Central Library (Brooklyn Public Library) Explained

Brooklyn Public Library–Central Building
Location:Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, New York City
Coordinates:40.6725°N -73.9683°W
Built:1911–1940
Architect:Raymond F. Almirall (1911); Alfred Morton Githens and Francis Keally (1935)
Architecture:Beaux-Arts and Art Moderne
Customarchitect Title:Sculptor
Customarchitect:Thomas Hudson Jones and C. Paul Jennewein (bronze gateway)
Added:January 11, 2002
Refnum:01001446
Designated Other2 Name:New York City Landmark
Designated Other2 Date:June 17, 1997
Designated Other2 Abbr:NYCL
Designated Other2 Link:New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
Designated Other2 Color:
  1. FFE978
Designated Other2 Number:1963

The Central Library, originally the Ingersoll Memorial Library, is the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, New York City. Located on Grand Army Plaza, at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway, it contains over 1.7 million materials in its collection and has a million annual visitors. The current structure was designed by the partnership of Alfred Morton Githens and Francis Keally in the Art Deco style, replacing a never-completed Beaux-Arts structure designed by Raymond Almirall. The building is a New York City designated landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The site of the library was selected in 1905, but groundbreaking for the Brooklyn Central Library did not begin until 1912. Escalating costs and political infighting slowed construction throughout the next two decades, and only the Flatbush Avenue wing of Almirall's building was ever completed. In 1935, Githens and Keally were commissioned to redesign the building in the Art Deco style; construction recommenced in 1938, and Almirall's building on Flatbush Avenue was largely demolished. The Central Library opened to the public on February 1, 1941, and its second floor opened in the mid-1950s. The structure was significantly renovated in the 1970s, 2000s, and 2020s.

The Central Library is a four-story building that resembles an open book as viewed from the air. The modern facade is made of limestone and contains relatively little ornamentation, except around the main entrance on Grand Army Plaza. The main entrance facade, accessed by a raised terrace, is curved and contains various inscriptions, in addition to tall, gilded columns by C. Paul Jennewein and a screen by Thomas Hudson Jones. The Flatbush Avenue wing to the southeast is longer than the Eastern Parkway wing to the east; both wings contain decorative windows and additional entrances. The library's 350000ft2 interior is centered around a triple-height circulation room. There are various reading rooms on the first through third stories, as well as an auditorium beneath the main entrance terrace.

Site

The Brooklyn Central Library is in the central part of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, on the border of the Park Slope, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights neighborhoods. It is located on a roughly triangular site facing Eastern Parkway to the north, Grand Army Plaza to the northwest, and Flatbush Avenue to the southwest. The site has dimensions of on Flatbush Avenue, to the east, and on Eastern Parkway. The main entrance, at the northeast corner of the building, is recessed behind a raised terrace. The Central Library's main entrance faces the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch within Grand Army Plaza, the primary gateway to Prospect Park, to the west. The building shares a large city block with Mount Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum to the east and southeast.

The library building is part of a larger land lot along the eastern side of Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Empire Boulevard. The then-independent city of Brooklyn had acquired this land in the 1860 for the creation of modern-day Prospect Park. Egbert Viele's first proposal for Prospect Park, in 1861, called for the park to straddle Flatbush Avenue.[1] [2] Land acquisition began in 1860, but the onset of the American Civil War delayed further development of the park; following the war, the land to the east of Flatbush Avenue was excluded from the park.[3] [4] The Mount Prospect site went unused until the late 1880s, when a library was proposed for a portion of the site. Mount Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden occupied the remainder of the site.

Development

As early as April 1889, Brooklyn's park commissioners had recommended constructing a Brooklyn central library near Grand Army Plaza, just outside Prospect Park.[5] The Brooklyn Public Library system was approved by an Act of Legislature of the State of New York on May 3, 1892.[6] The BPL opened its first branch library, the Bedford Library at PS 3 in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in December 1897;[7] this branch moved among various buildings, including a former mansion at 26 Brevoort Place.[8] Although the formerly independent city of Brooklyn became part of the City of Greater New York in 1898, the BPL declined to merge with the New York Public Library (NYPL). In the long run, the BPL wanted to build a central library and a series of branch libraries throughout the borough of Brooklyn.[9]

Planning

Site selection

By March 1900, the BPL's directors were planning to construct a central library in Brooklyn;[10] [11] the New York State Legislature had provided $500,000 (equivalent to $ million in) for the construction of such a structure.[12] That May, the BPL's board voted to recommend that the central library be built along Eastern Parkway, as close as possible to Grand Army Plaza.[13] Andrew Carnegie donated $1.6 million (equivalent to $ million in) to BPL for the construction of 20 Carnegie branch libraries in 1901,[14] but the New York City government would only appropriate money for a central library after funding for the branch libraries had been secured.[15] Carnegie also considered funding the central library under the condition that the BPL, the private Brooklyn Library, and the Long Island Historical Society combined their collections.[16] [17] At the time, several sites for a central library building were being considered, including a plot at the corner of Bedford Avenue and Herkimer Street in Bedford–Stuyvesant.[18] The Brooklyn Library merged its sizable reference collection with that of the BPL in 1902,[19] but the Long Island Historical Society refused to merge with the other two libraries.[20]

Although BPL president David A. Boody urged the creation of a central library for Brooklyn,[21] the trustees wished to first build several of the 20 Carnegie branches.[22] By mid-1904. a committee had been created to identify and recommend sites for the Brooklyn Central Library.[23] [24] After a year of consultations, consulting architect A. D. F. Hamlin recommended in May 1905 that the central library be constructed at Grand Army Plaza;[25] mayor George B. McClellan Jr. authorized the selection of that site shortly afterward.[26] [27] Various persons opposed the site for its small size, irregular shape, and distance from Downtown Brooklyn. New York City's parks commissioner wanted the plaza site to be used as parkland, and the director of the Brooklyn Museum wanted the site for future expansion of the museum.[28] [29] At McClellan's request, Carrère and Hastings, the architects of the NYPL's main branch, determined in November 1905 that Grand Army Plaza was a suitable site for a central library.[30] [31] The next month, the BPL's site-selection committee ratified the selection of the Plaza site.[32] [33] The plaza was already well served by public transit, and there were plans to extend the New York City Subway to the area.[34]

Approval of Almirall's plans

The Board of Estimate allotted $25,000 in May 1906 for the preparation of plans for the central library.[35] [36] Local architect Raymond F. Almirall, who had designed three Carnegie libraries in Brooklyn,[37] was hired that July to design the Brooklyn Central Library.[38] Almirall, Hamlin, and BPL chief librarian Frank Hill went to Europe,[39] [40] analyzing two dozen buildings in various cities. They wrote a lengthy report later the same year, which was presented to the BPL's trustees in October 1906.[41] Almirall had submitted plans for a $3.25 million (equivalent to $ million in) central library to the BPL's directors by September 1907.[42] The directors postponed a decision on these plans, citing uncertainty over the plaza site,[43] [44] before conditionally approving them that November.[45] The Municipal Art Commission also approved the plans in December 1907.[46] [47]

The BPL had begun accepting bids to construct the new library and requested $300,000 from the Board of Estimate in January 1909, at which point the building's estimated cost was as high as $5 million (equivalent to $ million in).[48] Later that year, Boody asked the city government to issue bonds for the project.[49] The Board of Estimate appropriated $300,000 for the library building in 1910 and promised to give $530,000 in each of the two following fiscal years.[50] By the time the NYPL had completed its main branch in 1911, the BPL had not even started its own central library,[51] even though the Brooklyn Central Library had been planned before the NYPL Main Branch.[52] Work on the Brooklyn Central Library was supposed to begin that June, but the Board of Estimate refused to grant an appropriation for the building the next month.[53] Test borings for the site commenced in July 1911,[54] and plans for the Flatbush Avenue wing were filed with the Bureau of Buildings in January 1912.[55]

Construction of original building

Construction of the Brooklyn Central Library's first section spanned multiple mayoral administrations with varying levels of interest in completing the building. The Brooklyn Central Library's groundbreaking ceremony occurred on June 5, 1912, with mayor William Jay Gaynor in attendance.[56] [57] A contract for the foundations was awarded the same month.

Initial progress and work stoppage

Engineers surveying the site found in early 1912 that the site had large amounts of peat moss[58] [59] and that the building needed deep foundations because of its proximity to the Mount Prospect Reservoir.[60] Early the following year, the BPL requested $20,000 for books for the Central Library.[61] [62] Workers were also busy excavating the building's foundations,[63] but foundation contractor Charles Meads reported that the work was several months behind schedule because of inclement weather, loose ground, and a lack of funding.[64] Although the foundation had been completed by early 1914, there was not enough money for the rest of the structure, and the city and the foundation contractor had become involved in a lawsuit over cracks in the foundation.[65] Gaynor's successor, John Purroy Mitchel, felt that funds for the Central Library would be better spent on schools and other projects.

City aldermen appropriated $210,000 for the construction of the building's Flatbush Avenue wing in December 1915. Local newspapers reported that, if the wing were not constructed, the foundation would deteriorate.[66] [67] Plans for the basement and first story of the Flatbush Avenue wing were filed with the Bureau of Buildings in March 1916, at which point the wing was expected to cost $600,000.[68] [69] Brooklyn's borough president filed revised plans for the wing that September,[70] [71] and the BPL began receiving bids for the library building's construction,[72] Brooklyn's borough president rejected all the bids in December 1916 for being too expensive;[73] [74] the same month, an additional $56,000 was appropriated for the project.[75] Work on the Flatbush Avenue wing began in March 1917. Although contractor Thomas Dwyer had only just started erecting the basement and first floor by the beginning of 1919, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle said about $724,000 had been spent on the building to date,[76] while city officials gave a different figure of $412,000.[77] According to the city, Almirall had received $129,000 in architects' fees through the end of 1919, despite the minimal progress on the building.[78] Local residents wanted the building's development to be accelerated, as many volumes in the BPL's collection were being damaged or were inaccessible.[79]

No construction occurred from 1918 to 1925, while John Francis Hylan was mayor of New York City. Borough president Edward J. Riegelmann requested another $1 million (equivalent to $ million in) from the city in 1921,[80] and city officials agreed to an additional appropriation that May after touring the still-incomplete edifice.[81] The same year, a fence was erected around the site. Governor Nathan L. Miller signed legislation in April 1922 authorizing officials to raise money for the building's completion. Afterward, Riegelmann asked the Board of Estimate for permission to raise $11 million in bonds for the Central Library.[82] Because Hylan opposed further funding for the building,[83] the Board of Estimate notified Riegelmann in July 1923 that it would not provide further funding for the Central Library unless the plans were scaled down.[84] Hylan's refusal to fund the Central Library became a point of contention in the 1925 New York City mayoral election, where Hylan's opponents claimed that he had doubled the city's budget without providing anything for the library building.[85] [86] Only one story of one wing had been completed and was covered with a temporary roof.[87]

Attempts to complete the building

After Jimmy Walker succeeded Hylan as mayor at the beginning of 1926, his comptroller Charles W. Berry expressed support for completing the Central Library.[88] The Board of Estimate indicated in April 1926 that it would provide $750,000 (equivalent to $ million in) for the Central Library,[89] [90] and it approved the appropriation that June.[91] By then, the building was planned to cost $14 million to $15 million (equivalent to $ million to $ million in). City experts recommended that, as a money-saving measure, the expensive Tennessee marble facade of the first story be replaced with cheaper limestone or Missouri marble.[92] Despite Brooklyn officials' desire to resume work as soon as possible, the city did not award a contract for a year after receiving the appropriation.[93] The city hired the Thomas J. Waters Company in August 1927 to complete the building,[94] [95] and work finally resumed that October.[96] The Waters Company demolished the existing Tennessee marble facade,[97] which was expected to reduce total construction costs by $2 million.[98] Afterward, the company planned to construct a three-story wing measuring across.

