials are still there.
What original architectural features survive inside the library?
Quite a few. Architect William B. Tubby designed the 1914 Jacobethan Revival building with a Rookwood storybook-tiled fireplace, carved wooden benches with rabbit-head finials, and decorative plaster ceilings with Jacobean ribs and polygonal panels. The 2014 centennial renovation preserved these historic elements while adding updated lighting, a life-size chess set, and a Word Wall. The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the building an individual landmark in 2015.
What are the evening hours, and is the library open on Sundays?
Stone Avenue Library has evening hours on Tuesday (1 pm–8 pm) and Thursday (10 am–8 pm). Monday, Wednesday and Friday run 10 am–6 pm; Saturday is 10 am–5 pm. The branch is closed on Sunday. For the latest schedule, call (718) 485-8347 or check bklynlibrary.org/locations/stone-avenue.
Can I use a computer or borrow a laptop at Stone Avenue Library?
Yes. The branch has free public computers and printing, plus in-library laptop loans for use inside the building. The 'Bklyn Reach' Wi-Fi extends up to 300 feet outside the building and is available 24/7, so you can connect even when the library is closed.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.