The New York Public Library's landmark building on 5th Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets was dedicated in a ceremony presided over by President William Howard Taft, on this day in 1911. According to the History Channel, "The day after its dedication, the library opened its doors to the public, and some 40,000 citizens passed through to make use of a collection that already consisted of more than a million books." And as you may know from all the hoopla lately—they're celebrating.
So far the big 1-0-0 has delivered a free book, an app, an overnight scavenger hunt, a taste of George Washington's beer recipe, LEGO lions, and today the library is closed for their big gala. So let's take a look back through some vintage photographs of the ol' gal (all spanning from 1911 to 1944). And here's a look back at some of our past visits to the library (one day they'll let us into the stacks, one day):
- In 2009 we got a behind the scenes look at some of the quirky items in the building, like Charles Dickens' letter opener... which contains his dead cat's paw.
- Soon after we got to see the rare books collection up close.
- Last summer we brought The Walkmen there for an impromptu mid-day concert