The Board of Estimate voted in November 1928 to authorize the issuance of up to $1.25 million in stock for the Central Library's completion,[99] [100] and Brooklyn officials began soliciting bids for the building's completion.[101] City officials agreed in July 1929 to demolish a water tower in Mount Prospect Park, which abutted a portion of the building's foundation that had to be rebuilt,[102] but the water tower was not razed until six months later.[103] By the end of 1929, city engineer William P. Hennessy was preparing plans for the construction of the building's Eastern Parkway wing, rear wing, and central portion.[104] [105] A groundbreaking ceremony for these three sections occurred on January 6, 1930.[106] Contractors were obligated to complete the foundations for these three structures within 250 days.[107] By early 1931, Brooklyn borough president Henry Hesterberg was requesting another $9 million[108] [109] or $9.5 million from the Board of Estimate.[110] Although the board had previously been reluctant to give the Central Library such a large appropriation, Hesterberg said the city could reduce the total construction cost by funding the entirety of the project at once.

Work stalled once again in 1931, after the foundations were finished.[111] On rainy days, the foundations of the Eastern Parkway wing were inundated, and local children often played with model boats there;[112] [113] at one point, a boy reportedly drowned in the foundations. By 1932, the BPL's directors were calling the Central Library "a monument to municipal procrastination".[114] The site was also referred to as the "Pigeon Palace", the "Pigeon Roost", the "Roman Ruins of Brooklyn",[115] and a "hideous old wreck". The system's circulation had more than doubled compared to 1912, when the Central Library's construction had started, while the number of patrons had nearly doubled. Hesterberg requested in early 1932 that the city pay Almirall $258,000 in architect's fees.[116] At the same time, the city's board of aldermen notified the BPL that the city government did not have enough funding to cover the Central Library's full cost.[117] The BPL unsuccessfully attempted to obtain funding for the library in 1931 and 1933.

Current library

In late 1933, local businessmen asked the city government to request a $9 million (equivalent to $ million in) loan from the Public Works Administration (PWA).[118] [119] After more than a year, the city voted in April 1935 to request $5 million (equivalent to $ million in) from the PWA.[120] Brooklyn borough president Raymond Ingersoll announced the next month that Alfred Morton Githens and Francis Keally had redesigned the building; most of the main public rooms were relocated to the ground story, while offices and backroom operations were relocated to the upper stories.[121] [122] Ingersoll promised that September to finish the Central Library.[123] Mayor Fiorello La Guardia officially requested the funding from the PWA the same month, but the PWA had still not approved the loan by the end of that year.[124] [125] Githens and Keally completed their preliminary designs in February 1936.[126] [127] The original Beaux-Arts design was completely scrapped in favor of an Art Deco design, and the building was redesigned with a fan-shaped plan.[128]

Redesign and completion

Local leaders formed a committee in February 1936 to advocate for the building's completion. Supporters of the Central Library said the BPL's existing central library was suitable for a city with 50,000 residents, two percent of Brooklyn's population at the time.[129] Between April and June 1936, about 200,000 people signed a petition asking PWA secretary Harold L. Ickes to approve money for the building.[130] By then, Ingersoll described the Central Library as the highest-priority "needed improvement" in Brooklyn. Parks commissioner Robert Moses drew up revised plans for the Central Library, La Guardia sent these plans to the BPL in August 1936.[131] [132] Ingersoll requested $2 million from the Board of Estimate in January 1937.[133] and the board approved the funding two months later.[134] [135] The board also approved $20,000 for a modification of the plans that May;[136] it would approve the remaining funds once the plans had been revised.[137] Draftsmen quickly began revising the plans,[138] and the Board of Estimate appropriated $1.883 million for the project that November.[139] [140]

Ingersoll began soliciting bids for the Central Library's construction in December 1937.[141] [142] Shortly thereafter, the Cauldwell–Wingate Company received the $1.3 million general contract for the project, and four other companies were awarded contracts for mechanical work.[143] [144] Work began on February 14, 1938, with the demolition of the existing fourth story[145] [146] and removal of the original decorations.[147] To save money, the existing frame was retained. The Board of Estimate approved $30,000 for sculptures on the Central Library in April 1938,[148] and Thomas Hudson Jones and C. Paul Jennewein were hired to design the sculptures, which the Municipal Art Commission approved the same year.[149] [150] In June 1938, the PWA authorized $2.5 million for the Central Library;[151] [152] only the first story was to be fitted out initially. The building was nearly completed in August 1939, several months ahead of schedule,[153] but the city had not appropriated funding for salaries.[154] The city issued $200,000 in bonds that August to fund further construction,[155] and the Board of Estimate provided another $101,000 two months later for equipment.[156] [157]

La Guardia toured the Central Library in December 1939,[158] [159] by which time administrative staff had begun moving into the third floor.[160] Because the second floor had not been furnished, the BPL's extension department was forced to work in the building's garage.[161] The BPL began moving books into the Central Branch in early 1940,[162] [163] and the Central Library had 360,000 books in its stacks by that October.[164] That month, BPL chief librarian Milton J. Ferguson requested another $300,000 to complete the second floor,[165] and the Board of Estimate agreed to provide $500,000 shortly afterward.[166] The BPL also announced plans to spend $1,500 on inscribed capstones memorializing Ingersoll, who had died the same year.[167] [168] Upon its opening, the building had 170 employees, excluding WPA workers,[169] and it contained 460,000 books in its collection.

Opening, 1940s, and 1950s

The Central Library opened for public previews on February 1, 1941, as the Ingersoll Memorial Library;[170] [171] the library building opened for limited service two days later.[172] It was the first permanent library building to be opened in Brooklyn in nearly two decades.[173] Because the basement and second story were largely unfinished, some of the offices were housed within the reading room and within a completed portion of the second story. Within two weeks of the building's opening, so many patrons had borrowed books that the BPL limited the number of books that cardholders could borrow;[174] [175] furthermore, the building could only operate for four to seven hours per day due to staff shortages.[176] The Central Library was formally dedicated on March 29, 1941,[177] and the Ingersoll memorial capstones were dedicated in September 1941.[178] [179] The children's library and three departments of the Central Library opened at the beginning of October 1941.[180] [181] By then, the library building was handling 400,000 volumes, prompting Ferguson to ask for money to expand the stacks.[182]

The opening of the Central Library meant that the BPL no longer had to rent space for its administrative offices. Consequently, when the building was completed, about two-thirds of the interior was used for administrative purposes. With the Central Library's opening, the BPL could also take many of its books out of storage. By the beginning of 1942, the Central Library was operating eleven hours a day on weekdays.[183] [184] The Central Library opened a "consumers' corner" with books about consumption of goods in early 1942,[185] and it began lending phonograph records to BPL cardholders the same year.[186] In October 1942, the BPL formally dedicated the bas-reliefs that Jennewein had carved into the main entrance's columns.[187] [188]

By late 1946, BPL officials believed that the building's second floor needed to be completed to accommodate the borough's growing population.[189] At the time, the second floor did not have any flooring, lighting, or radiators, and there was exposed wiring.[190] The BPL's trustees asked the City Planning Commission in 1948 for $1.385 million to complete the second floor;[191] of this, $385,000 would come from the city's 1949 and 1950 budgets.[192] The still-incomplete second floor was used for an exhibit in 1951.[193] New York City public works commissioner Frederick H. Zurmuhlen requested in April 1952 that the Board of Estimate approve $900,000 for the fitting-out of the Central Library's second floor.[194] By then, the Central Library had a total annual circulation of 1.021 million, about one-seventh of the BPL system's total circulation.[195] The New York Times wrote that library patrons often stood in the main circulating room, while the second floor was being used as storage space.

The Board of Estimate appropriated $900,000 for the second floor in August 1952, at which point increasing material costs had caused the project's price to rise to $1.125 million. Three of the ground-story reading rooms would be relocated to the second story. The building's basement would contain new workshop space, and a pneumatic tube system would be installed throughout the building. The project would increase the Central Library's usable space from 60224to. The New York City Department of Public Works began soliciting bids for three construction contracts in September 1952, and the city awarded $1 million in contracts for the project at the end of that year.[196] Work on the Central Library was delayed by a strike in mid-1953,[197] but the second story was completed in 1955.[198] The BPL installed a flagpole outside the Eastern Parkway wing of the building in 1959.

1960s and 1970s

In 1960, the BPL's chief librarian Francis R. St. John requested money to rehabilitate the Central Library,[199] [200] but the Board of Estimate was willing to provide only $30,000 out of the requested $2.5 million.[201] St. John asked the city for another $115,000 in 1961,[202] though he said the next year that the project would cost $3.235 million.[203] The first and second floors were extended to the rear in 1964, concealing the rear facade. After mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr. approved $2.891 million in funding for the building's expansion in April 1965,[204] [205] the BPL hired Keally and Frederick G. Frost Jr. & Associates to design an annex to the building.[206] Brooklyn borough president Abe Stark announced the same year that floodlights would be installed on the Central Library's facade.[207] The BPL planned a two-story annex with a garage and a service room for adults, as well as several new rooms and a set of escalators in the existing building. The new spaces would include a phone-reference room and a book processing department on the first floor; a reading room, microfilm area, and research cubicles on the second floor; and remodeled offices and a larger cafeteria on the third floor. The BPL was still awaiting final approval for the renovation by 1967.[208]

A renovation of the Central Branch began in August 1969.[209] The project lasted several years, with the building remaining open throughout.[210] The Central Library's biography/history/travel and language/literature departments were moved to another part of the building in February 1971, after part of the second floor had been renovated,[211] and the art/music and audiovisual divisions were moved that October. The lobby's floor was replaced later the same year.[212] The renovation was completed in July 1973 when several spaces opened on the first floor. These included an expanded periodicals wing in the rear; a language and literature wing on Flatbush Avenue; the Ingersoll Room, which had an extensive paperback collection; and the children's library on Eastern Parkway. The renovation allowed the BPL to begin circulating books that had previously been stored in the building's stacks.[213] The city government approved funding for further repairs to the Central Library in 1974.[214]

1980s and 1990s

The BPL began raising money for more improvements to the Central Library in 1982,[215] and the library system announced in 1983 that it would install security cameras throughout the building.[216] Five computer terminals opened at the Central Library in 1987, allowing visitors to access a catalog shared by the BPL, NYPL, and Queens Library. The BPL built two stories of administrative offices above the Central Library's garage in the early 1990s. The Central Library had always operated on weekdays during its first half-century, but budget cuts forced the BPL to close the building on Mondays in 1991.[217] [218] By then, the library operated an adult literacy program and an education and career center, and it presented film screenings and book readings to patrons. According to BPL director Larry Brandwein, the budget cuts had also forced him to eliminate several popular programs at the Central Library, such as a "term paper clinic" and a "homework hotline".[219] The main entrance screen was cleaned in 1993. The same year, a garden themed to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was added outside the children's library entrance.[220]

BPL officials announced in early 1996 that they would add computers with internet access to the Central Library; at the time, no BPL branches had internet, but the NYPL and Queens Library both offered that service.[221] After the computers were installed in October 1996,[222] there was extremely high demand for the computers.[223] A 2300ft2 "multilingual center", with books in several languages, opened at the Central Library in October 1997.[224] [225] The same year, the card catalogs in the lobby were removed. By the late 1990s, local youths frequented the Central Library because of the lack of after-school activities at local schools; this led The New York Times to describe the Central Library as a "de facto day-care center".[226] The children's library, in particular, was frequently overcrowded because of the lack of a courtyard and because the computers in the room were extremely popular.[227]

The children's library was expanded starting in July 1999,[228] and it reopened in mid-2000 as the 10500ft2 Youth Wing.[229] [230] The renovation, designed by Pasanella, Klein, Stolzman and Berg,[231] cost $2.5 million. The room's dropped ceiling was removed, allowing the restoration of the original windows; in addition, about 40 computers were installed in the Youth Wing, A technology loft was built on the mezzanine. The wing's main room was named for Yetta and Louis Schwartz, whose daughter had donated $1 million to the BPL.

