Chatham Square Branch Information

Branch History

The Chatham Square Branch opened in 1903 at 33 East Broadway, replacing a branch of the New York Free Circulating Library that had served the neighborhood for four years. The building, designed by the distinguished New York architectural firm McKim, Mead and White, features a handsome facade. It was the second library to be constructed with funds from Andrew Carnegie. From its earliest days, the branch has always been an integral part of the Chinese neighborhood it serves. Today, it acts as a cultural and civic center for a community of avid readers and is one of the busiest libraries in the city. A complete renovation with remodeled interior was completed in 2001 as part of the Library's Adopt-a-Branch program. Highlights include restoration of historic detail, a new elevator, air conditioning, and a high-speed telecommunications system for 24 computer workstations.

The first floor, with the original floor-to-ceiling windows and striking wood details, holds the adult, young adult, and reference collections. The second floor is devoted to the children's collection, with cheerful, pint-sized furnishings. The third floor contains a bright, spacious community room as well as an all-new children's story room. The lower level contains the Chinese Heritage Collection, a unique repository of books, reports, documents, videos, and other materials in English and Chinese.

Collections & Services

  • Book collections for all ages in English and Chinese available for borrowing and use in the library
  • Chinese heritage collection on China, Chinese history, culture, literature, and language, with special attention to the Chinese experience in the United States (in Chinese and English)
  • Unique collection of materials and special reports on NYC's Chinatown
  • Small retrospective collection of local Chinese language newspapers
  • New York Times on microfilm
  • Community Information collection
  • Personal computers and software in children's room for free public use by appointment
  • Internet access for free public use by appointment

Programs

  • Events for all ages, including magic shows, puppet shows, films, picture book time, workshops, etc.
  • Special programs of Chinese opera, music, dance and other Chinese heritage programs
  • Educational workshops by community groups and organizations
  • English Classes for Speakers of Other Languages held during fall, winter, and spring
  • Class visits by appointment

Other Neighborhood Branches

Area Branches Library Centers
Hamilton Fish Park
New Amsterdam
Seward Park
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 # 3 1990 and 2000 Demographic Statistics
Elected Officials - Local
NYC Council
District # 1
NYS Assembly
District # 64
NYS Senate
District # 25
U.S. Congress
District # 12
Fire and Police Departments
Fire:
Engine 9
75 Canal Street (Allen Street)
Police:
Fifth Precinct
19 Elizabeth Street 10002
212-334-0711
Local Hospitals:
Gouverneur Hospital
227 Madison Street 10002
212-238-7000

New York Downtown Hospital
170 William Street 10038
212-312-5000
Parks and Playgrounds:
Columbus Park
Baxter, Mulberry, Bayard Streets

PS 1 Playground - Alfred Smith Houses
Madison, Catherine, Oliver Streets

Alfred E. Smith Park
Catherine Slip, Madison, South Streets

Sophie Irene Loeb Playground
Henry, Market Streets, East Broadway
Post Office:
Chinatown Station
6 Doyers Street 10013
212-267-3510

Knickerbocker Station
128 East Broadway 10002
212-227-0089
Schools:
Public  (Community School Board Districts list)
Elementary/Intermediate Schools:
PS 1 - Alfred E. Smith School (K-5)
8 Henry Street 10038
212-267-4133
Region 9, District 2

PS 2 - Meyer London School (K-5)
122 Henry Street 10002
212-964-0350
Region 9, District 2
PS 42 - Benjamin Altman School (K-5)
71 Hester Street 10002
212-226-8410
Region 9, District 2
PS 124 - Yung Wing School (K-5)
40 Division Street 10002
212-996-7237
Region 9, District 2
PS/IS 126 - Jacob August Riis School (K-5)
80 Catherine Street 10038
212-962-2188
Region 9, District 2
PS 130 - Hernando DeSoto School (K-5)
143 Baxter Street 10013
212-226-8072
Region 9, District 2
PS 134 - Henrietta Szold School (K-6)
293 East Broadway 10002
212-529-5025
Region 9, District 1
PS 184M - Shuang Wen School (K-8)
293 East Broadway 10002
212-529-5025
Region 9, District 1
Other Elementary Schools in Region 9, District 1

Other Elementary Schools in Region 9, District 2
Intermediate School:
IS 131 (6-8)
100 Hester Street 10002
212-219-1204
Region 9, District 2
Intermediate Schools in Region 9, District 1

Other Intermediate Schools in Region 9, District 2
High Schools:
Millennium High School
75 Broad Street 10004
212-825-9008

Murry Bergtraum High School
411 Pearl Street 10038
212-964-9610
Pace High School
100 Hester Street 10002
High Schools in Region 9, District 1

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. James School (Pre K-8)
37 St. James Place 10038
212-267-9289

St. Joseph School (Pre K-8)
One Monroe Street 10002
212-233-5152
St. Patrick Old Cathedral School (Pre K-8)
233 Mott Street 10012
212-226-3984
Transfiguration School (1-8)
29 Mott Street 10013
212-962-5265
Jewish Schools in Manhattan (Lookstein Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora)

Parochial Schools in Manhattan (Archdiocese of New York)

Private Schools in Manhattan (Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York)