History and architecture
Opened on November 2, 1903, the Chatham Square Branch of The New York Public Library is the third Carnegie branch library built in New York City. It is one of twenty in Manhattan and one of sixty-seven in New York City, built when Andrew Carnegie donated $5.2 million in 1901 to establish a city-wide branch library system. The preeminent and nationally influential architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White designed the Chatham Square Branch. This bold library design was the firm's first of twelve Carnegie libraries; the 1923 Fordham Branch was their last.
The library's classically-inspired style, with its characteristic vertical plan, arched entrance offset to one side, carved stone ornament, including Ionic columns at the upper floors, and tall arched first floor and rectangular second and third floor windows providing abundant lighting to a simple interior, is characteristic of the urban Carnegie library type. The library has played a prominent role in the neighborhood for nearly one hundred years.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.