Drawn to the red brick and classical revival design? The Port Richmond Library stands here a monument to learning. It mirrors the rapidly changing community life of Staten Island. This branch of The New York Public Library is rich with stories. We’re at 75 Bennett Street on Staten Island’s North Shore.
Did you know this location is just two blocks from the Kill Van Kull? Facing Veterans’ Park and P.S. 20, the Port Richmond Library’s history is quite fascinating. Sporadic library service marked this area in the 19th century. The Franklin Society started a social library in Factoryville in 1833. Other small libraries popped up but struggled. The Philomen Literary and Historical Society sought funds from Andrew Carnegie. This led to the Tottenville Branch. Then Port Richmond was next.
Andrew Carnegie sought to help those wanting to better themselves. He donated millions to build libraries. The New York Public Library was one of the first to receive Carnegie’s money. Dr. John Billings convinced Carnegie that New York City needed libraries everywhere. Carnegie donated $5.6 million for 56 branches.
Imagine the controversy. Some considered Carnegie’s gift “blood money” because of a violent strike at his steel plant. Others debated who would control the funds. The New York Public Library or City Hall? Fortunately, overwhelming support pushed New York City leaders to act quickly. The city agreed to pay for the libraries’ operations.
George Cromwell set up a committee to decide how to use the Carnegie money on Staten Island. The committee decided two libraries weren’t enough. Port Richmond’s cost came in at a bargain price. It was $25,398.92 for the building and equipment. The site cost only $5,000. Thanks to cheap real estate, plans arose for more libraries. A library building boom had begun.
Carrère and Hastings designed the Port Richmond, Tottenville, and Stapleton branches. Their Classical Revival design is impressive. These buildings are monuments to learning and civic pride. They feature tall ceilings and large arched windows for ample light. Tall pillars flank the entrances.
In 1904, two classmates placed a message in a bottle in the foundation. It was a time capsule for future generations. That time capsule still rests there today. Its contents remain a mystery.
Edmund Nolan placed a second note in a bottle. This note expresses his hopes for Port Richmond’s future. He wrote about Santos Dumont and Thomas Edison. He described transportation in 1904. Nolan asked that whoever found it to publish its contents. Both notes were covered as construction continued.
The Port Richmond Library opened for registration on March 1, 1905. Opening ceremonies included speeches and music. Politicians thanked Carnegie. Edwin Markham contributed a poem to be read.
The library looked different then. A backyard existed where the children’s and reference rooms stand today. Glass partitions divided the main reading room. Gas chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
Miss Gertrude Cohen supervised the new branch. Miss Agnes Morland Campbell became the next branch librarian. On March 20, 1905, Mr. Herman Osmer checked out the first book. The library was open weekdays and evenings.
Story hours were held. Librarians told stories such as “Snow White and Rose Red.” In 1910, the Current Events Bulletin began. It lists activities at the branch each month. A popular item was the stereoscope. It was a 3-D picture viewer.
The library banned children from the adult room to protect them from unsuitable content. Librarians carefully monitored what children borrowed. Discipline was another issue. Children with dirty hands were given soap and water. “Candy apples are dealt with severely,” noted Mrs. Shumway.
Edwin Markham’s son Virgil visited the children’s room. In 1912, Mrs. Shumway began the Atalanta Club. It was a literary society for high school girls. World War I changed the Port Richmond branch. The branch stocked shipbuilding manuals. The war brought a boom to Port Richmond. The library stocked Norwegian and Danish books.
In 1938, construction began on an addition. Workers uncovered Edmund Joseph Nolan’s time capsule. There is no record that Mr. Nolan ever heard of its discovery. The addition included a new children’s room, reference room, and auditorium. It was described as a “miracle of transformation.”
Today, the Port Richmond Library continues to serve. It provides programs for all ages. Free English classes, resume workshops, and story times occur here. The library offers large young adult and Spanish collections. It still houses a collection on Staten Island history. With its inviting space and rich history, the Port Richmond Library remains a vital part of this community.