Marilyn and Jim Simons Give $25 Million to The New York Public Library for Improvements to East Harlem Branches and Critical Library Services

JULY 11, 2017 – Marilyn and Jim Simons have given The New York Public Library $25 million to support needed capital improvements at three East Harlem branches, as well as critical Library services.

This leadership gift will be used in conjunction with existing funding from New York City and other sources, highlighting the Library’s strong history of public-private partnerships to improve the lives of New Yorkers.

“The library has such an important role to play in the community,” said Marilyn Simons, who has been a strong supporter of educational programs in East Harlem. “In addition to its traditional role as a source of information and knowledge, the library provides access to space and resources that might not otherwise be available. I've been impressed by the library's increasingly important role as a provider of free, practical programs, such as English language classes, computer skills training, and job research, preparation, and placement services.” “I concur with Marilyn" Jim Simons added. "The library has played a central role in the cultural history of the City, and it is a pleasure to assist it in its important mission."

“The New York Public Library is the ultimate public-private partnership, strengthening New Yorkers with over 100 years of municipal support and philanthropic vision,” said NYPL President Tony Marx. “This extraordinary gift from Marilyn and Jim Simons epitomizes that spirit, allowing the Library to make critical improvements to three branches, and build on the programming that has already helped so many. We thank them for their leadership, their dedication to educational efforts in Harlem and beyond, and their strong support.” 

A portion of the gift will go towards renovations and much-needed capital work at the 125th Street, Aguilar, and Macomb’s Bridge branches of The New York Public Library, all in East Harlem. Planned work includes a complete renovation of 125th Street, repairs and improvements to Aguilar, and a build-out of a new, larger library for Macomb’s Bridge.

The remaining funds will be used to support programs and services offered by the Library, including a breadth of educational programs, a priority under Tony Marx, who has overseen, and will continue to drive, significant expansions of programs in the areas of immigrant services, technology training, and early literacy.   

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.

Media Contact:

Angela Montefinise | angelamontefinise@nypl.org