The New York Public Library is one of the largest in the world. It stores a huge collection of books revealing amazing facts and stories of the past and present. They conquered millions of readers’ hearts, influenced the course of events and reflected changes in the world. For several centuries, the public library building has been a repository of American literary heritage. Learn more at newyork1.
How did one of the world’s largest libraries emerge in New York?
The idea of this sociocultural building belongs to the former Governor of New York, Samuel J. Tilden. After his death, it was found in his will that he left $400,000 for the construction and maintenance of a public library with free reading rooms.
In the 19th century, there were two private libraries in the city, which belonged to millionaires James Lenox and Jacob Astor. The latter was one of the wealthiest people in the USA at that time. His scientific and reference library housed a collection of rare and valuable publications.
Both libraries faced financial difficulties in 1892. Thus, John Bigelow, Samuel Tilden’s lawyer, aimed to merge them into a single literary system. His project received positive feedback and was approved for further implementation.
In 1902, the construction of the Public Library began in Manhattan. As well as Samuel Tilden, an entrepreneur Andrew Carnegie also financed the building. He donated $5 million for the construction of library branches in other areas of New York, such as Staten Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn and more.
The New York government chose a huge plot on Fifth Avenue, the most prestigious street, for the construction of the Public Library. According to John Bigelow’s design idea, it had to be the largest marble edifice in the United States at that time. Its construction lasted for 8 years.
The library was opened to visitors in 1911. More than 75 miles of shelves for several million books were installed inside before such a solemn event. About 30,000-50,000 people visited the library on the opening day.
What secrets does the New York Public Library keep?
7 underground floors
There is a book repository with more than 80 miles of seven-level racks under the foundation of the building, which was built during the construction of the library. They store more than 500,000 books on history, culture, religion, art and other spheres as well as rare manuscripts, documents and artifacts of the past.
Two marble lions at the library entrance are symbols of patience and strength
In addition, two marble lions were placed on either side of the stairs in the process of the New York Public Library construction. They were made by Daniel Cheater French and Henry Bacon, the sculptors who also created the legendary Lincoln Statue in Washington.
According to the mayor of New York, it was important to show patience and strength during the difficult times of the Great Depression. So, those words were chosen as lions’ names to support people.
Rare manuscripts
The New York Public Library stores more than 20 million books, including many valuable manuscripts. For example, Christopher Columbus’ letter about geographical discoveries and voyages and the handwritten copy of the US Declaration of Independence, which was signed in 1776. But the oldest rarity in this library is the Gutenberg Bible, which was printed in the mid-15th century and considered the start-point of European printing. Thus, the Public Library is an amazing place for reading and a popular tourist attraction in New York.