Elmhurst Branch, Designed by Lord & Hewlett and completed in 1906, the Elmhurst Branch typified the suburban style of Carnegie libraries. It was a single story, freestanding structure within a larger lot. The library was built with an original landscaped rear garden, which was removed and replaced with a parking in the mid 20th century. The surrounding neighborhood, established as Dutch community in the 17th century, became a thriving multi-ethnic enclave in the 20th century. As such the library offered publications in Bengali, Chinese, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Urdu. The Georgian Revival building survived 106 years through numerous renovations and additions before it was demolished in 2012, much to the disappointment of preservationists. It was replaced in 2016 by a larger modern glass and masonry structure.

📚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. 📚