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NYPL plans to open upscale cafes at two of its research libraries. The rationale? “It is important that we offer the public what they want and need while they’re in our buildings, often for hours while doing important research,” says NYPL Chief External Relations Officer Carrie Welch. Ms. Welch seems to have missed the fact that what the… Continue reading Stacks, Not Snacks!

On September 16th, NYPL announced the selection of Mecanoo and Beyer Blinder Belle as architects for the $300 million renovation of the Mid-Manhattan and 42nd Street Library. Unfortunately, the news came with complete lack of transparency in either the selection process or the renovation plans. NYPL revealed nothing about what other architects were solicited, how the various… Continue reading Can a Closed Book Start a New Chapter?

  On Tuesday, June 23rd, at 7 PM, Scott Sherman will officially launch his new book Patience and Fortitude at Book Culture on 450 Columbus Avenue (between 81st and 82nd Street).As a journalist for The Nation, Sherman’s in-depth coverage of the Central Library Plan provoked a firestorm of criticism against NYPL’s attempts to sell off popular libraries and gut the… Continue reading Upcoming Event: Scott Sherman and Caleb Crain Discuss Patience and Fortitude at Book Culture

The three million books that were secretly moved from the 42nd Street Library stacks are still located 50 miles away at the Research Collections and Preservation Consortium (ReCAP) in Princeton, New Jersey. Library leaders have sought to justify the empty stacks as a cost-saving measure. They claim upgrading climate controls to the seven floors would… Continue reading NYPL: Big Spenders…. in New Jersey

The Committee to Save the New York Public Library is excited to announce the forthcoming publication of Scott Sherman’s new book Patience and Fortitude: Power, Real Estate and the Fight to Save a Public Library, a definitive account of NYPL’s aborted plan to dismantle one of the world’s most cherished public libraries and the Herculean… Continue reading Must-Read: Scott Sherman’s Riveting Patience & Fortitude Is Almost Here!

One year ago today, NYPL closed the Rose Reading Room after a part of the ceiling fell to the ground.  Since the last update in October, library officials have provided no word for when the reading room will re-open. And more than two years ago NYPL emptied its stacks of 3 million books without any… Continue reading When Will the Rose Reading Room Reopen?

Did you know that NYPL’s Rose Reading Room is not a designated NYC landmark? While New York has 117 designated interior landmarks, the Rose Reading Room is not one of them. Completed in 1911, the 42nd Street Library designed by Carrère and Hastings is one of New York’s most splendid civic monuments. As the Landmarks… Continue reading Landmark the Rose Reading Room!

Last month, NYPL officials held a public meeting to review aspects of plans for major renovations to the 42nd Street and the Mid-Manhattan Libraries. As can be seen from the agendas and pre-determined questions here, the meeting was structured to channel discussion narrowly rather than to encourage broad public discussion of options. The meeting left… Continue reading Genuine Public Review Needed for 42nd Street and Mid-Manhattan Library Renovations

Last week, the New York Public Library hosted a public meeting about its proposed “Midtown Campus Renovations.” Library lovers from across the city converged on the Edna Barnes Salomon Room in the 42nd Street Library to voice their concern for the two most popular libraries in the NYPL system. NYPL President Anthony Marx made brief… Continue reading Here’s What Happened at NYPL’s Recent Public Forum

On March 26th from 6 to 8 pm NYPL is holding a public meeting on their plans for renovating the Mid-Manhattan and 42nd Street Libraries.  The meeting will be in the Edna Barnes Salomon Room on the third floor of the 42nd St. Library. Please sign-up to attend here. Library leaders say they will listen, so make sure you are heard. Ask… Continue reading Key Questions to Ask at NYPL’s Upcoming Public Meeting