Cypress Hills Library - History

Branch History

When the original Cypress Hills Library opened on the ground floor of the Cypress Hill Houses in 1955, most patrons were residents of the housing development. A new branch was constructed in 1995 to serve a growing community; distinctive features of the facility include entrance gate artwork by artist Rolando Briseno, a skylit atrium and a metal-clad roof.

With many schools and daycare centers nearby, the branch’s most popular programs include after-school offerings like arts and crafts classes. Preschool Story Time and Toddler Time are well attended, as is Friday afternoon’s Teen Tech Time programming. Cypress Hills’ circulation numbers reflect the high demand for its children’s materials.

Many noteworthy neighborhood destinations and organizations are within an easy walk of the branch, including Cypress Hills Playground, Housing Works East New York Community Health Center, Cypress Hills Community Center and the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. Housing projects served by the library include Cypress Hill Houses and the Louis Pink Houses.

Did you know?

Cypress Hills Library is a host site of BPL’s partnership with ProjectArt, a nonprofit that provides free hands-on art classes for children and teens.