New York Public Library--Humanities and Social Sciences Library
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 930-0830
- Cross Street:
- Bryant Park
- Directions:
- B, D, F, Q at 42nd St; S; 4, 5, 6; 7 at 42nd St-Grand Central
- Hours:
- Mon 11am-6pm, Tue, Wed 11am-7:30pm, Thu-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Editorial Review for New York Public Library--Humanities and Social Sciences Library – by Sheila Kim
Facts
Just over a century ago, there were only two public libraries in New York. When then-governor Samuel J. Tilden bequeathed a generous trust ($2.4 million) to "establish and maintain a free library and reading room in the city of New York," the two institutions were combined to form the New York Public Library, which was dedicated on May 23, 1911.
Features
Built on the former site of the Croton Reservoir, the library's main branch is a Beaux Arts creation by the architectural firm Carriere and Hastings. It features a main reading room that spans two full blocks; below it are 88 miles of shelves holding over two million volumes. The two stone lions who sit in front of the building are named "Patience" (on the south side of the steps) and "Fortitude" (north side); they were so named by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia to encourage New Yorkers during the Depression.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasThe NYPL holds many notable manuscripts and documents, including Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Gutenberg Bible.
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