2000s to present

By the early 21st century, most of the building's administrative functions had been moved to Queens. The BPL announced in 2004 that it would spend $16 million rebuilding its main terrace to designs by Vincent Benic. The BPL also wished to build a 200-seat auditorium underneath the terrace;[232] the auditorium had been part of Almirall's original design but had never been constructed because of a lack of money.[233] By 2005, more than $14 million had been raised for the terrace and auditorium. During the renovation, labor unions complained that the BPL was hiring non-union contractors.[234] The second floor was renovated in 2006, at which point the Brooklyn Collection's reading room opened. The auditorium, which was supposed to be completed in mid-2007,[235] [236] opened that October and was named for S. Stevan Dweck, a doctor who donated $1.5 million.[237] The BPL raised $100,000 for further improvements to the Central Library during 2009.[238]

The Central Library's Passport Service Center opened in May 2011, making it the first library branch in New York City to issue passports;[239] [240] over the next two years, the center processed applications for 21,000 passports. After philanthropist Shelby White donated $3.25 million to the Central Library in 2010, the BPL announced that it would create a research center named after White and her late husband Leon Levy.[241] The Shelby White and Leon Levy Information Commons opened in January 2013[242] [243] following a renovation designed by Toshiko Mori.[244] The Info Commons was frequented by patrons who used the space for meetings, research, and even a wedding. The BPL opened an enrollment office for IDNYC cards at the Central Library in 2015.[245] By the mid-2010s, the Central Library was often filled to capacity, and the structure was in poor condition. The New York Daily News estimated that the BPL needed to spend $67.7 million to renovate the Central Library and replace its fire alarms, air conditioning, roofs, windows, elevators, and bathrooms.[246]

The BPL announced in 2018 that it would spend $135 million renovating the Central Library in four phases.[247] [248] It rehired Mori to renovate the building.[249] The library was temporarily closed from March 2020 to May 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.[250] [251] The first phase of the renovation, costing $38 million, was completed in May 2021 and involved adding a book gallery, expanding various rooms, updating the bathrooms and elevators, and redecorating the interior.[252] [253] The second part of the renovation commenced in 2022 and involved expanding the adult learning center, adding a room for teenagers, renovating book-collection spaces, and overhauling the HVAC system. The BPL also planned to build a footbridge to Mount Prospect Park and rearranging storage spaces in the basement.[254]

Architecture

The original library was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by Raymond F. Almirall. Much of Almirall's original design, consisting of a central pavilion on Grand Army Plaza flanked by wings on Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue, was never built. Had the structure been fully constructed, it would have contained two basements and four above-ground stories. The current Brooklyn Central Library was designed by Alfred Morton Githens and Francis Keally in the Art Deco style, with decorations by Thomas Hudson Jones and C. Paul Jennewein. Githens and Keally's design is a three-story limestone structure, with a pair of wings flanking the entry terrace on Grand Army Plaza. The building also has some Art Moderne decorative elements, such as the terrazzo floors and wood wainscots in the lobby.[255]

Form and facade

In general, the facade is made of Indiana limestone, except below the first story, where the facade is made of gray granite. According to the National Park Service, the Central Library's shape resembles an open book as viewed from the air. The modern facade contains relatively little ornamentation, except around the main entrance on Grand Army Plaza, which is decorated with literary motifs. There is another entrance to the Civic Commons section of the building on Flatbush Avenue.[256] [257] The eastern part of the site is higher than the western portion; as such, the main entrance is raised from the ground, while the eastern part of the library building is almost precisely at ground level. The Central Library has retained most of its 1930s design over the years.

Main entrance

At the northwest corner of the Central Library is a main entrance pavilion with a curving facade on Grand Army Plaza; the curved facade alludes to the plaza's elliptical shape. Three stairways from the north, northwest, and southwest ascend to a terrace just outside the main entrance. Between each stairway is a small planting bed with metal fences. The northern edge of the terrace contains a flagpole. Each stairway has wrought-iron railings and granite side walls. The center staircase (facing northwest) is divided into four short flights and is flanked by a pair of lighting fixtures with three lamps. There are granite capstones below the lamps, each of which has inscriptions from Raymond Ingersoll, the borough president of Brooklyn when the building was erected. Early plans for the plaza called for a map of Brooklyn to be carved within the pavement. Another set of stairs leads up from the terrace to a brick landing, which in turn leads to the actual entrance.

The main entrance facade is four stories high, flanked by side sections measuring three stories high. The roof of the facade's central section is tall and is topped by a pair of cubic staircase enclosures, which are set back from the rest of the facade. The three-story-high sections on either side of the main entrance contain recessed windows. Between the windows on different stories are dark-green spandrel panels which are described as being made of Virginia alvarene stone. The windows are divided into four panes at the first story, while the second- and third-floor windows each feature one pane. The walls on either side of the central entrance contain inscriptions by Roscoe Conkling Ensign Brown, the BPL's president during the late 1930s.[258]

At the center of the facade is a rectangular doorway flanked by 50-tallNaN-tall columns. On the columns are gilded bas-reliefs designed by Jennewein, which depict both classical and contemporary figures. These columns support an entablature above the doorway with the inscribed name "Brooklyn Public Library" in all caps. At ground level is a revolving door flanked by double doors on either side; all of these doors are made of bronze. Above each of these doors is an inscription by Brown. The inscriptions, in turn, are topped by a 40-tallNaN-tall bronze screen designed by Jones. The screen is split into 15 square panels, each of which are gilded and depict a literary character. The panels on the left depict the sciences, while those on the right depict the arts. At the third story, the grille contains a pair of gilded owls, each of which is perched on a globe lamp with an elaborate base. Three lighting fixtures are recessed within the soffit at the top of the doorway.

Wings

Both wings are designed in a modern classical style; the Flatbush Avenue wing was built as part of Almirall's original design but was re-clad during the 1930s. The Flatbush Avenue wing extends southeast and is longer than the Eastern Parkway wing, which extends east. Both wings are recessed from the sidewalk and contain planted lawns in front of them, with ventilation grates on the lawn facing Eastern Parkway. Each facade contains three-story-high bays of recessed windows; there are 11 bays facing Eastern Parkway and 13 bays on Flatbush Avenue. Within each bay, the windows on each story are divided vertically into a large central portion flanked by narrower panes on either side. There are dark-green spandrels above the first- and second-story windows, each of which contain classical motifs, quotes, star shapes, and borders with checkerboard patterns.

Immediately adjacent to the curved main entrance facade, the Flatbush Avenue elevation of the facade contains a cornerstone with the inscription 1938. There is a stairway immediately to the right, descending to a service entrance with two bronze doors. The southern end of the Flatbush Avenue wing contains a three-story annex, which curves northward to the parking lot at the rear of the building. The first story of this annex is clad in limestone and dates to the building's reconstruction in 1940. The upper two stories are clad in concrete and were built in 1990. There are literary motifs and classical decorations on the upper two stories, as well as single-pane windows. The eastern elevation of the Flatbush Avenue annex contains a service entrance.

On Eastern Parkway, adjacent to the main entrance, a ramp leads to a staff entrance to the basement. The staff entrance contains bronze doors similar to those on Flatbush Avenue. A secondary, wheelchair-accessible public entrance is at the eastern end of the Eastern Parkway wing. The easternmost Eastern Parkway entrance, which leads to the children's library, was built because it was close to the New York City Subway's Eastern Parkway–Brooklyn Museum station. The children's library entrance is accessed through a black metal gate with the words "Children's Library" inscribed above it, as well as motifs of squirrels designed by Jones. Behind the gate is a small garden, as well as a doorway with green stone letters reading "Children's Library". The doorway is topped by a set of windows, which is divided vertically into three sections like the other windows on the facade. There is another set of iron gates to the south, behind which the building's eastern elevation is visible. To the east of the library building is a retaining wall and a fence, behind which is Mount Prospect Park.

Interior

Occupying over 350000square feet[259] and employing 300 full-time staff members, the building serves as the administrative headquarters for the Brooklyn Public Library system.[260] The building was intended to seat 3,000 patrons at once, and it could fit about one million or two million books in its stacks. The reading rooms were placed along the perimeter of the building, and reflectors and concealed lighting was scattered throughout the building. According to the New York Herald Tribune, the window arrangement was "planned for easy reading and avoidance of eye strain". In addition, the Central Library was planned with illuminated guides to allow guests to more easily identify books. The interior spaces were largely plain and rectangular, except for the entry foyer and circulation room.

By the early 21st century, the spaces beneath the first- and second-story windows had bookshelves, while the spaces below the third-story windows had radiators. Following a renovation in 2021, the building's interior was redecorated in a style approximating the original design, with light terrazzo floors, blond oak, and metal accents.

Lower levels

Originally, there were four tiers of stacks in the basement, which had a capacity of 350,000 or 450,000 volumes. The basement also contains emergency exits to Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway. In the basement (designated as the lower level), near the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway,[261] is the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Cultural Center, a 189-seat auditorium that opened in 2007.[262] The auditorium contains two lobbies and two conference rooms. Adjacent to this auditorium is the Reverend Elsie Smith Conference Room. These are accessed from the Brooklyn Community Foundation Lobby at the rear of the basement.

First story

As built, the ground story (designated as the first floor) was intended to contain the building's primary spaces, including the general circulation room and a children's library. The main entrance leads to a central foyer. This foyer originally had wood wainscoting, as well as green walls and a blue ceiling, intended to encourage patrons to enter the circulation room. The modern foyer is a symmetrical U-shaped space with oak display cases; the ceiling is decorated in a simple style, with curving lines. There are rooms leading off the side walls of the foyer, which contain a photocopy room and security office. On either side of the foyer, a pair of marble stairs and an escalator lead up to the second floor. A passage with wood paneling leads straight to the circulation room; the walls of this passage contain plaques dedicated to individuals who were involved in the building's construction. The foyer contains an Art Deco mural by John von Wicht, which was commissioned for radio station WNYC.[263] [264]

The circulation room itself is three stories high, covering . As originally arranged, the room was to be surrounded by small niches separated by bookcases, increasing the first floor's flexibility. The circulating desks were in the middle of the room, surrounded by catalog desks. Plaster and wood was used throughout the circulation room; this design was largely retained through the 21st century. The rear wall contains a counter. Hallways with oak paneling lead off each end of the circulating room; the entrances to these hallways are flanked by fluted pilasters, and there is a clock above the portal to each hallway. Catalog cases were placed on the rear wall of the circulation room until their removal in the 1990s. Within the main lobby is the Major Owens Welcome Center, named after former U.S. Congressman Major Owens who worked as a BPL librarian early in his career.

The Eastern Parkway wing was a children's library from the outset. A parents' balcony overlooked the space, and a set of bookcases separated the children's library from a "senior reading room"., the Eastern Parkway side still contains the Youth Wing, accessed from the eastern entrance on Eastern Parkway. The Flatbush Avenue wing of the first floor originally contained a reading room measuring . The Flatbush Avenue wing contains the language and literature collection . The Central Library's Civic Commons is a 10000feet space accessible from the Flatbush Avenue annex; it contains offices for passport applications. IDNYC identification cards, and community groups, as well as a computer lab. Adjacent to the circulating room is a 1190feet gallery for "new and noteworthy" books, which opened in 2021 and contains a metal sculpture on its ceiling.

Originally, there was a reading room for "popular books" just behind the circulating room. The rear of the first floor originally contained a reading room adjacent to a small garden. After the room was enlarged in the 1960s, it became a periodicals and micromaterials department, with a staircase ascending to the second story. The rooms in the rear were then converted into the Shelby White and Leon Levy Information Commons, which opened in January 2013.[265] The Info Commons spans and was largely inspired by the design of Apple Stores, as well as that of the Bobst Library research center on the campus of New York University. It contains a recording studio, a classroom for remote learning, seven meeting rooms, 25 desktop computers, and seating for patrons with laptops.

Second story

The second story contains a curving balcony at its eastern or rear end. The stairs and escalators from the first-floor foyer lead to landings at the northern and southwestern ends of the balcony. There is a metal railing at the front of the balcony, as well as doorways to various rooms, with display cases between each doorway. This balcony was originally illuminated by a wall of 1,000 glass blocks. Set within this glass-block wall are four curved pillars, each made of opaque glass. The reading rooms on the rear, or southeast, end of the second floor date from 1956.

