Gravesend was one of the original six towns of Brooklyn.It was established in 1645 by Lady Deborah Moody and followers as a haven from religious persecution and was named after the English seaport of Gravesend,Kent.With support from community groups and P.S. 216, this library opened in a brick building on Avenue X in 1962.
In 2001 it underwent 1.5 million renovations that included a new lighting, furniture, shelving, art objects and 11 new public access computers. The branch is now part of Cluster 11, as it continues to serve the local community providing innovative technology and as well as traditional services.