Controversial steel magnate Andrew Carnegie donated millions. It helped build libraries across New York City. Welcome to the Tompkins Square Library. This branch stands as a testament to community and knowledge.
The Tompkins Square Library opened its doors December 1, 1904. It quickly became a vital resource for the Lower East Side. Before this location it was the Fifth Street Branch of the Aguilar Free Library. The branch relocated three times.
Esteemed architects McKim Mead and White designed this branch. They designed many Carnegie libraries. Michael Reid and Company built it. The Tompkins Square Branch is one of 67 Carnegie libraries. These were built throughout the city. This branch cost about $5.2 million.
Notice the Italian Renaissance Revival style. The building has rusticated pilasters. Look for the tympanums with stone carvings above the second-floor windows. The pilasters support a frieze. It has swags and shields.
Inside the Tompkins Square Library boasts sixteen-foot ceilings. A spacious children’s room is located on the second floor. Light floods through tall arched windows. It creates inviting spaces for reading and learning.
The Tompkins Square Library has always served diverse ethnic populations. These include German Italian Jewish Polish and Ukrainian communities. Since the 1960s it has been a hub for the arts community. The library held one of the most extensive Polish book collections in the city.
In 1960 architect Tito di Vincenzo remodeled the library. In 1996 RKT and B Architects made it handicapped accessible. This was under the Adopt-a-Library program.
The library is close to a Boys Club building. It is behind a public bath. This fulfilled Carnegie’s vision. He wanted libraries near public buildings. The location would increase its usefulness.
The Tompkins Square Library offers many programs. There are picture book readings for toddlers. There are yoga classes. Art and manga drawing workshops are available too.
The library also provides free English classes for adults. There are ESOL classes online and in person. In-person literacy classes are also available. A Teen Center offers digital resources and tech equipment. There is a STEAM Discovery Kit. It allows kids to explore robotics coding and engineering.
Consider the motto carved in stone Labore et Constantia. It means With Effort and Perseverance. The Tompkins Square Library stands as a landmark. It embodies these values. It continues to serve and enrich the community.