, the Eastern Parkway wing of the second floor contains the Business and Career Center, as well as history, religion, and biography collections. The Business and Career Center contains an open plan workspace with numerous wooden chairs and tables, along with two seminar rooms, four meeting rooms, and seven niches for conversation. The Flatbush Avenue wing contains the sciences, society, and technology collections. The popular library, balcony conference room, and adult learning center are located in the rear of the building between the two wings.

Third and fourth stories

The top two floors were intended as administrative offices and an employee cafeteria. The third floor is accessed by stairs and an elevator from the second-story balcony's southwestern end. At this level, a balcony with full-height glass walls crosses above the northwestern corner of the building, serving as a clerestory. On the opposite side of the third story, between the Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway wings, is a trustees' room with oak paneling. Next to it were a staff room and a librarian's office, connected to the trustees' room by a glass-enclosed passage. The rooms' wood wainscoting and plaster ceilings and walls contrasted with their glass-and-chromium windows, creating a modern design., the Flatbush Avenue wing of the third story contains a computer room and art and music collections, in addition to the trustees' room. The rest of the third story contains administrative offices.

The fourth story was planned to contain a staff dining room and lounge, as well as various other rooms and a portion of the upper stacks. The upper two stories could be accessed by five elevators.

Almirall's unbuilt design

Almirall had originally planned the building as the focal point of Grand Army Plaza, surpassing the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch in prominence. The structure would have required a quadrilateral site measuring along Grand Army Plaza to the west, along Flatbush Avenue to the southwest, to the east, and along Eastern Parkway to the north. According to the Brooklyn Times Union, the site's unusual shape allowed for "freer handling of the detail" on the facade.[266] Although the entire site covered, there were to be six light courts with a combined area of .[267] The facade would have been made mostly of limestone, with a granite base. The central pavilion would have had curved corners and three openings.[268] There would have been several 69-highNaN-high Doric columns on the central pavilion, while the side elevations would have contained Doric columns. There would have been a grand dome above the structure, measuring high.

The interior of the building would have had a total floor area of . The longer Flatbush Avenue wing would have had the public rooms, while the shorter Eastern Parkway wing would have been used as offices. Each wing would have contained a central hall on each floor, with study rooms, reference rooms, and offices leading off either side. The front of each wing would have been devoted to public-facing rooms. Stacks would have been placed at the rear of each wing, facing Underhill Avenue; they would have been illuminated by apertures on the facade. The building would have contained a steel superstructure.[269] The structure was originally planned with space for 1.5 million books, which was later increased to 2.5 million; by 1927, the building was planned to house 3.15 million books. Almirall decided upon the dimensions of the building's rooms after touring other libraries.

From Grand Army Plaza would have been a large lobby and a wide stairway leading to the second story. The sub-basement would have contained the building's mechanical systems, while the basement story would have contained the heating plant, printing plant, storage rooms, a janitor's room, and a women's sitting room.[270] There was also to be an auditorium in the basement. The ground, first, and second floors would have contained various departments. A mezzanine above the second story would have had staff rooms and dining rooms. Other stories would have contained special departments, rare books, study rooms, and club rooms.

Collections

The Brooklyn Central Library contains over 1.7 million materials in its collection.[271] Among the original objects in the Central Library's collection was a copy of a French Imperial Old Testament, one of twenty known to exist.[272] The original collection also included thousands of records by the federal government of the United States, as well as 20,000 letters, newspaper clippings, and other objects relating to World War I history.[273]

Historically, the Central Library housed the BPL's Brooklyn collection. The collection contained of media relating to Brooklyn's history, including photos, books, and a full archive of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.[274] After the Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) merged with the BPL in 2020 to form the Center for Brooklyn History, the Brooklyn collection was relocated to the BHS's building in Brooklyn Heights.[275] [276]

Events

The Brooklyn Central Library has hosted numerous events throughout its existence and is visited by over 1.3 million people per year . In its early years, the Central Library's exhibits included a showcase of books written by children[277] and an exhibit of foreign-born Americans' inventions.[278] By the 2000s, the building was hosting several art exhibits per year.[279]

Modern events at the building have included the People's Ball, an annual fashion show that was first held in 2018.[280] The New York Times and Time Out magazine have characterized the People's Ball as a free version of the Met Gala.[281] [282] In addition, as part of the Cinema Ephemera program, the BPL sometimes displays videos, films, images, and slideshows are sometimes displayed on the Central Library's main entrance facade at night.[283] The Dweck Center in the Central Branch's basement has also hosted events such as fundraisers and parties since it opened in 2007., the Dweck Center hosted over 100 events monthly, including many for children.[284]

Critical reception

Almirall's design

When construction on Almirall's original building began in 1912, Building Age magazine wrote: "The new structure will be as complete in details of construction and convenience as it is possible to make it." By 1933, the BPL saw the never-completed original design as obsolete. Brooklyn's chief librarian Milton J. Ferguson said at the time: "The result of all the elaborate art of the building will be dark reading rooms, book shelves hard to reach, anything but what a modern library should be."[285] Christopher Gray wrote for The New York Times in 2004 that Almirall's design had been "a superrich version of Grand Central Terminal's Beaux-Arts sundae but with hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry."

Current structure

After Githens and Keally's design was announced, Milton J. Ferguson said that, when the structure was completed, "it should serve as a model for the entire country".[286] When the building opened, The Brooklyn Citizen wrote: "The new library to all appearances seems to be a structure of great utilitarian value and architectural beauty".[287] Although architectural critic Lewis Mumford regarded the stacks as mediocre, he thought the main lobby area was "unexpectedly exhilarating" and "the most vital point of the whole design".

The BPL's chief librarian during the 1950s, Francis R. St. John, described the Central Library as "the best example of library architecture in America". Although Christopher Gray of The New York Times wrote in 2004 that the building was an "impressive, Moderne-style, wedge-shaped structure", he said its "impressive site is in fact one of its biggest disadvantages" because of the high amounts of traffic on Grand Army Plaza. The New York Times wrote in 2018: "The Art Deco-ish front entrance recalls the spine, the two huge wings the front and back covers." In the 1987 book New York 1930, Robert A. M. Stern and his co-authors wrote that the building's interior spaces were "proof positive that Modernism and monumentality were not mutually exclusive".

In 1996, Stern listed the Brooklyn Central Library in his article "A Preservationist's List of 35 Modern Landmarks-in-Waiting".[288] The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Central Library as a New York City landmark in June 1997,[289] and the Central Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

