The New York Public Library—Private Philanthropy, Public Good, and Miles of Books

The New York Public Library—one of the most significant national treasures—was not created by the government but by American philanthropy. It owes its existence to Samuel J. Tilden, John Jacob Astor, and James Lenox.

Library Founders

Samuel J. Tilden, one-time New York governor, left the bulk of his fortune — about $2.4 million — for the establishment of the Public Library.

John Jacob Astor was a German immigrant who made his fortune in New York real estate. He was, for that reason, known as the landlord of New York. He became the wealthiest man in America and established the Astor Library. In his reference library where the books did not circulate, and hours were limited, but its presence was invaluable.

The other Library in New York was founded by James Lenox and consisted of his personal collection of rare books and manuscripts. It required admission tickets and was intended primarily for bibliophiles and scholars. The star of his collection was the first Gutenberg Bible to come to the New World.

In 1895, the collections were combined to form the NYPL – an unprecedented example of private philanthropy for the public good.

The present library building—one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts architectural style—was completed in 1911 and designed by the firm of Carrère and Hastings. The opening of the Public Library was a huge event in the city’s life—finally, people could access the books they could not find anywhere else. On the opening day, thousands of people lined up outside to enter the Library.

The Library’s facade bears the names of all three founders: Astor, Lenox, and Tilden.

Library Collection

The New York Public Library has one of the largest public book collections in the world. When it was built, it provided 75 miles of shelves to keep the books!

The Library’s treasures include a copy of the Declaration of Independence in Thomas Jefferson’s hand, the Gutenberg Bible, the first printed collection of Shakespeare’s plays, manuscripts, and letters by Virginia Woolf, James Baldwin, Charles Dickens, and more.

Where are the books, and How to get them?

Initially, the books were stored in the space under the main reading room. Seven floors of metal shelves called stacks, were off-limits to library patrons. Readers requested the books by filling out a slip of paper that went down a pneumatic tube to the librarians. The books were sent up in mini dumbwaiters.

Over time, the stacks became outdated and could not adequately protect irreplaceable books from the elements and possible theft.

These days, four million books are stored underneath New York City’s Bryant Park, which is located behind the library. It’s hard to imagine, but twenty-seven feet below the park there are miles and miles of bookshelves.

These days, books are requested electronically and sent to the librarians. Staff members retrieve the books and put them in a metal bin mounted on the automated red train car that delivers them to the reading room. The whole process takes about 45 minutes. These trains can be spotted behind the book request desk in the middle of the Main Reading Room.

Rose Main Reading Room

One of New York City’s most breathtaking interiors, the majestic Rose Main Reading Room measures the length of two city blocks. Its ceiling depicts murals of blue skies with fluffy white clouds, creating the illusion of being in the open. One can visit the Main Reading Room only on a public tour and in complete silence. New York Public Library is a functioning research space and is very protective of the sanctity of the institution.

The New York Public Library is perhaps the finest example of the City Beautiful Movement—a functional public institution with a majestic design.