The New York Public Library Free Admission Friday

Free Admission Friday at The New York Public Library - see INFO below. Following an open competition among scores of the city's most prominent architects, the relatively unknown firm of Carrre and Hastings was selected to design and construct the new library. The result, regarded as the apogee of Beaux-Arts design, was the largest marble structure ever attempted in the United States. Before construction could begin, however, some 500 workers had to spend two years dismantling the reservoir and preparing the site. The cornerstone was finally laid in May 1902. Work progressed slowly but steadily on the monumental Library which would eventually cost 9 million to complete. During the summer of 1905, the huge columns were put into place and work on the roof was begun. By the end of 1906, the roof was finished and the designers commenced five years of interior work. In 1910, 75 miles of shelves were installed to house the immense collections. More than one million books were set in place for the official dedication of the Library on May 23, 1911some 16 years to the day since the historic agreement creating the Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations had been signed. The ceremony was presided over by President William Howard Taft and was attended by Governor John Alden Dix and Mayor William J. Gaynor. More Info below.