STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The New Dorp branch of the New York Public Library reopened today after around 22 months of closure.
Library-goers said they had been forced to travel to other branches since the New Dorp location closed in January 2025.
Blerta Alija, who lives in the neighborhood, said in early 2025 she took her children to the Richmondtown branch of the New York Public Library until that location closed for maintenance, too.
“We’ve gone all over Staten Island. I even went to Manhattan, but that’s not fun,” Alija said while she played with her toddler.
Residents who traveled across Staten Island for library access can now return to the newly renovated New Dorp location.Claire Hamlet
The Richmondtown library reopened on Sept. 8, according to a Facebook page for the location.
“We’re so excited the library reopened, we couldn’t wait since last year,” Alija said. “Especially now that it’s nice weather, you get the walk and the library, it’s great for them.”
Alija said she’s looking forward to the library’s children’s programming.
“They used to do story time for kids, I hope they do it again,” she said.
Residents who traveled across Staten Island for library access can now return to the newly renovated New Dorp location.Claire Hamlet
Alija said she frequently came to the New Dorp library with her older son before it closed. Since the renovation, she has had another child.
Zaim, her oldest son, is now 5. He took his first steps at the New Dorp library.
“It looks beautiful,” Alija said. “It’s huge, this space.”
Doreen Belloni of Great Kills took the train to see the new space.
“I like to visit the other branches,” Belloni said.
Belloni said she uses the library for access to the newspapers. Usually, she goes to the Great Kills branch of the New York Public Library.
Library branch manager Colleen Chioffe said the renovation made the HVAC system more environmentally friendly.
Residents who traveled across Staten Island for library access can now return to the newly renovated New Dorp location.Claire Hamlet
Chioffe said the heating and cooling systems at most library locations could use an upgrade.
“Our library also got a bit of a refresh, like new lighting,” Chioffe said.
Chioffe said library employees were sent to work at other locations over the 22 months. She worked at Great Kills, Todt Hill and Dongan Hills.
“We went wherever help was needed,” Chioffe said.
She and her team returned about six weeks ago, Chioffe said, to set up the library, reshelve books and decorate.
Chioffe said there were roughly 500 bins of books to sort through and arrange.
Residents who traveled across Staten Island for library access can now return to the newly renovated New Dorp location.Claire Hamlet
“I’m so excited to be back, I’m so excited to be with my team again,” Chioffe said. “Working together as a team has been so rewarding.”
Chioffe said the library’s return means old programming will resume, alongside new events.
Baby Lapsit and Little Movers, library sponsored events for babies and new parents, will return at the New Dorp library. Chioffe said two new children’s librarians have joined the staff, too.
Lego and STEM programs for older children are on the schedule alongside teen nights and college and career preparatory resources.
For adults, monthly meetings are on the calendar, too.
Chioffe described Pages and Projects as a “loose discussion” of books accompanied by a craft.
At ‘Hello My Name Is,’ another monthly book club, attendees read a biography of their choice and wear a name tag with the subject’s name—then mingle and discuss what they read.
Residents who traveled across Staten Island for library access can now return to the newly renovated New Dorp location.Claire Hamlet