Reading Room: A Catalog of New York City’s Branch Libraries

The Center for Architecture is proud to present Reading Room: A Catalog of New York City’s Branch Libraries, an exhibition featuring the work of architectural photographer Elizabeth Felicella documenting all 210 branches of New York City’s extensive public library systems in more than 1,700 photographs. Felicella’s subtle yet clear and technically accomplished photographs depict the libraries from varying vantage points – from full-scope exterior shots to intimate studies of window plants and pencil sharpeners – inviting the viewer to appreciate the intricacy, complexity, and vast scope of these vital and evolving public resources.

Reading Room: A Catalog of New York City’s Branch Libraries is an ongoing research project by Elizabeth Felicella. Almost all of the information on architects and renovations to the buildings has been provided directly by the libraries themselves, but there are still gaps in this research.

AIA New York is committed to raising the profile of architects and crediting architects for the buildings they design.

As a community of designers and enthusiasts, we invite you to share information about the original architects or renovations that you don’t see listed currently on the labels. The labels will be updated throughout the duration of the exhibition as more information becomes available.