Jump to content

User:Ginamshelton/sandbox/Pratt Institute Libraries

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pratt Institute Libraries
Main library at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY
LocationNew York City, United States
TypeAcademic library
ScopeArt, architecture, design, library science
Established1888
Branches1
Other information
Websitelibrary.pratt.edu

Pratt Institute Libraries is the academic library system of Pratt Institute. The main library is located on the main campus in Brooklyn, NY, with a branch library in Manhattan. The collection focus includes the arts, architecture, design, information science and allied fields. Holdings include 200,000 printed volumes, over 600 periodicals, rare books, and the institute’s archives.[1] It has the distinction of being the “first free public library in Brooklyn” [2] and has a landmark designation for the building in Brooklyn.[3]

History

[edit]

The library at Pratt Institute opened in 1888 in the Main Building on Pratt’s campus in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. [4][5] The library moved into a new building located on Ryerson Street in May 1896.[3] Originally called the Pratt Institute Free Library it was open to anyone who lived or worked in Brooklyn.[2] By 1940, the Brooklyn Public Library supported the needs of the community and the Pratt Libraries closed to the public.

Architecture

[edit]

The Libraries’ current Brooklyn building was designed by William B. Tubby, with interiors by Tiffany Decorating and Glass Company. The three-story, brick building was designed in a Renaissance Revival style.[3] A feature of the interior is a marble staircase and pillars. The floors of the book-stacks are made of glass and the book stacks are a design by Library Bureau, which include oak shelves and copper-plated, iron supports.[5] Early renovations included the addition of a Children’s Porch in 1912 to provide direct access to the Children’s Room. The North Porch was added in the 1930’s by architect John Mead Howells.[6] Renovations in the early 1980’s by architects Cavaglieri and Gran included the removal of the Children’s Porch, the creation of an outdoor mall, underground stacks, study areas, and classroom, and the addition of a climate-control system.[7] In 1981 the library building in Brooklyn was officially designated a New York City Landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Brooklyn Campus Library: About the Library". Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Pratt Boasts Oldest Library in Brooklyn". No. Brooklyn Section. New York Journal American. 18 March 1958. p. 1.
  3. ^ a b c Pearson, Marjorie (1981). "Pratt Institute Library Designation Report (LP-2011)" (PDF). Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  4. ^ Perry, Walter Scott (1930). Pratt Institute: Its Beginning and Development (2nd ed.). Brooklyn, NY. pp. 11–12.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ a b Avery, Mary L. (1896). "The Evolution of the Pratt Institute Free Library". Pratt Institute Monthly. 4 (10): 287–301.
  6. ^ The Pratt Library 100th Anniversary Celebration.
  7. ^ Moin, David (26 September 1980). "Ceremonies Mark Start of Pratt Library Renovation". North Brooklyn News. p. 5.
[edit]

Official website

Category:Libraries in New York City Category:University and college academic libraries in the United States Category:Landmarks in Brooklyn Category:Buildings and structures in Brooklyn