Astor Library

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The Astor Library
The Astor Library building in 1854
40°43′45″N 73°59′30″W / 40.72917°N 73.99167°W / 40.72917; -73.99167
Location	Manhattan, New York, United States
Type	Public Research Library
Established	January 18, 1849
Dissolved	May 23, 1895
Collection
Size	294,325 (1895)
Access and use
Circulation	225,477 volumes consulted (1895)
Type	Library
Location	425 Lafayette St, New York City
Coordinates	40°43′45″N 73°59′30″W / 40.729167°N 73.991667°W / 40.729167; -73.991667
Area	Manhattan
Built	1850–1853
Restored	January 7, 1987
Architect	Alexander Saeltzer
Architectural style(s)	Rundbogenstil
Owner	New York City
New York City Landmark
Designated	October 26, 1965
Reference no.	LP-0016

The Astor Library was a free public library in the East Village, Manhattan, developed primarily through the collaboration of New York City merchant John Jacob Astor and New England educator and bibliographer Joseph Cogswell and designed by Alexander Saeltzer. It was primarily meant as a research library, and its books did not circulate. It opened to the public in 1854, and in 1895 consolidated with the Lenox Library and the Tilden Foundation to become the New York Public Library (NYPL). During this time, its building was expanded twice, in 1859, and 1881.