The New York Public Library Celebrates Reopening of Terence Cardinal Cooke-Cathedral Branch with Free Coffee for Library Card Holders

Underground branch received improvements following renovations to building above


OCTOBER 26 -- The New York Public Library is offering a free cup of coffee from Amy’s Bread to NYPL cardholders at its Terence Cardinal Cooke-Cathedral branch on October 28 at 9 a.m. The promotion celebrates the reopening of the underground branch and is available while supplies last to those with a Library card and those who sign up for one. The Library reopened on October 13.

The branch, located below-ground by the 6 subway line at 50th Street, closed early last year due to the renovation of the building above. During the closure, the Library replaced the branch’s flooring, installed a new ceiling and light fixtures, as well as repainted the 2,130 square foot space. Rudin Management Company, Inc., which manages the Library’s location and the building above, renovated the branch entrance with a granite paved, limestone and glass enclosed stairway leading to the Library.

“The staff at Terence Cardinal Cooke-Cathedral Library likes to consider ourselves a welcome station for travelers on the 6 subway line; receiving visitors from all five boroughs and cities around the world and offering them a unique experience at the branch,” said the Library Manager Susan Aufrichtig. “There is a convenience to picking up the latest bestseller while waiting for the train or dropping off last night’s movie, but the Cathedral branch is also a haven of information that’s available to anyone who passes through the turnstiles and is looking for information. We’re delighted to be open again and we encourage everyone to take a trip to Midtown, after all we’re only a few stops away.”

The popular branch is one of the most unique in the NYPL system, situated underground and the perfect resource for New York City’s busy commuters. Prior to its closing, Library patrons checked out a yearly average of 75,000 books, CDs, and DVDs. The branch also offers visitors access to free wi-fi and computers.

Historically, the space has served as a library since the 19th century, when it was the library for the Archdiocese of New York. NYPL acquired the branch in 1992 and renamed it after Cardinal Terence Cooke, a former Archbishop of New York and a native of the city.

The Terence Cardinal Cooke-Cathedral Library is open: Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.