Brooklyn Public Library

Brooklyn Public Library
The central location of one of the world’s biggest library systems is a cultural hub as well, with a huge number of events, classes and programs.

From its location to its programming, the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch is central in many ways. Adjacent to Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum, the library is a popular stop on a tour of the borough’s grand public buildings. Come see the sights and browse the collections on a visit to Brooklyn Public Library, take a class or attend one of the many literary and cultural events hosted in the auditorium.

Brooklyn Public Library was designed and built over nearly 30 years during the early 20th century. Its beautiful façade looks like an open book, decorated with bronze figures referencing classics of American literature.

Stand on the plaza outside to identify the references on the outside decoration, with figures from Walt Whitman to Moby Dick and classic American folk tales. In summertime, linger to appreciate the atmosphere, as concerts take place on the small lawns and people sit and chat at the WiFi-accessible café tables.

Enter the lobby and note the services offered here, cementing the library’s role at the heart of Brooklyn’s civic life.

Have coffee or a meal from the café and sit at one of the tables, listing to the extensive range of languages spoken. Check out the event listings and join an exercise class or skill-building seminar. Listen to famous authors discuss their books. Participate in a creative writing class to try to become one of the more than 1 million pieces of the written word stored here.

The Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch is located in the heart of Central Brooklyn at the entrance to Prospect Park. The closest subway is at Grand Army Plaza, across the street, a 10-minute subway ride or 25-minute walk from Atlantic Terminal. Get here in about 40 minutes from Midtown Manhattan by car or subway. The library has no public parking lot, but metered parking is available on the street and at the Brooklyn Museum a few blocks away.

The library is open daily from morning to late at night, but only on afternoons on Sundays. A library card is required to access some services. Select events may be ticketed.

The Towers at Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Brooklyn Public Library Hotel Deals

The Brooklyn
The Brooklyn
3.5 out of 5
1199 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
The Brooklyn
EVEN Hotel Brooklyn, an IHG Hotel
EVEN Hotel Brooklyn, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
46 Nevins Street, Brooklyn, NY
EVEN Hotel Brooklyn, an IHG Hotel
Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Ace Hotel Brooklyn
4 out of 5
252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY
Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
300 Schermerhorn Road, Brooklyn, NY
Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
4 out of 5
228 Duffield Street, Brooklyn, NY
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
Aloft New York Brooklyn
Aloft New York Brooklyn
3 out of 5
216 Duffield St, Brooklyn, NY
Aloft New York Brooklyn
Comfort Inn Prospect Park - Brooklyn
Comfort Inn Prospect Park - Brooklyn
2.5 out of 5
150 20th Street, Brooklyn, NY
Comfort Inn Prospect Park - Brooklyn
Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown
Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown
3 out of 5
125 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn, NY
Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown
The Tillary Hotel
The Tillary Hotel
3.5 out of 5
85 Flatbush Ave Extension, Brooklyn, NY
The Tillary Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.