New York Public Library
New York Public Library
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Full Name and Common Aliases
The New York Public Library is often referred to as NYPL, with its headquarters located in Manhattan's Midtown area.
Birth and Death Dates (Note: The library has not been an individual person)
Founded on May 23, 1854, by Joseph Green Coggswell, the New York Public Library has a rich history spanning over 150 years. Although it doesn't have specific birth or death dates, its evolution is marked by several pivotal moments in the development of public libraries.
Nationality and Profession(s)
The New York Public Library serves as a cultural institution for the city, providing free access to knowledge and resources from diverse backgrounds. As an organization, NYPL does not identify with any particular nationality, but its mission reflects its commitment to serving the global community through literature and education.
Early Life and Background
In 1854, Joseph Green Coggswell, a prominent figure in the city's social scene, initiated the development of what would become one of the largest public library systems in the world. Initially established as the Lenox Library, it was later renamed the New York Public Library after merging with other institutions. This pioneering effort laid the groundwork for the vast collection and state-of-the-art facilities that characterize NYPL today.
Major Accomplishments
Over its long history, NYPL has made numerous significant contributions to the intellectual landscape of New York City:
- The Rose Main Reading Room: Completed in 1911, this iconic space remains a symbol of the library's dedication to public access and knowledge.
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library: Opened in 2019, this modern addition has significantly expanded NYPL's capacity for digital engagement and community outreach.
- Digital Collections: Through its digitization efforts, NYPL provides free online access to an extensive array of historical materials and contemporary works.
Notable Works or Actions
Among the many programs and services offered by NYPL, several stand out as exemplary:
- Author Talks and Book Festivals: These events bring together readers and writers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a love for literature across age groups.
- NYPL Express: This innovative program aims to make library resources accessible to underserved communities through mobile libraries.
- The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: A significant component of NYPL's collection and programming, it focuses on preserving the history and culture of African diasporic peoples.
Impact and Legacy
New York Public Library has had a profound impact on the intellectual landscape of New York City:
- Advancing Education: Through its vast collections and programs, NYPL plays a critical role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning.
- Fostering Community Engagement: Its diverse offerings cater to an array of interests, fostering connections among residents from different walks of life.
- Cultural Preservation: By safeguarding historical materials and supporting contemporary creators, NYPL contributes significantly to the cultural heritage of the city.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
While it is not a single individual, New York Public Library has become synonymous with the pursuit of knowledge in a public setting. Through its enduring commitment to accessibility and community engagement, NYPL continues to inspire generations of readers and learners.
Quotes by New York Public Library
New York Public Library's insights on:
Then there was the raid, the whimper heard round the world, the fall of our gay Bastille.
The queens took the lead in the Stonewall Riots. They walked around in semi-drag with teased hair and false eyelashes on and they didn’t give a shit what anybody thought about them. What did they have to lose? Absolutely fucking nothing.
I was with a group of queens, and we started walking up Christopher Street going, “Gay power! Gay power! Gay power!” We walked all the way to Eighth Avenue, and then we all looked at each other and said, “What do we do now?” So we turned round and walked all the way back down Christopher Street, still yelling, “Gay power!
When people are feeling fabulous, they don’t want to take any crap from anybody, particularly the cops.
GLBT leaders like to criticize young gays for not taking the movement seriously, but don’t listen to them. Just remember that at Stonewall we were defending our right to have fun, to meet each other, and to have sex.
Then everything changed with the Stonewall uprising toward the end of June 1969. And it wasn’t all those crewnecked white boys in the Hamptons and the Pines who changed things, but the black kids and Puerto Rican transvestites who came down to the Village on the subway...
No matter that we were defending a Mafia club. The Stonewall was a symbol, just as the leveling of the Bastille had been. No matter that only six prisoners had been in the Bastille and one of those was Sade, who clearly deserved being locked up. No one chooses the right symbolic occasion; one takes what’s available.
I just want you all to know,” quipped a platinum blond with obvious glee, “that sometimes being homosexual is a big pain in the ass.