 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2014) |
| The Astor Library | |
|---|---|
 The Astor Library building in 1854 | |
 | |
| 40°43′45″N 73°59′30″W / 40.72917°N 73.99167°W | |
| Location | Manhattan, New York, United States |
| Type | Public Research Library |
| Established | January 18, 1849 |
| Dissolved | May 23, 1895 |
| Collection | |
| Size | 294,325 (1895) |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 225,477 volumes consulted (1895) |
| Type | Library |
| Location | 425 Lafayette St, New York City |
| Coordinates | 40°43′45″N 73°59′30″W / 40.729167°N 73.991667°W |
| Area | Manhattan |
| Built | 1850–1853 |
| Restored | January 7, 1987 |
| Architect | Alexander Saeltzer |
| Architectural style(s) | Rundbogenstil |
| Owner | New York City |
| Designated | October 26, 1965 |
| Reference no. | LP-0016 |
The Astor Library was a free public library in the East Village, Manhattan, developed primarily through the collaboration of New York City merchant John Jacob Astor and New England educator and bibliographer Joseph Cogswell and designed by Alexander Saeltzer. It was primarily meant as a research library, and its books did not circulate. It opened to the public in 1854, and in 1895 consolidated with the Lenox Library and the Tilden Foundation to become the New York Public Library (NYPL). During this time, its building was expanded twice, in 1859, and 1881.