See also

References

Sources

External links

Notes and References

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  2. Bluestone . Daniel M. . 1987 . From Promenade to Park: The Gregarious Origins of Brooklyn's Park Movement . American Quarterly . JSTOR . 39 . 4 . 529–550 . 10.2307/2713123 . 0003-0678 . 2713123.
  3. Web site: December 15, 1868 . Prospect Park; Progress of the Work—Descriptive Particulars. . January 28, 2019 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331 . January 29, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190129064330/https://www.nytimes.com/1868/12/15/archives/prospect-park-progress-of-the-workdescriptive-particulars.html . live.
  4. Book: Annual reports of the Brooklyn Park Commissioners, 1861–1873 . 1873 . Brooklyn Park Commissioners . 127 . January 28, 2019 . Internet Archive.
  5. News: September 12, 1935 . LaGuardia Asks $5,000,000 Grant for Boro Library . 1 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629182438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-laguardia-asks-5000000-gr/127302925/ . live.
  6. Book: New York Library Club . Libraries of Greater New York: Manual and Historical Sketch of the New York Library Club . Cole . G.W. . Nelson . C.A. . Bostwick . A.E. . 1902 . 15 . 2023-07-08 . 2023-06-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624174836/https://books.google.com/books?id=61kZAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA15 . live.
  7. Book: Brooklyn Public Library . Annual Report of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Public Library . The Library . 1904 . 12 . June 24, 2023 . v. 6–10 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624181313/https://books.google.com/books?id=CAAbAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA12 . live.
  8. Web site: May 8, 2013 . Brooklyn Carnegie Libraries: Bedford Branch-Photos . June 24, 2023 . HDC . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624230747/https://hdc.org/buildings/photos/ . live.
  9. News: September 30, 1900 . Library's Plans Comprehensive . 9 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624205213/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-librarys-plans-com/127028784/ . live.
  10. News: March 21, 1900 . Big Central Library Proposed for Brooklyn . 6 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624212228/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-big-central-lib/127024924/ . live.
  11. News: March 21, 1900 . Central Library Building Wanted . 10 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624205218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-central-library-bui/127026229/ . live.
  12. News: March 28, 1900 . Won't Change Its Name to Suit Public Library . 6 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624212226/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-wont-change-it/127026168/ . live.
  13. News: May 16, 1900 . Mrs. Craigie's Fate Is Still in Doubt . 2 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624210722/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-mrs-craigies-fate-is-still/127026432/ . live.
  14. News: November 8, 1910 . John W. Devoy Lectures . 18 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625040657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-john-w-devoy-l/127052165/ . live.
  15. News: July 19, 1901 . Work on Library Contract Is Progressing Rapidly . 16 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624215607/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-library/127029102/ . live.
  16. News: September 10, 1901 . News About Carnegie . 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624204055/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-news-about-carn/127029951/ . live.
  17. News: September 12, 1901 . Big Library for Brooklyn . 3 . The New York Times . June 24, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624205557/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-big-library-for-brook/127030069/ . live.
  18. News: January 22, 1902 . Snow As An Individual . 11 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624205215/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-snow-as-an-individual/127030977/ . live.
  19. News: February 7, 1902 . More Books for the Public . 5 . New-York Tribune . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624235832/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-more-books-for-the-publ/127031880/ . live.
  20. News: February 6, 1902 . Brooklyn Library for City: Trustees to Turn Over Property and Books, Valued at $750,000 to Be a Part of Public System Provided by Mr. Carnegie—Conditions to Be Fulfilled . 7 . New-York Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  21. News: June 17, 1903 . Central Library Home for Brooklyn System . 8 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625013431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-central-library-hom/127038417/ . live.
  22. News: February 27, 1904 . Will Surely Oppose Central Library Plan . 3 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624235827/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-will-surely-oppose-central-l/127038741/ . live.
  23. News: May 18, 1904 . Public Library's New Civil Service Scheme . 2 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624235824/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-public-librarys-new-civil-s/127039026/ . live.
  24. News: May 18, 1904 . Library for the Blind Will Soon Be Erected . 7 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625011926/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-library-for-the-bli/127039101/ . live.
  25. News: May 2, 1905 . Approves Library Site . 3 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625002838/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-approves-library-si/127040151/ . live.
  26. News: May 7, 1905 . Mayor Honors Controller Grout . 9 . New-York Tribune . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625013433/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-mayor-honors-controller/127040418/ . live.
  27. News: May 6, 1905 . Mayor Signs Site Bill; Sends Gold Pen to Grout . 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624235829/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-mayor-signs-sit/127040328/ . live.
  28. News: May 2, 1905 . The Library Site . 6 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624235830/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-the-library-site/127040553/ . live.
  29. News: May 1, 1905 . Library Site Hearing; Grout Faces McKeen . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624235833/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-library-site-he/127040769/ . live.
  30. News: November 29, 1905 . Architects Favor Plaza Site for Public Library . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624235826/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-architects-favor-pl/127041406/ . live.
  31. News: November 29, 1905 . Park Plaza a Good Site for Library Building . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625014950/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-park-plaza-a-go/127041472/ . live.
  32. News: December 16, 1905 . Library Will Be at Park Plaza . 9 . The Standard Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625004342/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-library-will-be-at-pa/127041171/ . live.
  33. News: December 16, 1905 . Committee Selects Site for the Central Library . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625001335/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-committee-selects-s/127040879/ . live.
  34. News: June 25, 1911 . Work Starts Tomorrow on $5,000,000 Brooklyn Library . 15 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625025658/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-starts-tom/127052438/ . live.
  35. News: May 25, 1906 . Coler Gets Money for His New Sub-surface Bureau . 1 . The Standard Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625020515/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-coler-gets-money-for/127041662/ . live.
  36. News: May 24, 1906 . Central Library Building . 4 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625022019/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-central-library-building/127042079/ . live.
  37. Web site: Spellen . Suzanne . July 25, 2022 . A Library for All: The Story of Brooklyn's Central Library, Decades in the Making . July 1, 2023 . Brownstoner . November 22, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221122102607/https://www.brownstoner.com/history/brooklyn-public-library-central-branch-history/ . live.
  38. News: July 20, 1906 . R. F. Almirall Is Chosen to Design Library Bldg. . 3 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625005849/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-r-f-almirall-is-c/127041773/ . live.
  39. News: July 31, 1906 . Puzzle Over the European Trip . 11 . The Standard Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625020513/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-puzzle-over-the-europ/127041812/ . live.
  40. News: July 31, 1906 . Is Library Trip Off? . 1 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625004344/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-is-library-trip-off/127041927/ . live.
  41. News: October 17, 1906 . Library Trustees Get Many Reports . 12 . The Standard Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625004344/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-library-trustees-get/127042344/ . live.
  42. News: September 18, 1907 . Plans for New Library Are Submitted to Board . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625020511/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-plans-for-new-libra/127043267/ . live.
  43. News: October 16, 1907 . Postpone Approval of Library Plans . 2 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625020510/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-postpone-approval-of-library/127042573/ . live.
  44. News: October 16, 1907 . Moved to Reconsider Central Library Site . 10 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625011352/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-moved-to-reconsider/127042624/ . live.
  45. News: November 21, 1907 . Brooklyn's New Library . 4 . New-York Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  46. News: December 20, 1907 . Approves Library Building . 4 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625014532/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-approves-library-bu/127049223/ . live.
  47. News: December 23, 1907 . Library Plans Approved . 2 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625004346/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-library-plans-approved/127042763/ . live.
  48. News: January 20, 1909 . To Ask Appropriation for Central Library . 10 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625025657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-to-ask-appropri/127051394/ . live.
  49. News: November 30, 1909 . Plan for Central Library in Brooklyn . 21 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625040703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-plan-for-centra/127050387/ . live.
  50. News: July 14, 1911 . Undermining the Brooklyn Library . 4 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625040659/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-undermining-the/127052367/ . live.
  51. News: Gray . Christopher . July 25, 2004 . Streetscapes/Brooklyn Public Library; A Living Monument To the Power of the Word . en-US . The New York Times . June 24, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624201716/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/25/realestate/streetscapes-brooklyn-public-library-a-living-monument-to-the-power-of-the-word.html . live.
  52. News: November 14, 1915 . Fusion City Government Patchwork, Says Boody . 3 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626023637/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-fusion-city-governm/127101350/ . live.
  53. News: July 13, 1911 . Brooklyn Shares in Big Appropriation . 13 . The Standard Union . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625230513/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-brooklyn-shares-in-bi/127089802/ . live.
  54. News: May 6, 1928 . Brooklyn Seeks Action on Fund For New Library: Estimate Board Expected to Vote Soon 011 $1,500,000 Item for Foundations . A3 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  55. News: January 21, 1912 . Site for the Brooklyn Library . 14 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625223342/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-site-for-the-br/127092814/ . live.
  56. News: June 6, 1912 . Breaking Ground for Brooklyn's Central Library . 23 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625232022/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-breaking-ground/127090630/ . live.
  57. News: June 6, 1912 . Ground Is Broken for Public Library . 7 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625221838/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-ground-is-broken-fo/127092894/ . live.
  58. News: February 10, 1912 . Library Site Obstacle . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625232017/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-library-site-obstac/127092054/ . live.
  59. News: February 9, 1912 . Peat Moss Underlies Central Library Site . 1 . The Standard Union . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625221835/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-peat-moss-underlies-c/127092695/ . live.
  60. News: February 2, 1912 . Thatcher Approves Central Library Plans . 1 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625232023/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-thatcher-approv/127092542/ . live.
  61. News: January 22, 1913 . Dr. Hill Condemns Montague Branch . 5 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625233636/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-dr-hill-condem/127096300/ . live.
  62. News: January 22, 1913 . New Libraries for Brooklyn Recommended . 2 . Times Union . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625235036/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-new-libraries-for-brooklyn-r/127096340/ . live.
  63. News: April 24, 1913 . Working on Brooklyn's Great New Central Library . 19 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625233636/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-working-on-broo/127094384/ . live.
  64. News: July 3, 1913 . New Library Work Far Behind Time; Suit Threatened . 1, 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625235041/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-library-wor/127096529/ . live.
  65. News: May 24, 1914 . Controller Pledges Money for Library . 78 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625235039/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-controller-pled/127096686/ . live.
  66. News: December 29, 1915 . Prendergast's Plea Gets Library Cash . 9 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626025147/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-prendergasts-p/127101479/ . live.
  67. News: December 29, 1915 . Aldermen Vote Library Funds . 7 . Times Union . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626022128/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-aldermen-vote-library-funds/127101574/ . live.
  68. News: March 27, 1916 . File New Library Plans . 18 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626012455/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-file-new-librar/127100346/ . live.
  69. News: April 1, 1916 . File New Library Plans . 61 . The Chat . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626014001/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chat-file-new-library-plans/127100400/ . live.
  70. News: September 9, 1916 . $5,000,000 Library Plans; Brooklyn to Build One $300,000 Wing for Administration First. . en-US . The New York Times . June 26, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626012455/https://www.nytimes.com/1916/09/09/archives/5000000-library-plans-brooklyn-to-build-one-300000-wing-for.html . live.
  71. News: September 8, 1916 . Pounds Files Plans for New $5,000,000 Brooklyn Library . 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626012456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-pounds-files-pl/127103094/ . live.
  72. News: September 17, 1916 . To Build the New Central Library . 12 . The Standard Union . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626023633/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-to-build-the-new-cent/127103976/ . live.
  73. News: December 3, 1916 . Library Bids Void, Contracts in Doubt, Under New Decision . 1, 6 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626014000/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-library-bids-vo/127100552/ . live.
  74. News: December 9, 1916 . Central Library Bids Rejected . 73 . The Chat . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626013958/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chat-central-library-bids-rejected/127103506/ . live.
  75. News: April 10, 1921 . Still Holding Up Central Library After Year's Delay . 40 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626020839/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-still-holding-u/127105595/ . live.
  76. News: January 19, 1919 . Still There Is Hope for Central Library Building; Authorized in 1906, Basement Not Finished in 1919 . 18 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626013959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-still-there-is/127103580/ . live.
  77. News: December 2, 1919 . Almirall's Fees As City Architect Disturb Hirshfield: Commissioner Hints Foreman of Grand Jury Would Profit by Replacement of Hylan, Burr and Himself . 10 . New-York Tribune . June 25, 2023 . 1941-0646 . . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626030654/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-almiralls-fees-as-city/127104712/ . live.
