For 119 years, Tremont Library has stood stalwart on the corner of Washington Avenue and East 176th Street in the Bronx. On Tuesday, March 5, Tremont Library was designated as an individual historical landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
This makes it the fifth library in the Bronx — and the fifth and final Carnegie-funded, NYPL-operated library in the borough — to be designated as such, following the Morrisania Library, Woodstock Library, Hunts Point Library and the Mott Haven Library.
The brick library was built in Classical Revival style at the turn of the century in 1905, funded by the famed industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and is one of 14 prominent libraries built by Carrère and Hastings — the same firm that designed the New York Public Library’s historic main branch in Manhattan.
Tremont Library’s designation as a historical landmark means that the LPC must approve of any new alterations, demolitions or constructions to the library and protects the location from “demolition by neglect”.
“Today’s designation is a tribute to this remarkable library, its dedicated staff, and the Tremont community, and reflects the Commission’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the rich history of the Bronx as told through the historic buildings and sites located across the borough,” said LPC Chair Sarah Carroll.
LPC cites the importance of Tremont Library’s community service in the borough through its century of operation. The library has offered reading clubs and English classes to children and immigrants in Tremont since the early 20th century. In the 1950s, Tremont Library was at the forefront of literature and programs on Jewish culture, history and language, and in the 1960s, the library highlighted the Black and Puerto Rican communities it served through its community service and materials. The library has continuously responded to the identities of its people and the needs of its neighborhood since its establishment.
“The New York Public Library’s Tremont branch has served the community for over a century, offering endless opportunities for New Yorkers to advocate for themselves and their education,” said Anthony W. Marx, President of The New York Public Library. “As one of our original Carnegie libraries designed by Carrère and Hastings, the Tremont Library is a shining example of New York City’s past, present, and future. We thank the Landmarks Preservation Commission for designating this historic building a New York City landmark, which recognizes the vital and important role the library plays in the community.”
LPC has designated 25 of 67 Carnegie libraries across the five New York City boroughs.
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