Released on September 18, 2007
Originally filmed in 1991 this release contains updated information from 2001 as part of the library’s reopening of the Library for the Performing Arts. This film gives insight on how the library interacts with the communities it serves, the history of the library and an overview of some of the services they offer. The library was founded in 1895 as the combination of two private collections and has since become a vital part of the city. I enjoyed learning some of the history of the library and seeing patrons using the different services offered by the library. As a reference librarian I enjoyed seeing the different reference resources the library makes available. The Science, Industry and Business Library has volunteer successful business people available to support patrons starting their own businesses. The main library has an archive collection (including a draft of the Declaration of Independence in Thomas Jefferson’s handwriting) that had me on their website seeing what had been digitized and made available to the public. I did find the Declaration of Independence and many other amazing images as well. I would recommend this video to all librarians and patrons interested in the New York Public Library’s services and history.
