Bronx · NYC landmark
Huntington Free Library and Reading Room
9 Westchester Square · Bronx, New York City
Visit a historic reading room by reservation and explore books, photographs and records of the Bronx's changing neighborhoods.
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NYFE Summary
Peter Van Schaick left money for a free reading room, but the local community declined to pay for its upkeep. Railroad businessman Collis P. Huntington took over the project and opened the library. It served the Town of Westchester before that community became part of New York City.
The Bronx history collection includes books, neighborhood photographs and a geographically indexed set of newspaper articles. Images record ships on Westchester Creek and the arrival of elevated trains. These materials let readers trace changes in particular streets and neighborhoods.
NYFE summary from the official history and visitor sources linked below.
Plan a visit
Check the operator’s current opening, admission and access information before travelling. Historic status does not guarantee public access to every interior.
Official visitor information ↗