Astor Library

The Astor Library
The Astor Library building in 1854
Map
40°43′45″N 73°59′30″W / 40.72917°N 73.99167°W / 40.72917; -73.99167
LocationManhattan, New York, United States
TypePublic Research Library
EstablishedJanuary 18, 1849
DissolvedMay 23, 1895
Collection
Size294,325 (1895)
Access and use
Circulation225,477 volumes consulted (1895)
TypeLibrary
Location425 Lafayette St, New York City
Coordinates40°43′45″N 73°59′30″W / 40.729167°N 73.991667°W / 40.729167; -73.991667
AreaManhattan
Built1850–1853
RestoredJanuary 7, 1987
ArchitectAlexander Saeltzer
Architectural style(s)Rundbogenstil
OwnerNew York City
DesignatedOctober 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.