The New York Public Library Celebrates Centennial of Fort Washington branch April 12

APRIL 12 – The New York Public Library (NYPL) is celebrating the centennial of the Fort Washington branch on April 12 in a ceremony with community leaders and library staff, past and present. A full day of programs will be held in honor of the building’s 100th birthday, which is officially on April 14.  

“The Fort Washington Library opened its doors 100 years ago and became a vital resource for the community,” says NYPL President Tony Marx. “One century later, the branch continues to welcome all – families, job seekers, new residents, life-long learners and many more who use the Library for its diverse collection of Spanish and Russian materials, ESOL classes, community driven programs, and beautiful children’s room. It has been our honor serving the community and we look forward to the next 100 years.”

Residents are invited to participate in the day-long festivities, which include programs for all ages and a birthday cake to celebrate the anniversary.

A commemorative plaque will be created to honor the branch’s 17 managers since 1914. The branch will also display historic items from the Fort Washington Library and show film footage of past branch events during the day.

Originally the 43rd branch in The New York Public Library system, the four-story building constructed with Indiana limestone was designed by architects Walter Cook and Winthrop A. Welch. The branch was the northernmost NYPL library in Manhattan until the arrival of an Inwood sub-branch in 1923.

“Congratulations on 100 years! It’s thrilling to think of the wealth of learning that has taken place between the walls of the Fort Washington branch over the last century – and of all the great things still to come,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.

"I am proud to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the New York Public Library's Fort Washington Branch.  Throughout the past 100 years, the branch has provided valuable services to the public regardless of age, economic status, or family background. I commend this branch and our entire library system for being a great equalizer for the City of New York," said Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Council Sub-Committee on Libraries

“This historic building and the institution of learning that it houses are pillars in our Washington Heights community. This anniversary is a testament to the everlasting value The New York Public Library has to not only our community but to others around the city of New York. I am honored to take part in this celebration and I look forward to another 100 years of educating our kids, families, seniors and more,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

The Fort Washington Library - located at 535 West 179th Street - is open: Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.