MoMA

The creation of the Schwarzman library 

 The Schwarzman library is located on fifth avenue and was once a reservoir, which in part can still be seen in one area of the library. The library was founded in 1895 and was built in 1911, taking 20 years to build. Andrew Carnegie introduced the public library system to New York with this being the flagship. Its founder was Samuel J. Tilden who had a substantial trust fund known as the Tildon Trust which he used to establish and maintain that the library be free, in May 1895 the Tildon Trust combined with Astor and Lenox libraries to form the new library. Astor and Lenox, two large donors, were the names given to the two prominent lions at the grand entrance of the library originally. The lions are now named Patience and Fortitude as Mayor La Guardia renamed them during the depression as he felt that these were two very important things the people of New York needed at the time. Furthermore, the entrance to the library and the library itself became a hub for people to meet, read and look for jobs. Although its age the library has stayed the same throughout its existence and stayed in great conditions thanks to public-private donations each year accumulating to over $26 million. However, an underground was added to the library as they needed more space to store all the books they hold, which at present holds over 18 million books and over 52 million items. Unlike most libraries around the world this is not a traditional library in terms of it only being a research library therefore books are not allowed to be taken out of the library. The library is for all people and all interests reflecting how New York is as a place and attracts 13 million people each year from both nationally and internationally.

 By: Olivia Russell