The date on the large marble plaque to the left of the door reads: 4th of July 1928 in Roman numerals. This was the date of the new library’s inauguration. Does this date ring a bell? The day on which the United States celebrate Independence Day is, indeed, the 4th of July. Just look around you carefully and take note of the walls and pillars. Do you see the inscriptions? These are the names of the hundreds of institutions that financially supported the library’s rebuilding. Most of the donors were American educational institutions. But there were also others. Near the beginning of the marble staircase of honor, for example, you can see the inscription of the New York Police Department on the pillar to the right. Apparently, the NYPD of the 1920s boasted a great many book lovers as well

Take the staircase of honor to the first landing. Near the bust the next story will be told.

Would you like to listen to the walking instructions once again? Press A.

A