At Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library pairs an Art Deco exterior with room to read, study and explore a large collection of books and media. Look for the gilded entrance details, then check the exhibition spaces: past shows have brought contemporary work into conversation with W.E.B. Du Bois’s data portraits. The branch also connects visitors with practical services, from computer access and language classes to tutoring and small-business support. Prospect Park is close by for a walk after your visit.
The Art Deco building at Grand Army Plaza
The Central Branch sits at Grand Army Plaza, at the meeting point of Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway. Its design by Alfred Morton Githens and Francis Keally was completed in 1941, after a long planning process. The building’s triangular outline follows the curve of the streets around it.
The exterior is clad in limestone and granite. At the entrance, gilded details and sculpted panels draw attention to figures from literature and history. Bas-reliefs by Thomas Hudson Jones depict themes from art and science. Take a moment to look closely at the portico before heading inside; the entrance is one of the building’s most distinctive architectural details.
The library opened to the public on February 1, 1941. It became a New York City landmark in 1997 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Collections, exhibitions and community resources
The Central Branch holds books, magazines and multimedia materials, with options that range from fiction and educational titles to graphic novels, videos and audio. The Brooklyn Collection preserves material on the borough’s history, including archival photographs, periodicals and books. A multilingual center serves people learning languages and those interested in linguistics.
Exhibitions give visitors another reason to look around. One past show, “Printing Black America: Du Bois Data Portraits in the 21st Century,” placed original infographics by W.E.B. Du Bois alongside new work by William Villalongo and Shraddha Ramani. Check what is on display during your visit rather than assuming a particular exhibition is still running.
The branch also provides practical support beyond borrowing materials. Available resources include computer access, language classes, tax assistance, small-business help and tutoring. Programs and services can change, so ask library staff about what is currently available. The building has spaces for quiet reading and study, as well as areas and activities for younger visitors.
Planning a visit
The library is at 10 Grand Army Plaza, on the first floor. Weekdays are a useful choice if you want a calmer place to read or work; the branch can be busier on weekends. Staff can point you toward collections, programs and services, including listening stations and instrument rentals.
Prospect Park is nearby, so it is easy to add outdoor time to a library visit. The location also works well for families looking for children’s reading spaces and activities. Food trucks have been noted outside the building, but their presence and selection are not guaranteed. Check the library’s website for current exhibitions and program details before setting out.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch?
It is at 10 Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, on the first floor.
Is the Central Branch free to visit?
The library has free resources, including computer access, classes and tutoring. The supplied information does not specify admission details for every exhibition or event.
What can you see inside the library?
You can browse books and multimedia, visit the Brooklyn Collection and look for exhibitions. Past displays have included work inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois’s data portraits.
Is Prospect Park near the library?
Yes. Prospect Park is close by, so you can combine a library visit with a walk in the park.
