Please note that Pelham Parkway–Van Nest Library is temporarily closed to undergo HVAC renovations. This upgrade will ensure better temperature control for the comfort of our patrons. During the temporary closure, patrons are encouraged to use the following nearby locations: 

All items on hold after February 8, 2025, can be picked up at Allerton Library.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this time. Sign up for updates by selecting Pelham Parkway–Van Nest Library as your home location in your NYPL account.

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 Programs at Pelham Parkway Van Nest Library

Check out the fantastic FREE programs we have at our branch!

  • We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes

    Come to the Library, Wednesdays at 3 PM, and meet other people who are practicing English, just like you! Free Classes for English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Adult learners will have the opportunity to improve their English by watching We Speak NYC videos and discussing them with adults from other cultures.

  • Author Programs at Van Nest

    There's nothing better than reading books by your favorite authors but how about listening to them to talk about them? We have a slew of author talks scheduled for the upcoming months. Register for them today!

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  • Submit To The Library Zine

    Calling all writers and artists! Consider submitting to the Library Zine: Voices Across the New York Public Library, a literary magazine highlighting creative work from our library patrons.

    Find Out More
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  • One On One Tech Help

    If you have a tech problem, or question, or would just like some individualized tech tutorials, this is your time to work with a librarian and receive their personal attention and instruction!

    A man assisting a woman at a laptop computer

  • Storytimes at Van Nest

    Join us for songs, rhymes, and favorite read-aloud books in this storytime that's fun for the whole family. For young children of all ages. Ideal for caregivers with multiple-aged children.

    Family of Four reading a board book

  • Virtual Book Tasting

    Need a new book for the month? Then come to our monthly Virtual Book Tasting! Get a "taste" of a variety of new and popular books. Come and hear about the great books from our librarians that are in our collection!

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For Kids

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For Teens

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For Adults

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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.

    The SimplyE app displays on a mobile device

  • 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 to pickup!

    NYPL After School

  • Visit Our Padlet

    Padlet is our one stop virtual bulletin board filled with resources, at-home activities and so much more! Make sure to check it out! 

    Visit Our Bulletin Board
    Post Its on Bulletin Board

  • Van Nest Linktree

    Visit our linktree to discover more virtual recordings, upcoming programs and so much more!

    Visit Our Linktree
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  • Free Educational Resources

    Discover new ways to engage with books and explore an array of resources that will help you with everything from chemistry and history to English and math.

    Back to school

  • Community Resources

    During these challenging times, the Library is here to help our communities to find the resources they need. NYPL has collected a selection of links to help our patrons find important information and help.

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About the Library

Interior view of Van Nest

The Pelham Parkway-Van Nest branch of The New York Public Library is a modern building with a distinctive facade. It is located around the corner from the busy shopping district on Lydig Avenue. This one-story facility houses adult, teen, and children's collections, as well as extensive World Languages collections, featuring books in Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, and many other languages. Programs and classes for people of all ages are offered daily in the glass-enclosed community room.

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