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Arts & Entertainment

A Closer Look at the New York Public Library


By

Jen Carlson

Published May 5, 2009

Modified May 6, 2009


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By

Jen Carlson

Published May 5, 2009

Modified May 6, 2009


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Last Friday morning we were lucky enough to spend some time in the New York Public Library's main branch, which opened up in 1911, before the doors were unlocked to the public. Librarian David Smith and some of the other NYPL staff took us around on a tour of the massive structure, from the remains of the Croton Reservoir, to the Allen Room (reserved for writers with book contracts) to the room where Charles Dickens's dead cat's paw resides (seriously), we saw it all! Well, except for the miles of books in the stacks that are housed under Bryant Park, that's top secret. Stay tuned for some interviews with more of the folks behind the books, and until then, we highly recommend you show some support (or at least get your library card)!

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Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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