The Bronx is getting a new, green and futuristic library

The Bronx will soon be home to one of the most beautiful libraries in New York City.

Renderings have been revealed for the new Westchester Square Library Branch of the New York Public Library which, once complete, will replace the current branch located a few blocks away over on Glebe Avenue.

The new, 12,000 square foot building will be a tribute to not just the obvious knowledge and learning but to The Bronx’s place in New York City as the greenest of the five boroughs.

*Rendering of the new Westchester Square Library/Image courtesy of Snøhetta and LMNB*

According to the Snøhetta, the architects for the new library, the building, “…will come wrapped in a pastoral print fritted glass façade in reference to the Bronx’s status as NYC’s greenest borough“.

Besides its façade, the building will actually be constructed utilizing “green” practices and will include solar panels, rainwater recycling, and numerous energy conservation systems.

The two-story building will also be flooded with natural light bringing the outdoors in with its huge, wraparound glass façade celebrating the borough’s open spaces.

*According to Snøhetta, “At night, the Library will shine as a glowing beacon for the neighborhood and the city.” Image ourtesy of Snøhetta and LMNB*

It will be constructed adjacent to the landmarked Huntington Free Library and Reading Room—which houses an impressive collection of historical Bronx documents and accounts long before the borough was annexed to New York City—and will replace a building that was being utilized as storage.

The new library is almost 20 years in the making and the plan to work with the Huntington Free Library to acquire part of its land and property for the endeavor came from former New York City Councilman James Vacca who represented the district then.

“For years, the Westchester Square Library has been dedicated to providing critical resources and programs for community members of all ages. Through this new construction, the New York Public Library will have the opportunity to enhance library operations, including programming and services, bringing the Westchester Square branch to a new level,” said Council Member Marjorie Velázquez who currently represents the district.

*The new library will be constructed on the site of the old storage building (left) adjacent to the red-bricked landmarked Hunting Free Library (right)/Image via Google Streets*

Construction is expected to begin at some point this year, however, no official date has been set for its completion.

“I am excited to see what is in store for the newly designed space, and I look forward to our community benefiting from this investment,” added Velázquez.

Ed García Conde

Ed García Conde is a life-long Bronxite who spends his time documenting the people, places, and things that make the borough a special place in the hopes of dispelling the negative stereotypes associated with The Bronx. His writings are often cited by mainstream media and is often consulted for his expertise on the borough's rich history.