New York Public Library - Explore Books, Resources & Events | Perfect for Students, Researchers & Book Lovers

New Yorkers had plenty of time to decide whether they liked the New York Public Library's monumental building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street: it took 11 years to build. Here it is seen almost complete as pedestrians, carriages and cars roam outside the New York City landmark. Missing here are the library's two famous marble lions - Patience and Fortitude - which were not added until the official opening of the building in 1911.