LandmarkWashington Heights
Fort Washington Library
A handsome working library with a long local history; check NYPL for hours and programs.
535 W 179th StW 179th St near Audubon Ave
What it is
The Fort Washington Library is a New York Public Library branch at 535 W 179th St. It is a Carnegie library designed by Cook & Welch, opened in April 1914, and built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, according to Wikipedia. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, and reopened after a renovation in early 2025.
Who it’s for
Neighbors who need books, computers or a quiet room, families, students, and architecture fans.
Standout details
NYPL’s own page says the branch’s collections include Spanish and Russian materials, and it offers ESOL classes and a Teen Center. NYPL says notable library users have included Henry Kissinger, Lou Gehrig, Ralph Ellison, Maria Callas, Marianne Moore and Jacob Javits.
Honest verdict
A civic landmark that is still used for what it was built for. Use NYPL’s page for current hours, since I did not verify them directly.