NYPL Phase 2 arrived on Roosevelt Island this week in an eagerly awaited move. Other branches opened earlier, but efforts by residents may have inspired the change.

“I’m reaching out to inform you that this week we started offering additional library services which include 45 minute computer reservations once per day, printing including 10 free pages each day, browsing the collection for 30 minutes, and public restrooms.”

Added library manager Carlos Chavez, “Our maximum occupancy is now 25 patrons.”

More information is available at the branch’s website.

Two weeks ago, historian Judith Berdy launched a campaign aimed at NYPL president Tony Marx, and it may have helped.

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The Line That Didn’t Land

We’ll listen to you right after we’re done not listening to you.

Eleanor Rivers May 1, 2026

I stood in the back of Good Shepherd Chapel on the evening of April 15, 2026, at the Steam Plant Demolition Town Hall, watching people adjust scarves and jackets before the meeting began. Benjamin Jones, President and CEO of RIOC, thanked us for attending and, without a pause, said he was “pleased to host tonight’s town hall on the city’s demolition of its steam plant.” The demolition, in other words, was not up for discussion.

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