The mission of The Branch Libraries is to provide free and equal access to The New York Public Library's bountiful resources -- informational, educational, cultural and recreational. Through a network of neighborhood and central libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, and in collaboration with other organizations and agencies, The Branch Libraries seek to be central to their communities, inspiring a sense of belonging and goodwill, and responding to and celebrating the diversity and character of the distinctive neighborhoods of the City.

Description:
The New York Public Library consists of 87 libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island: four world-acclaimed research libraries, a large network of neighborhood branch libraries, four central libraries with in-depth subject collections, and a library for the blind and physically handicapped. All libraries in the NYPL system may be used free of charge by all visitors.

The Branch Libraries has an established volunteer led adult basic literacy program in 10 branches. The Centers for Reading and Writing help adults who have difficulties with reading and writing to actualize the goals and improve their communication skills in a student-centered environment. The Centers provide instruction in small groups, facilitated by volunteer tutors who are recruited, trained and supported by professional staff members.

History:
The history of The New York Public Library begins more than 100 years ago. As the 19th century drew to a close, New York, the greatest city in America, still had no real public library. But thanks to a handful of visionaries and millions upon millions of users, The New York Public Library today is internationally recognized as one of the greatest institutions of its kind.

The origins of this remarkable institution date back to the time when New York was emerging as one of the world's most important cities. Fortunately, this burgeoning and somewhat brash metropolis counted among its citizens men who foresaw that if New York was indeed to become one of the world's great centers of urban culture, it must also have a great library.

Prominent among them was one-time governor Samuel J. Tilden (1814-1886), who upon his death bequeathed the bulk of his fortune -- about $2.4 million -- to "establish and maintain a free library and reading room in the city of New York."

At the time of Tilden's death, New York already had two libraries of considerable importance -- the Astor and Lenox libraries -- but neither could be termed a truly public institution in the sense that Tilden seems to have envisioned. The Astor Library was created through the generosity of John Jacob Astor (1763-1848), a German immigrant who at his death was the wealthiest man in America. In his will he pledged $400,000 for the establishment of a reference library in New York.

New York's other principal library during this time was founded by James Lenox and consisted primarily of his personal collection of rare books (which included the first Gutenberg Bible to come to the New World), manuscripts, and Americana. Located on the site of the present Frick Collection, the Lenox Library was intended primarily for bibliophiles and scholars. While use was free of charge, tickets of admission were required.

Contact people:

Ismael Alicea, Coordinator, Community Outreach Services, (212) 340-0918, (email) Susan Gitman, Assistant Coordinator, Community Outreach Services, (212) 340-0918, (email) Ken English, Literacy Project Director, (212) 340-0918, (email)

Address:

The New York Public Library, Office Of Community Outreach Services, 455 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10016 (See a map)

Directions:

By Subway/Train: B, D, F or Q, Sixt Avenue to 42nd Street; walk east to Fifth Avenue. A, C or E, Eight Avenue to 42nd Street; transfer to # 7, Flushing Line (express or local) to Fifth Avenue. 1, 2,. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Grand Central Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: M1 to 40 Street and Fifth Avenue, 1 minute walk