Mulberry Street Branch Information

Branch History

The New York Public Library's Mulberry Street Branch Library is located at the site of a former chocolate factory in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, historically known as the Cast Iron District. The Branch entrance is located at ground level, and two other floors are located below ground. A prominent staircase connects the spaces and brings natural light downstairs. Designed with respect to the building's infrastructure, history, and context, new materials of wood and metal provide a dynamic contrast to the existing fabric of brick, cast iron, and heavy timber beams.

Summary of Work

  • New 12,000 square-foot branch library
  • Comprehensive exterior and interior redesign of existing building
  • Replacement of major building systems including mechanical, electrical, and life safety
  • All new interior finishes including ceilings, walls, and floors
  • Elevator access to all floors. All three levels of the library are fully accessible and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Wireless Internet access installed throughout the Library
  • New public restrooms, staff workrooms, and administrative office
  • New shelving and lighting fixtures on all floors
  • All new furniture throughout the building

Funding

The Mulberry Street Branch Library was generously funded by The City of New York: Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor; Christine C. Quinn, City Council Speaker; Scott M. Stringer, Manhattan Borough President; and Alan J. Gerson, City Council Member.

Collections & Services

  • Children, Young Adult, and Adult collections featuring 32,655 total items
  • Periodicals and reference materials
  • Books in English and Chinese language
  • Personal computers with software and Internet access for free
    public use, by appointment, based on availability
  • Wireless Internet service

Programs

  • Picture book time, storytelling, and other programs for children
  • Class visits by appointment
  • Periodic programs for young adults and adults

Floor-by-Floor

Ground Floor

Circulation Desk and Patron Self Checkout Station
Collections: media; new books; mysteries; science fiction; paperbacks; newspapers and magazines
Patron self-service reserves
Workroom and Branch Manager's Office
Seating: cushioned bench seating along the window walls, for approximately 15 adults

Level One (below Ground Floor)

Children's area, including

  • Story hour area with shelving and 24 cushion seats
  • Older children's area with 6 tables/24 seats and 8 computers
  • Children only restroom with changing counter
  • Children's Librarian office and staff lounge

Level Two (below Ground Floor)

  • Adult and Young Adult area, including
  • Adult seating with 6 tables/24 chairs; 2 lounge seats; photocopier
  • 12 computers
  • Community room, including flat screen monitor with DVD player
  • Teen area with 8 computers; 6 lounge chairs; 1 table/6 chairs
  • Special shelving for graphic novels
  • Info desk, staff workroom, and public & staff restrooms

Other Neighborhood Branches

Area Branches Library Centers
Hudson Park
Jefferson Market
Ottendorfer		 Donnell Library Center
Mid-Manhattan Library

Community Information

Basic community services are listed below. For other local agencies, see The New York Public Library's Directory of Community Services.
Community Board
Community Board # 2 1990 and 2000 Demographic Statistics
Elected Officials - Local
NYC Council
District # 1 		NYS Assembly
District # 66		 NYS Senate
District # 25 		U.S. Congress
District # 8
Fire and Police Departments:

Fire:

Division 1 Ladder 20
253 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10012

Police:

5th Precinct
19 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10013

Parks and Playgrounds:

Sara D. Roosevelt Park
East Houston to Canal, Chrystie to Forsyth

De Salvio Playground
Spring and Mulberry Street

 

Mercer Street Playground
Mercer Street between Bleecker and West 3rd
Post Offices:

Prince Station
124 Greene Street 10012
(212) 226-7868

Canal Street Station
350 Canal Street 10013
(212) 925-3378
Schools:
Public  (Community School Board Districts list)
Elementary Schools:

PS 130 - Hernando De Soto
143 Baxter Street 10013
Region 9, District 2
Other Elementary Schools in Region 9, District 2
Intermediate Schools:

IS 131
100 Hester Street 10002
Region 9, District 2
Other Intermediate Schools in Region 9, District 2
High Schools:

M 298 - Pace High School
100 Hester Street 10002
212-334-4663

M 500 - Unity Center for Urban Technologies
121 Sixth Avenue 10013
212-343-8038


M 316 - The Urban Assembly School of Business for Young Women
420 East 12th Street 10009
212-475-1071

M 586 - Harvey Milk High School
2 Astor Place 10003
212-477-1555

Other High Schools in Region 9, District 2

Other Schools/Programs:
Alternative Programs in Manhattan

Charter Schools in Manhattan

Special Education Programs in Manhattan
Private/Parochial
Elementary/Intermediate Schools:

St. Patrick Old Cathedral Parish Elementary School
233 Mott Street 10012
212-226-3984

Grace Church School
86 Fourth Avenue 10003
212-475-5609

Jewish Schools in Manhattan (Lookstein Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora)

Parochial Schools in Manhattan (Archdiocese of New York)

Private Schools listings (Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York)

Colleges:

Hebrew Union College
1 West 4th Street 10012
212-674-5300


New York University: Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
4 Washington Square 10012
212-998-7400