Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library
🏢 The New York Public Library · New York, New York
Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library
A Carnegie landmark in the heart of Harlem since 1908, the Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library carries the name of the neighborhood's own civil-rights icon and entertainer — and packs STEAM Discovery Kits, a community third floor, and decades of Harlem cultural memory into its rusticated limestone walls at 203 West 115th Street.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–7pm |
| Thursday | 11am–7pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 203 West 115th Street, New York, NY 10026
Phone: (212) 666-9393
Website: nypl.org
Plus Code: 87G8R23W+5H (New York, 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 Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library
The Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library opened on November 6, 1908, built with Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy and designed by the legendary firm McKim, Mead & White in Neo-Italian Renaissance style — the same architects responsible for some of the city's finest civic buildings. The three-story, 12,000-square-foot limestone building earned New York City Landmark designation in 1967 and listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A major rehabilitation by Li & Saltzman Architects restored the ornamental plaster, marble, wrought-iron stairs, and wood paneling while installing an ADA-compliant elevator and upgrading all building systems. In 2017 the branch was renamed to honor Harry Belafonte — born in Harlem on March 1, 1927, a Library Lion (2016) and Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient — in recognition of his lifelong commitment to free access to education and social justice. Today, as part of The New York Public Library system, the branch serves Central Harlem with children's and teen programming on the upper floors, STEAM Discovery Kits for checkout, community-support resources, and 24/7 digital access through Libby and NOVELny.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Carnegie-funded (1908) McKim, Mead & White landmark building — NYC Individual Landmark (1967) and National Register of Historic Places (1980)
- Named in 2017 for Harlem native Harry Belafonte, civil-rights leader, entertainer, and NYPL Library Lion (2016)
- STEAM Discovery Kits available for checkout — one of select NYPL branches offering hands-on science and technology kits
- Third floor dedicated to community and after-school programming during the academic year
- Fine-free library — NYPL no longer charges overdue fines, lowering barriers for all Harlem residents
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
New York cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through NYPL's digital collections and New York State's statewide resources:
📚 Services
- Public computer access (45-minute reserved sessions) and unlimited free Wi-Fi
- STEAM Discovery Kits checkout (science, technology, engineering, arts & math hands-on kits)
- Community resource support: help finding assistance with finances, healthcare, food, and housing
- Group tours and class visits for schools and community groups
- Fully accessible building with ADA-compliant elevator
- Libby / OverDrive and CloudLibrary eBook and eAudiobook borrowing
- NOVELny statewide research database access
🎸 Programs
- Family Storytime and Coloring Club for young children
- STEAM Crafts and Chat for children and teens
- Board Game Bonanza and movie nights for teens
- Knitting & Crochet Circle for adults
- We Speak NYC language and civic engagement program
- Write Away creative writing group for adults
- After-school programming on the third-floor community space (academic year)
📍 Nearby Libraries in Manhattan (Harlem)
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Harry Belafonte, and why is the 115th Street Library named after him?
Harry Belafonte (1927–2023) was born in Harlem on March 1, 1927, attended school in Hamilton Heights and Fort George, and became a legendary entertainer and civil-rights leader who used his fame to advance social justice alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The library was renamed in his honor on his 90th birthday in February 2017 — NYPL's president cited his lifelong commitment to 'free and open access to information and opportunity,' values the branch embodies every day.
Is the 115th Street Library a historic building?
Yes — it is one of New York City's most significant Carnegie libraries. Built in 1907–1908 and designed by McKim, Mead & White in Neo-Italian Renaissance style, the three-story, 12,000-square-foot limestone building was designated a New York City Individual Landmark in 1967 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A comprehensive rehabilitation by Li & Saltzman Architects restored its ornamental plaster, marble, and wrought-iron stairs while adding a modern ADA-compliant elevator.
What are the current hours, and is the library open on weekends?
The Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library is open Tuesday through Thursday 11 AM–7 PM and Friday 10 AM–5 PM. It is closed on Monday, Saturday, and Sunday. For the most current schedule — including holiday closings — check nypl.org/locations/115th-street.
What are STEAM Discovery Kits, and can I borrow one?
STEAM Discovery Kits are hands-on learning kits covering science, technology, engineering, arts, and math topics that you can check out just like a book. The Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library is one of a select group of NYPL branches that circulates these kits, making them available to Harlem families with a valid library card at no cost.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.