104 West 136th Street
New York, NY 10030
212-491-2070
Directions
Partially Accessible

Please note that the ADA lift is out of order at this location.

Temporarily Closed
2024 Holiday Closings
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Countee Cullen Library is temporarily closed for building improvements. Please note that the last day of service at the temporary Countee Cullen “pop-up” location at the Schomburg Center was June 29.

All items on hold after June 29 may be picked up at Harlem Library. Future holds can be sent to an alternative location via your NYPL account. Patrons are encouraged to use the following nearby branches:  

We will continue to provide updates about Countee Cullen as they are confirmed. Sign up for updates by selecting Countee Cullen Library as your home location in your NYPL account, and learn more about NYPL’s capital projects. 

Request a Class Visit or Group Tour

Learn more about the Library’s wide array of free resources, classes, events, and more! Book an in-person or virtual class visit or group tour now.

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Featured at Countee Cullen Library

  • Harlem Community Collection

    Discover stories and histories for and about the Harlem community in this circulating collection of titles for all ages that centers Harlem and our rich history of African American writing and culture.

    Book cover collage on a rust-hued, ombre background including titles like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library, The Tempest Tales, and more.

  • Get Event Updates for Countee Cullen Library

    Sign up to get updates and information about events and more at your local branch.

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  • Discover Books with Shelf Help

    Don’t know what you're looking for? Try Shelf Help, NYPL’s new personalized book-selection service! Tell us your reading interests and our librarians will pick five books for you and have them sent to your branch for pickup!

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  • Explore All Online Classes & Events

    People of all ages can engage with the Library through our online classes, programs, book clubs, and more.

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  • Find Community Support Resources

    During these challenging times, the Library is here to help our communities to find the resources they need.

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24/7 Resources

  • E-Books & E-Audiobooks

    Explore e-books and e-audiobooks available for free from NYPL—from children's books to bestsellers.

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  • Additional E-Materials & Databases

    Discover bestselling magazines, world newspapers, streaming classical and world music, and more from home with your library card.

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  • Digital Collections

    Search thousands of digitized items, including historic prints, photographs, maps, and manuscripts.

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  • From Our Blog

    Check out explorations on a wide array of topics, programs, and services across the Library.

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About the Library

Interior view of Countee Cullen Library

The Countee Cullen Branch gives Harlem residents of all ages access to library services delivered in a friendly and effective manner. We are home to the James Weldon Johnson Reference Collection for children, books on the African-American experience, a reference collection, including college catalogs and financial aid information, and the African-American/Black Culture reference collection.

Learn more about this location Learn about capital construction projects at this location