Brooklyn Apprentices' Library

Description

The Brooklyn Apprentices' Library Association was founded in 1823 by Brooklyn citizens, including philanthropist Augustus Graham, to aid youths in becoming "useful and respectable members of society." It was the first free circulating library in Brooklyn, modeled after the Apprentices' Library of Philadelphia. Initially located in Brooklyn Heights, the library moved to the Brooklyn Lyceum in 1841. In 1843, it merged with the Brooklyn Lyceum to form the Brooklyn Institute, which eventually became the Brooklyn Museum.

Established, 1823

Constructed, 1825

Moved, 1841

Related People & Organizations

Marquis de Lafayette,A building site for the Brooklyn Apprentices' Library was found at the intersection of Cranberry and Henry Streets in Brooklyn Heights, and the cornerstone for the library was placed by General Lafayette on Independence Day 1825

Walt Whitman,This event was witnessed by a six year old Walt Whitman who six decades later wrote about his memory of seeing Lafayette place the cornerstone. He also recalled that Lafayette picked him up and kissed him on that day, and was generally enthralled by the general's charismatic good-natured demeanor. Whitman would later work as a librarian at the Brooklyn Apprentices' Library.

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An engraving of the Brooklyn Apprentices' Library

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37-24, 24th St, Suite 102, Long Island City, NY 11101