  78. News: December 1, 1919 . Almirall Fees for New Library So Far $129,000 . 5 . Times Union . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626020838/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-almirall-fees-for-new-librar/127104906/ . live.
  79. News: March 19, 1920 . Want Central Library Completed Speedily . 16 . The Standard Union . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626020838/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-want-central-library/127105128/ . live.
  80. News: April 11, 1921 . Boody Gets Action on Central Public Library for Boro . 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626030657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boody-gets-acti/127105693/ . live.
  81. News: May 16, 1921 . Fund for Library Wing Is Assured; May Be $1,000,000 . 1 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626030655/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-fund-for-librar/127105912/ . live.
  82. News: April 16, 1922 . Riegelmann to Ask Fund to Build Library and Erase 'Boro's Most Famous Ruin' . 8 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626233119/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-riegelmann-to-a/127155817/ . live.
  83. News: January 18, 1923 . Central Library Will Be Completed, Says Riegelmann . 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 27, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628000325/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-central-library/127164076/ . live.
  84. News: July 15, 1923 . Hylan Now Says Plan for Library Is Extravagant . 5 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 27, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628000326/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-hylan-now-says/127164282/ . live.
  85. News: September 9, 1925 . Waterman Charges Library Neglect; Lays Low Wages and Failure to Finish Brooklyn Building to Mayor. . en-US . The New York Times . June 28, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013315/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/09/09/archives/waterman-charges-library-neglect-lays-low-wages-and-failure-to.html . live.
  86. News: September 9, 1925 . Waterman Ready to Build Tubes on Wasted Money . 11 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628014831/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-waterman-ready/127217459/ . live.
  87. News: May 23, 1926 . Central Library—This Much of It—is Still Standing . 62 . Times Union . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-central-librarythis-much-of/127218659/ . live.
  88. News: January 20, 1926 . Berry Promises to Push Work on Central Library . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013322/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-berry-promises/127217766/ . live.
  89. News: April 21, 1926 . $750,000 for Brooklyn Central Library Voted . 3 . The New York Herald, New York Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  90. News: April 23, 1926 . South Brooklyn Trade Board Marks Birthday With Dinner . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013317/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-south-brooklyn-trad/127218088/ . live.
  91. News: June 3, 1926 . $750,000 Is Voted to Finish Wing of Central Library . 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-750000-is-vot/127218488/ . live.
  92. News: May 15, 1926 . Propose Razing Wing to Rebuild Library Cheaper . 24 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-propose-razing/127218205/ . live.
  93. News: April 19, 1927 . Byrne Urges City to Bear 65 P.c. of Coney Pier Repair . 7 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013316/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-byrne-urges-cit/127220438/ . live.
  94. News: August 23, 1927 . Begin Work in 2 Weeks on Brooklyn Library; Contract for First Wing Awarded – Foundation Dug in 1914 After Thirty Years of Debate. . en-US . The New York Times . June 24, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624234651/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/08/23/archives/begin-work-in-2-weeks-on-brooklyn-library-contract-for-first-wing.html . live.
  95. News: August 27, 1927 . Contracts for Central Library Are Awarded . 2 . The Chat . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013316/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chat-contracts-for-central-library-a/127219845/ . live.
  96. News: October 5, 1927 . Work on $750,000 Wing for Library Finally Started . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-on-75000/127220600/ . live.
  97. News: October 2, 1927 . Builders Smash Library Granite; Farley Explains . 74 . Daily News . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628020337/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-builders-smash-library-granit/127221219/ . live.
  98. News: October 16, 1927 . 'Unbuild' Library to Save $2,000,000 . 144 . Times Union . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013317/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-unbuild-library-to-save-2/127221274/ . live.
  99. News: November 12, 1928 . $1,250,000 Stock is Authorized to Complete Library . 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013324/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-1250000-stoc/127221624/ . live.
  100. News: November 13, 1928 . $1,100,000 Stock Voted for Brooklyn Library; Committee Approves Funds for Foundation Work on the Central Structure. . en-US . The New York Times . June 28, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013315/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/13/archives/1100000-stock-voted-for-brooklyn-library-committee-approves-funds.html . live.
  101. News: November 16, 1928 . To Seek Library Bids . 4 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628021849/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-to-seek-library/127222282/ . live.
  102. News: July 31, 1929 . Old Water Tower to be Dismantled . 51 . Times Union . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628020303/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-old-water-tower-to-be-disman/127222382/ . live.
  103. News: January 21, 1930 . Mt. Prospect Water Tower Yields to Library Project . 3 . Times Union . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628020302/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-mt-prospect-water-tower-yie/127223412/ . live.
  104. News: December 31, 1929 . Ground Broken Soon for New Library Units . 6 . The Standard Union . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628021845/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-ground-broken-soon-fo/127222648/ . live.
  105. News: December 31, 1929 . The Brooklyn Central Library . 4 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 28, 2023 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628020340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-the-brooklyn-centra/127222687/ . live.
  106. News: January 7, 1930 . Ground Is Broken for Boro Library . 36 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011005/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-ground-is-broken-for-boro-li/127276533/ . live.
  107. News: June 15, 1930 . Central Library Project Being Pushed to End . 86 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011006/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-central-library-project-being/127276841/ . live.
  108. News: February 19, 1931 . $7,120,000 Library Planned in Brooklyn; Trustees Favor a Forty-two Story Building in Borough Hall Area for Downtown Units . en-US . The New York Times . June 29, 2023 . 0362-4331 . April 11, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230411100120/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/02/19/archives/7120000-library-planned-in-brooklyn-trustees-favor-a-fortytwostory.html . live.
  109. News: February 20, 1931 . 42-Story Building Urged For Brooklyn Libraries: City to Get Plans for Housing 2 Branches in Office Structure . 17 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  110. News: Wilhelm . Carl . July 19, 1931 . Library Fight to Front Again in Estimate Bd. . 5 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011004/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-library-fight-t/127277818/ . live.
  111. News: January 25, 1937 . Set 1937 for Completion of Main Library . 252 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629214645/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-set-1937-for-completion-of-ma/127313553/ . live.
  112. News: December 31, 1952 . Award $1,000,000 to Complete Plaza Library Building . 5 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630181105/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-award-100000/127366297/ . live.
  113. News: September 11, 1952 . Brooklyn Library 56 Years a-Borning; First Planned in 1897, It Is to Be Completed Next Year if Present Schedule Is Kept . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630181103/https://www.nytimes.com/1952/09/11/archives/brooklyn-library-56-years-aborning-first-plannedi-in-1897-it-is-to.html . live.
  114. News: June 5, 1932 . Library Begun in '12 is Still Unfinished . 70 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011006/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-library-begun-in-12-is-still/127278042/ . live.
  115. News: January 26, 1941 . Brooklyn to Open Its Library 9 29 Years A-Building, on Feb. 3: Abandoned From 1919 to 1937, 'Pigeon Palace Has Been Redesigned on Modern Lines; Now Called Ingersoll Memorial, It's Still Unfinished . A1 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  116. News: January 26, 1932 . $12,000,000 Sure for City Relief; Projects Shelved . 3, 4 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011007/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-12000000-sure-for-city-re/127278661/ . live.
  117. News: February 8, 1932 . Declares City Has No Fund to Finish Library . 17 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011008/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-declares-city-h/127278242/ . live.
  118. News: October 27, 1933 . Civic Leaders Join in Demand for a U.S. Loan for Library . 414 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629021545/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-civic-leaders-join-in-demand/127280276/ . live.
  119. News: October 3, 1933 . Urges Approval of Federal Loan for Central Library . 24 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629014445/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-urges-approval/127280292/ . live.
  120. News: April 5, 1935 . Boro Library Loan Request Voted by City . 1 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629024553/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-boro-library-loan-r/127280475/ . live.
  121. News: May 19, 1935 . Tentative Plans Completed for Central Library . 7, 11 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629023049/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-tentative-plans/127280838/ . live.
  122. News: May 19, 1935 . Accessibility Called Keynote in Central Library Plans . 9 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629014444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-accessibility-called-keynote/127280894/ . live.
  123. News: September 5, 1935 . Ingersoll Says Central Library Will Be Finished . 2 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629210113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-ingersoll-says-central-libra/127308650/ . live.
  124. News: December 5, 1935 . Ingersoll to Aid Bid for Library Funds . 577 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629203105/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ingersoll-to-aid-bid-for-libr/127308780/ . live.
  125. News: December 4, 1935 . Ingersoll Plans to Press Plea on Library Aid . 8 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629182438/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-ingersoll-plans/127308809/ . live.
  126. News: February 2, 1936 . Civic Leaders Form to Press Library Fight . 4 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629210111/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-how-new-boro-li/127308241/ . live.
  127. News: February 2, 1936 . Committee Named to Push Plan for Central Library . 7 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629182437/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-committee-named-to-push-plan/127308327/ . live.
  128. News: June 19, 1938 . Work Starts for 1939 Opening Of Brooklyn's Central Library: 39-Year-Old Project, Revised Now at Half Former Cost, to Stress Functional Values; Ground Floor to Enter Service First Fan-Shaped Library to Rise From 'Ruins of Brooklyn' . A3 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  129. News: January 26, 1936 . Trustees Appeal to PWA for New Central Library . 5 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629221651/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-trustees-appeal-to-pwa-for-n/127312846/ . live.
  130. News: June 28, 1936 . Brooklyn Still Wants Library, A Dream of '89: P. W. A. Is Latest Hope of Optimistic Borough for Large Central Building It Was Under Way Twice Wing Built, Razed, Built; 5 Million Sought Now . A16 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  131. News: August 14, 1936 . Brooklyn Gets Promise Of a Central Library: Mayor LaGuardia Says Funds Will Be Allocated, for Work . 19 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  132. News: August 14, 1936 . Brooklyn Library Speeded by Moses; Commissioner's Plan, Approved by Mayor, Would Finish Job at Cost of $2,000,000. . en-US . The New York Times . June 29, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629193312/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/14/archives/brooklyn-library-speeded-by-moses-commissioners-plan-approved-by.html . live.
  133. News: January 24, 1937 . Ingersoll Plan Is Due to Put Library in Use . 16 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629223158/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-ingersoll-plan/127313352/ . live.
  134. News: March 21, 1937 . Library Building Soon in Brooklyn . 1, 3 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629211638/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-library-building-soon-in-bro/127313821/ . live.
  135. News: March 22, 1937 . Library Battle Victory Hailed by Boro Civics; $2,000,000 for Work Due . 3 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629200319/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-library-battle-vict/127313898/ . live.
  136. News: May 2, 1937 . Library Backers to Mark Victory . 19 . Times Union . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629223159/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-library-backers-to-mark-vict/127314182/ . live.
  137. News: May 4, 1937 . Brooklyn to Get $2,000,000 to Finish Library: Taylor Assures Citizens' Committee of Funds as Soon an Plan In Revised To End 25 Years Delay Ingersoll Says Borough Has Felt It Was Neglected . 2 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  138. News: June 7, 1937 . Ground Broken 25 Years Back for Big Library . 5 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629200318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-ground-broken-25-ye/127314957/ . live.
  139. News: November 19, 1937 . Board to Speed Central Library . 1 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629194815/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-board-to-speed/127315409/ . live.
  140. News: November 20, 1937 . Board of Estimate Votes Brooklyn Library Bonds . 30 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  141. News: December 24, 1937 . Bids Opened to Finish Brooklyn Central Library: Structure Started and Abandoned More Than 25 Years Ago . 6 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  142. News: December 24, 1937 . Bids Opened to Finish Brooklyn Central Library: Structure Started and Abandoned More Than 25 Years Asro . 6 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  143. News: December 30, 1937 . Work Starts in Month on Main Library . 7 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629223156/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-work-starts-in/127315977/ . live.
  144. News: December 30, 1937 . Library Contracts Signed by Ingersoll; Central Brooklyn Building, First Suggested in 1898, to Cost $1,822,000 . en-US . The New York Times . June 29, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629193311/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/12/30/archives/library-contracts-signed-by-ingersoll-central-brooklyn-building.html . live.
  145. News: February 15, 1938 . Brooklyn Library Begun; $2,000,000 Central Building to Be Ready Next Year . en-US . The New York Times . June 24, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624201716/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/02/15/archives/brooklyn-library-begun-2000000-central-building-to-be-ready-next.html . live.
  146. News: February 14, 1938 . Central Library Work Is Started . 9 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629214138/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-central-library/127320296/ . live.
  147. News: April 17, 1938 . To Streamline Library Building . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630000231/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-to-streamline-l/127321117/ . live.
  148. News: April 29, 1938 . $3,667,000 in Bonds for Slum Clearance . 5 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630000233/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-3667000-in-b/127321702/ . live.
  149. News: September 16, 1938 . Sculptors Work on Library Design . 6 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629214137/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-sculptors-work/127320708/ . live.
