New York Public Library

09/07/04

One of the largest public libraries in the world, and arguably one of the best examples of Beaux Arts architecture.

by Contributor at Citysearch

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. 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.