The Aguilar Branch of the New York Public Library was among only a few circulating libraries built particularly to benefit poorer Jewish immigrants in New York and was the only building commissioned and erected by the Aguilar Free Library Society. It was enlarged and given a new facade after the consolidation with the New York Public Library in 1903 with funds from Andrew Carnegie.
It serves as a reminder of the legacy of private philanthropic support of the city’s libraries during the late nineteenth century. It is a distinguished Classical Revival style design by the architectural firm Herts & Tallant, predominantly theater architects. It retains great architectural integrity, and continues to be used as a public library.
STATUS Designated Individual Landmark
The Neighborhood
East Harlem
East Harlem encompasses a large section of northeastern Manhattan bounded by 96th Street, 142nd Street, Fifth Avenue and the Harlem River. Also known as El Barrio, the area is famous as one of the largest predominantly Latino neighborhoods in the city. Echoing development patterns across...
Explore the Neighborhood >