  150. News: September 16, 1938 . City Approves Drawings for Library Here . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630013326/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-city-approves-drawi/127322318/ . live.
  151. News: June 25, 1938 . $31,328,500 Works Approved for City; PWA Authorizes 28 Schools, Hospitals, Bridges' and Other Enterprises . en-US . The New York Times . June 27, 2023 . 0362-4331 . April 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230425144545/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/06/25/archives/31328500-works-approved-for-cityy-pwa-authorizes-28-schools.html . live.
  152. News: June 25, 1938 . New Library Here Assured by PWA Grant . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629214139/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-new-library-here-as/127320969/ . live.
  153. News: August 13, 1939 . At Long Last! Library Looks to Opening . 122 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630013330/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-long-last-library-looks-t/127322561/ . live.
  154. News: October 14, 1939 . City Aid Hints B'klyn Library Will Get Fund . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629234217/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-city-aid-hints-bkl/127322663/ . live.
  155. News: August 8, 1939 . New Library Bond Issue With Mayor . 15 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630013328/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-library-bon/127322832/ . live.
  156. News: October 31, 1939 . Due to Get Equipment . 426 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630013322/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-due-to-get-equipment/127322947/ . live.
  157. News: October 20, 1939 . $101,000 Voted to Equip New Boro Library . 4 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629234216/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-101000-voted/127323002/ . live.
  158. News: December 6, 1939 . Mayor Praises New Brooklyn Central Library: Views Facilities and Says: 'The Next Thing You'll Be Reading for Them' . 19 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  159. News: December 6, 1939 . La Guardia Inspects Brooklyn Library; Impressed by New Building-- $219,000 Still Needed . en-US . The New York Times . June 28, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628000325/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/12/06/archives/la-guardia-inspects-brooklyn-library-impressed-by-new-building.html . live.
  160. News: October 9, 1940 . Central Library Girls Work in Dusty Garage . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630013316/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-central-library/127323856/ . live.
  161. News: October 14, 1940 . When Is a Garage a Library? And Why? . 412 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630003258/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-when-is-a-garage-a-library-a/127325355/ . live.
  162. News: February 6, 1940 . New Brooklyn Library Getting Stored Books: Truck Takes 2,500 From Carroll Park Branch; 460,000 Will Be Moved Books Arriving for Brooklyn's New Public Library . 20 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  163. News: February 6, 1940 . Brooklyn Library Shifts 6,000 Books; Federal Records Go to New Building, Nearly Completed . en-US . The New York Times . June 29, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629220741/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/02/06/archives/brooklyn-library-shifts-6000-books-federal-records-go-to-new.html . live.
  164. News: October 7, 1940 . Lack of $300,000 Delays Library Use . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629234215/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-lack-of-30000/127324827/ . live.
  165. News: October 7, 1940 . Funds Urged to Complete Boro Library . 1, 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629234216/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-funds-urged-to-comp/127325044/ . live.
  166. News: October 22, 1940 . Funds for New Supreme Court to be Approved . 1 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630013319/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-funds-for-new-supre/127325265/ . live.
  167. News: October 17, 1940 . Plan Memorial to R. Ingersoll, Late Boro Head . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630004802/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-plan-memorial-to-r/127325122/ . live.
  168. News: November 8, 1940 . Ingersoll Memorial for New Library . 479 . Daily News . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630004806/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ingersoll-memorial-for-new-li/127325471/ . live.
  169. News: October 7, 1940 . Library Funds For Brooklyn Urged at Once: Dr. Ferguson Says Building Can Open Soon if Only $300,000 Is Supplied . 15 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  170. News: February 1, 1941 . New Central Library, Open After 36 Years, Thrills Boro Crowds . 1, 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629235720/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-new-central-library/127325965/ . live.
  171. News: February 1, 1941 . Started Decades Ago, Library Opens Today . 1, 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630013320/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-started-decades/127325998/ . live.
  172. News: February 4, 1941 . Ingersoll Library Opens; Central Building of Brooklyn Group Put Into Service . en-US . The New York Times . June 29, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629220741/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/04/archives/ingersoll-library-opens-central-building-of-brooklyn-group-put-into.html . live.
  173. News: Kaufman . I. . February 13, 1949 . Cites Library Facts in Salute to Culture . 11 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630213557/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-cites-library-f/127365614/ . live.
  174. News: February 13, 1941 . Rush on New Library Strips Third of Books . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630024857/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-rush-on-new-lib/127330402/ . live.
  175. News: February 12, 1941 . Heavy Rush of Readers in New Central Library Empties Many Shelves . 5 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630031903/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-heavy-rush-of-reade/127330586/ . live.
  176. News: Corby . Jane . March 28, 1941 . Library to Become Vital Point in Cultural Activity of Museum . 23 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630041934/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/29658108/ . live.
  177. News: March 30, 1941 . 1,500 See Dedications of Ingersoll Library . 1, 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630041931/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/7857606/ . live.
  178. News: September 18, 1941 . Memorial to Ingersoll Is Unveiled in Brooklyn: LaGuardia, Smith and Cashmere Attend Ceremony . 25 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  179. News: September 19, 1941 . Floodlights to End Blackouts at Arch . 2 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630043439/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-floodlights-to/127340403/ . live.
  180. News: October 1, 1941 . Library Expects Rush; Young People's Division Will Be Opened in Brooklyn Today . en-US . The New York Times . June 29, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629224741/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/01/archives/library-expects-rush-young-peoples-division-will-be-opened-in.html . live.
  181. News: October 1, 1941 . Young Peoples Division of Boro Library to Open . 7 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630030301/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-young-peoples-d/127340758/ . live.
  182. News: October 23, 1941 . Brooklyn Library Asks Book-Shelf Expansion . 19 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  183. News: January 5, 1942 . Library Hours Changed; Brooklyn Ingersoll Memorial to Open at 10 A.M. . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630030259/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/01/05/archives/library-hours-changed-brooklyn-ingersoll-memorial-to-open-at-10-am.html . live.
  184. News: January 6, 1942 . Central Brooklyn Library Will Stay Open to Public Daily from 10 in Morning . 3 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630030303/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-central-brooklyn-li/127341393/ . live.
  185. News: April 8, 1942 . Brooklyn Library Has Shelf for Consumers . 16 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  186. News: July 16, 1942 . Library Starts Lending Music Records Today: Brooklyn Ingersoll Branch to Open Its Collection of 1,800 Phonograph Disks . 17 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  187. News: October 21, 1942 . Plaza Library Here Unveils Twin Plaques . 2 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630030302/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-plaza-library-here/127341132/ . live.
  188. News: October 21, 1942 . Brooklyn Library Unveiling . 19 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  189. News: December 1, 1946 . Brooklyn Booklovers Bemoan State of Borough Libraries . 122 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630181102/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-brooklyn-booklovers-bemoan-st/127365228/ . live.
  190. News: August 12, 1948 . Boro Library Unfinished After 7 Years . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630184111/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-boro-library-un/127365334/ . live.
  191. News: August 15, 1948 . Brooklyn Library Asks Building Fund; Wants $1,385,000 to Complete Ingersoll Memorial Branch Started 36 Years Ago . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630030300/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/08/15/archives/brooklyn-library-asks-building-fund-wants-1385000-to-complete.html . live.
  192. News: August 13, 1948 . Vast New Projects Visioned for Boro . 1, 7 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630043441/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-vast-new-projec/127341509/ . live.
  193. News: February 2, 1951 . Library's Unfinished 2d Floor Opened for Signal Corps Exhibit . 5 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630185615/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-librarys-unfin/127366172/ . live.
  194. News: April 19, 1952 . Brooklyn Library Fund Asked . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630190416/https://www.nytimes.com/1952/04/19/archives/brooklyn-library-fund-asked.html . live.
  195. News: DeMelia . John . September 14, 1952 . Main Library's Completion Is Within Sight . 10 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630190413/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-main-librarys/127367033/ . live.
  196. News: January 1, 1953 . Library's Completion Slated After 47 Years . 42 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630194130/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-librarys-completion-slated-a/127368058/ . live.
  197. News: July 29, 1953 . New Hope is Raised in Drivers' Strike; Excavator Truck Unit to Meet Contractors Today on Plan That Could Set a Formula . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630190413/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/07/29/archives/new-hope-is-raised-in-drivers-strike-excavator-truck-unit-to-meet.html . live.
  198. Web site: 2016 . Central Library History . July 5, 2023 . . 1–2 . September 19, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220919111841/https://www.bklynlibrary.org/sites/default/files/documents/central/history.pdf . live.
  199. News: Robinson . Layhmond . August 16, 1960 . $327,000 Is Sought for New Library; At Budget Hearing, 'Village' Groups Gain in Fight to Convert Old Courthouse . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630200603/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/16/archives/327000-is-sought-for-new-library-at-budget-hearing-village-grpups.html . live.
  200. News: August 15, 1960 . B'klyn and Queens Stress 5-Year Plan in Library $ Plea . 360 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630215729/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bklyn-and-queens-stress-5-ye/127370895/ . live.
  201. News: Miele . Alfred . October 6, 1960 . 8 New Schools OK'd, Nix Put on Libraries . 743 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630200604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-8-new-schools-okd-nix-put-o/127371128/ . live.
  202. News: Crowell . Paul . August 26, 1961 . Libraries Here Seek 9.2 Million; Projects Planned in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630200604/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/26/archives/libraries-here-seek-92-million-projects-planned-in-queens-manhattan.html . live.
  203. News: August 22, 1962 . Ask $14 Million for Libraries in 2 Boroughs . 544 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630200605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ask-14-million-for-libraries/127371267/ . live.
  204. News: Kaplan . Samuel . April 19, 1965 . Mayor Advances Library Projects; He Also Approves Park and Playground Outlays . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . August 19, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190819010236/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/19/archives/mayor-advances-library-projects-he-also-approves-park-and.html . live.
  205. News: April 19, 1965 . Mayor OKs Library Plans for Brooklyn . 298 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630204154/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mayor-oks-library-plans-for-b/127371754/ . live.
  206. News: Greene . Elinor . November 29, 1965 . Library Booking $2.8 Million Plan . 74 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630190415/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-library-booking-28-million/127369876/ . live.
  207. News: February 5, 1965 . Grand Army Plaza to Be Floodlighted . 2 . The Williamsburg News . June 30, 2023 . July 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230708172358/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-williamsburg-news-grand-army-plaza-t/127369660/ . live.
  208. News: March 12, 1967 . Public Library Soon Will Add to Boro Space . 975 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630215732/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-public-library-soon-will-add/127372110/ . live.
  209. News: October 13, 1971 . Main Library to Be Closed . 334 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630215736/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-main-library-to-be-closed/127373339/ . live.
  210. News: July 8, 1973 . The Reading is Broadening at This Library . 198 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630231302/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-reading-is-broadening-at/127372775/ . live.
  211. News: February 17, 1971 . Move 65,000 Books to New Library Wing . 295 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630215730/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-move-65000-books-to-new-libr/127373138/ . live.
  212. News: November 18, 1971 . Library Closed for 2-day Repair . 426 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630212712/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-library-closed-for-2-day-repa/127375300/ . live.
  213. News: July 27, 1973 . Areas to Close at the Library . 255 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630215734/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-areas-to-close-at-the-library/127373513/ . live.
  214. News: Miele . Alfred . March 15, 1974 . $1.76B Construction Budget . 314 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630204155/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-176b-construction-budgetal/127374170/ . live.
  215. News: Mitgang . Herbert . January 30, 1982 . Library Campaign Evokes Fondness . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630203122/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/30/arts/library-campaign-evokes-fondness.html . live.
  216. News: January 6, 1983 . Security System for Central Library . 124 . Daily News . June 30, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630215748/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-security-system-for-central-l/127374968/ . live.
  217. News: February 5, 1991 . Brooklyn Main Library Cuts Days . 38 . Newsday . July 1, 2023 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701113251/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-brooklyn-main-library-cuts-days/127389173/ . live.
  218. News: Yarrow . Andrew L. . April 14, 1991 . Somber 50th Birthday for Brooklyn's Main Library . en-US . The New York Times . July 1, 2023 . 0362-4331 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701013439/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/14/nyregion/somber-50th-birthday-for-brooklyn-s-main-library.html . live.
  219. News: Brandwein . Larry . April 23, 1992 . Brooklyn Demands . 60, 110 . Newsday . July 1, 2023 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701015610/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-brooklyn-demandslarry-brandwein/127391279/ . live.
  220. News: April 22, 1993 . Central Library to Become a 'Summer Wonderland' . 26 . Canarsie Courier . July 1, 2023 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701021706/https://www.newspapers.com/article/canarsie-courier-central-library-to-beco/127391782/ . live.
  221. News: Sengupta . Somini . January 28, 1996 . Neighborhood Report: Brooklyn on Line;Libraries Lag on Surfing the Net . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630203125/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/28/nyregion/neighborhood-report-brooklyn-on-line-libraries-lag-on-surfing-the-net.html . live.
