Harlem Libraries To Reopen For Contactless Pickup In August

HARLEM, NY — Two Harlem libraries are set to reopen for grab-and-go service in August as the New York Public Library continues its restart of physical services after shutting down in March at the height of the city's coronavirus outbreak.

The Harry Belafonte Library — West 115th street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard— and Countee Cullen Library — West 136th Street and Lenox Avenue — are two of 22 New York Public Library branches reopening for in-person service on Aug. 3, library officials announced this week. Services will be limited to grab-and-go pickups and returns.

The 22 branches represent the second round of the NYPL's phased reopening. The library system opened eight branches on July 13. All visitors and staff will still be required to wear masks, physically distance from others and adhere to capacity limits. Small portions of the physical library space will open for contactless pickup and returns, and browsing will not be allowed.

Other Manhattan library branches opening Aug. 3 include the 53rd Street, 67th Street, Hudson Park, Riverside, Seward Park, Tompkins Square and Washington Heights branches.

The New York Public Library closed all of its branches on March 14 to help curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak as the city approached the peaks of its outbreak. The initial closure had a planned March 31 reopening, but the closure was quickly made indefinite after the original announcement.

Library users will not accumulate fines on overdue materials, even if their library branches reopen for grab-and-go service. Expanded online offerings such as e-book checkout, research databases and virtual classes will continue to be offered during the library's phased reopening.