Last Closed Upper East Side Library Branch To Reopen In July

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — The New York Public Library system said Thursday that it will reopen all remaining branches that had been closed to visitors throughout the pandemic — including one on the Upper East Side.

The Yorkville Library, on East 79th Street between Second and Third avenues, will reopen at near-full service on July 6, including unlimited browsing and open seating. It's one of seven Manhattan branches reopening next month after staying shuttered in recent months, even as other locations reopened.

The NYPL closed its entire system last year when COVID-19 hit New York. Starting last July, some locations reopened for grab-and-go service, followed by the addition of browsing and computer use at dozens of branches earlier this spring.

Other Upper East Side branches that have already reopened to patrons include the Webster, 67th Street and 96th Street libraries.

Starting in July, all reopened branches will begin to offer public programs and classes and expand hours. Overdue fines remain waived through at least September.

"As we move into our hopeful next chapter, we need libraries to be strong, and doing everything possible to support our communities, including and especially the most vulnerable," NYPL President Anthony W. Marx said in a statement.

"We, like all New Yorkers, have been eagerly moving toward the moment we can more fully restore a familiar, near pre-pandemic service model throughout the system, and are so excited that —thanks to the vaccination progress — that moment is now."