  222. News: October 10, 1996 . Around the State . 9 . The Buffalo News . July 1, 2023 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701015606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-around-the-state/127392866/ . live.
  223. News: Rohde . David . February 9, 1997 . A Shortage of Terminals Spells Computer Access Denied . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630203125/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/09/nyregion/a-shortage-of-terminals-spells-computer-access-denied.html . live.
  224. News: October 16, 1997 . Brooklyn Library's multilingual center open . 34 . New York Amsterdam News . .
  225. News: Cheng . Mae M. . October 15, 1997 . The New New Yorkers / Library Opens Multilingual Center . A31 . Newsday . 2574-5298 . .
  226. News: Waldman . Amy . May 3, 1998 . Neighborhood Report: Park Slope; After School in the Stacks . en-US . The New York Times . July 1, 2023 . 0362-4331 . May 27, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150527074200/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/03/nyregion/neighborhood-report-park-slope-after-school-in-the-stacks.html . live.
  227. Oct 1998 . Libraries for the Next Century . Oculus . 61 . 4 . 2.
  228. News: Santiago . Roberto . July 9, 1999 . Lee did the right thing . 1028 . Daily News . July 1, 2023 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701113623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-lee-did-the-right-thingrober/127394167/ . live.
  229. News: Shelby . Joyce . April 30, 2000 . Kids' library gets thumbs up . 101 . Daily News . July 1, 2023 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701021701/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-kids-library-gets-thumbs-up/127394015/ . live.
  230. News: June 1, 2000 . Brooklyn Library opens state-of-the-art youth wing . 35 . New York Amsterdam News . .
  231. 1185.
  232. News: Shelby . Joyce . December 22, 2004 . Library's Overdue Add-on's on . 6 . New York Daily News . 2692-1251 . .
  233. News: Reyes . Damaso . July 14, 2005 . Brooklyn Central Library gets long-awaited facelift . 32 . New York Amsterdam News . .
  234. News: Son . Hugh . April 6, 2006 . Book's thrown at library. Union fury in $16M makeover . 1 . New York Daily News . 2692-1251 . .
  235. News: Romano . Denise . March 23, 2007 . Her Knowledge of Library Leads to Top-shelf Job . 14 . New York Daily News . 2692-1251 . .
  236. Kreinin Souccar . Miriam . April 23, 2007 . Librarian with a vision . Crain's New York Business . 23 . 17 . 37 . .
  237. Web site: Rathe . Adam . May 10, 2008 . Changing of the 'Guard' • Brooklyn Paper . July 5, 2023 . Brooklyn Paper.
  238. News: Durkin . Erin . March 6, 2009 . Read It & Weep, Folks! Libraries Face $14m in City Cuts, but Launch Fund Drive to Keep Doors Open . 1 . New York Daily News . 2692-1251 . .
  239. Web site: Morris . C. Zawadi . July 11, 2012 . Now You Can Get Your Passport at the Brooklyn Public Library . July 5, 2023 . Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch . July 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230708170929/https://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/now-you-can-get-your-passport-at-the-brooklyn-public-library . live.
  240. Web site: November 1, 2013 . Kings Highway Library Opens Expanded Passport Center . July 5, 2023 . Bklyner . May 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230530134729/https://bklyner.com/brooklyn-public-library-opens-passport-application-center-at-kings-highway-branch-sheepshead-bay/ . live.
  241. News: Banjo . Shelly . May 21, 2010 . Philanthropist Upgrades Brooklyn Library . en-US . Wall Street Journal . July 6, 2023 . 0099-9660 . January 24, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220124014843/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704852004575258393450557302 . live.
  242. Web site: Walters . Meredith . January 20, 2013 . Bklyn: Brooklyn Public Library Revitalized . July 6, 2023 . Prospect Heights-Crown Heights, NY Patch . December 8, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151208014440/http://patch.com/new-york/prospectheights/bp--bklyn-brooklyn-public-library-revitalized . live.
  243. Web site: Nonko . Emily . January 15, 2013 . Information Commons Now Open at Brooklyn Library . June 29, 2023 . Brownstoner . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629173932/https://www.brownstoner.com/brooklyn-life/information-commons-now-open-at-the-bpl/ . live.
  244. Web site: Rosenberg . Eli . May 10, 2013 . At Brooklyn Library's New Center, Books Are Secondary . July 6, 2023 . City Room . July 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230708170957/https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/09/at-brooklyn-librarys-new-center-books-are-secondary/ . live.
  245. Web site: Zagare . Liena . December 22, 2017 . New Permanent IDNYC Enrollment Center Now Open at New Lots Library . July 6, 2023 . Bklyner . August 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210827165555/https://bklyner.com/new-permanent-idnyc-enrollment-center-now-open-new-lots-library/ . live.
  246. News: Poggio . Marco . Blau . Reuven . July 2, 2014 . A Broken Branch Central Library Gets Fraction of $68m It Needs for Fixes . 33 . New York Daily News . 2692-1251 . .
  247. News: Barron . James . March 25, 2018 . In Brooklyn, Modernizing a Library for Downloads and Robots . en-US . The New York Times . June 25, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625221835/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/25/nyregion/brooklyn-library-major-owens.html . live.
  248. Web site: Rosenberg . Zoe . March 26, 2018 . Brooklyn Public Library's Central Branch will get a $135M upgrade . July 6, 2023 . Curbed NY . February 3, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230203073927/https://ny.curbed.com/2018/3/26/17163774/brooklyn-public-library-central-branch-renovation . live.
  249. Web site: McKnight . Jenna . May 31, 2021 . Toshiko Mori revamps Brooklyn's Central Library . June 25, 2023 . Dezeen . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625221835/https://www.dezeen.com/2021/05/31/toshiko-mori-revamps-brooklyns-central-library/ . live.
  250. Web site: Duggan . Kevin . May 6, 2021 . Brooklyn Public Library unveils remodeled Central branch . July 6, 2023 . Brooklyn Paper . December 8, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221208161921/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/brooklyn-public-library-unveils-four-redesigned-public-spaces-in-central-branch/ . live.
  251. Web site: Richling . Billy . May 6, 2021 . Brooklyn Public Library Cuts the Ribbon on Remodeled Central Branch . July 6, 2023 . Bklyner . May 31, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230531100145/https://bklyner.com/brooklyn-public-library-cuts-the-ribbon-on-remodeled-central-branch/ . live.
  252. Web site: Schulz . Dana . May 7, 2021 . Brooklyn Public Library reveals Central Library redesign by Toshiko Mori . June 25, 2023 . 6sqft . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625221836/https://www.6sqft.com/brooklyn-public-library-reveals-central-library-redesign-by-toshiko-mori/ . live.
  253. Web site: Hickman . Matt . May 6, 2021 . Brooklyn Public Library's iconic Central Branch debuts a Toshiko Mori-led refresh . June 25, 2023 . The Architect’s Newspaper . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625221836/https://www.archpaper.com/2021/05/brooklyn-public-librarys-iconic-central-branch-debuts-a-toshiko-mori-led-refresh/ . live.
  254. Web site: Senzamici . Peter . October 31, 2022 . No, Brooklyn Public Library Isn't Selling Off Its Books . June 30, 2023 . Park Slope, NY Patch . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701105309/https://patch.com/new-york/parkslope/no-brooklyn-public-library-isnt-selling-its-books . live.
  255. Web site: February 5, 2018 . Central Library Renovation . July 1, 2023 . Brooklyn Public Library . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701013435/https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/central/renovation . live.
  256. Web site: Clark . Roger . May 6, 2021 . Newly renovated Central Library to welcome visitors in Brooklyn . June 26, 2023 . Spectrum News NY1 New York City . June 27, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230627004520/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/human-interest/2021/05/05/newly-renovated-central-library-to-welcome-visitors-in-brooklyn . live.
  257. Web site: April 27, 2021 . Civic Commons . June 26, 2023 . Brooklyn Public Library . June 27, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230627004519/https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/central/dept/civic-commons . live.
  258. News: January 23, 1939 . Ex-editor's Words Carved on Library; Quotation by Dr. Brown Joins Aphorisms of Immortals . en-US . The New York Times . June 29, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629220740/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/01/23/archives/exeditors-words-carved-on-library-quotation-by-dr-brown-joins.html . live.
  259. Web site: A Look Inside Central Library . Brooklyn Public Library . 2023-07-08 . 2020-09-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200918214554/https://www.bklynlibrary.org/sites/default/files/documents/central/a%20look%20inside%20Central%20Library.pdf . live.
  260. Web site: Kathleen A. Howe . June 2001 . National Register of Historic Places Registration:Brooklyn Public Library-Central Building . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120116230520/http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=6714 . January 16, 2012 . February 20, 2011 . New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. See also: Web site: Accompanying 16 photos . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121019041035/http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=6733 . October 19, 2012 . February 11, 2013.
  261. Central Library Floor Plan . . June 29, 2023. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20230629173953/https://www.bklynlibrary.org/sites/default/files/documents/central/floorplan.pdf. 2023-06-29.
  262. Web site: March 28, 2017 . Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Cultural Center . June 29, 2023 . Brooklyn Public Library . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629173942/https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/central/dweck . live.
  263. News: Glueck . Grace . January 7, 1994 . A Guide to the City's Depression Murals . en-US . The New York Times . July 1, 2023 . 0362-4331 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701013439/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/07/arts/a-guide-to-the-city-s-depression-murals.html . live.
  264. Web site: November 19, 2016 . WNYC and the WPA Federal Art Project – New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News . July 1, 2023 . WNYC . February 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230224231228/https://www.wnyc.org/story/wnycs-wpa-murals/ . live.
  265. Web site: January 18, 2013 . Announcing: The Shelby White & Leon Levy Information Commons at Brooklyn Public Library . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130406083638/http://www.libraryasincubatorproject.org/?p=8612 . April 6, 2013 . Library as Incubator Project.
  266. News: July 17, 1911 . Favor Site at the Park Plaza for Library . 6 . Times Union . June 25, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625232019/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-favor-site-at-the-park-plaza/127088689/ . live.
  267. News: May 12, 1912 . First Building Begun on Brooklyn's Great Plaza; Public Library That Will Rival the Best in the World Soon to Occupy One Side of the Prospect Park Beauty Spot. . en-US . The New York Times . June 25, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625232133/https://www.nytimes.com/1912/05/12/archives/first-building-begun-on-brooklyns-great-plaza-public-library-that.html . live.
  268. News: September 18, 1907 . Plans for Central Library Win Praise . 3 . Times Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625004345/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-plans-for-central-library-wi/127043460/ . live.
  269. News: September 18, 1907 . Plans for New Public Library . 10 . The Standard Union . June 24, 2023 . June 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625015005/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-plans-for-new-public/127043426/ . live.
  270. June 1, 1912 . Brooklyn's $3,000,000 Library Building . Building Age . 342 . .
  271. Web site: Brooklyn Public Library – Central Library . November 23, 2013 . Brooklyn Public Library . September 29, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150929110827/http://www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/locations/central . live.
  272. News: February 27, 1940 . Library Gets Rare Book; French Edition of Old Testament Goes to Brooklyn . en-US . The New York Times . July 6, 2023 . 0362-4331 . July 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230708171939/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/02/27/archives/library-gets-rare-book-french-edition-of-old-testament-goes-to.html . live.
  273. News: March 20, 1940 . Brooklyn Library Gets Collection on World War: F. R. Thorns Presents 19 Volumes of Maps and Articles Baseball in Sculpture . 29 . New York Herald Tribune . 1941-0646 . .
  274. News: Rein . Lisa . June 25, 1999 . Area Libraries Are Bursting at Seams / System Struggles to Meet New Demands . 35 . New York Daily News . 2692-1251 . .
  275. Web site: De Vries . Susan . October 2, 2020 . Brooklyn Historical Society and Brooklyn Public Library Merge, Creating New History Center . May 16, 2023 . Brownstoner . en-US . May 16, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230516030759/https://www.brownstoner.com/brooklyn-life/brooklyn-historical-society-public-library-center-for-history/ . live.
  276. Web site: Errico . Olivia . March 10, 2020 . Brooklyn Historical Society and Brooklyn Public Library Announce Merger – Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for the Humanities . May 16, 2023 . Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for the Humanities, Rutgers University . May 16, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230516025300/https://march.rutgers.edu/brooklyn-historical-society-and-brooklyn-public-library-announce-merger/ . live.
  277. News: March 16, 1941 . Children Make a Book; Library Exhibits Volume Written By Pupils . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630190412/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/03/16/archives/children-make-a-book-library-exhibits-volume-written-by-pupils.html . live.
  278. News: May 2, 1950 . Exhibition at Brooklyn Library . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630190410/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/05/02/archives/exhibition-at-brooklyn-library.html . live.
  279. News: January 31, 2003 . What's Up at the Central Library . 6 . New York Daily News . 2692-1251 . .
  280. Web site: May 2, 2022 . Fashion shines at Brooklyn Public Library's 2nd People's Ball event . June 30, 2023 . News 12 – The Bronx . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701142400/https://bronx.news12.com/fashion-shines-at-brooklyn-public-librarys-2nd-peoples-ball-event . live.
  281. News: Garcia . Sandra E. . Litovsky . Dina . May 2, 2022 . In photos: The People's Ball in Brooklyn. . en-US . The New York Times . June 30, 2023 . 0362-4331 . July 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701000729/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/02/fashion/in-photos-the-peoples-ball-in-brooklyn.html . live.
  282. Web site: Medina . Glendalys . April 21, 2023 . Live out your Met Gala fantasy for free at The People's Ball in Brooklyn . June 30, 2023 . Time Out New York . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630233140/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/the-peoples-ball . live.
  283. Web site: Gutterman . Scott . November 10, 2020 . Listening In: Illuminating the Landscape . July 5, 2023 . The Brooklyn Rail . May 3, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230503163811/https://brooklynrail.org/2020/11/music/Listening-In-Illuminating-the-Landscape . live.
  284. Web site: February 17, 2011 . Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch . July 5, 2023 . Time Out New York . August 19, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220819233952/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/brooklyn-public-library-central-branch-1 . live.
  285. News: April 30, 1933 . 2 Million Spent on Library; Not Wanted Now . 3 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011010/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-2-million-spent/127279064/ . live.
  286. News: May 17, 1936 . New Brooklyn Central Library Will Be Model for Country . 26 . The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 29, 2023 . June 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230629223201/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-brooklyn-ce/127312947/ . live.
  287. News: February 1, 1941 . Brooklyn Central Library Opens Today . 4 . The Brooklyn Citizen . June 29, 2023 . June 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230630003208/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-brooklyn-central-li/127331632/ . live.
  288. News: November 17, 1996 . A Preservationist's List of 35 Modern Landmarks-in-Waiting . en-US . The New York Times . live . June 27, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201117090051/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/17/realestate/a-preservationist-s-list-of-35-modern-landmarks-in-waiting.html . November 17, 2020 . 0362-4331.
  289. News: Dunlap . David W. . July 20, 1997 . Enlarging the Preservation Band . en-US . The New York Times . July 1, 2023 . 0362-4331 . October 21, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201021071029/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/20/realestate/enlarging-the-preservation-band.html . live.

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