Melrose Branch, ca. 1914. Opened on January 14, 1914, the Melrose Branch was the 10th of 13 branches designed by Carrère & Hastings, who also created the NYPL Main Branch. This library is perhaps the mostly substantially altered Carnegie in city (not considering those which were razed). Once a four-story classically proportioned building, the top two stories were removed during a rehabilitation project in 1959. The two-story building now has almost a mid-century design. During that renovation window and door openings were resized and the main facade was also refaced, similarly adding to its mid century look. Despite the drastic reduction of size, the library has continuously functioned since opening in 1914.

📚In 1901 after selling his corporation for $500 million, steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie announced a $5.2 million donation to the City of New York for the construction of public library buildings. With this gift, 67 branch libraries were constructed in the five boroughs between 1903 and 1929. 📚