2 members tickets, 1840s
Scope and Contents
There is not a large quantity of material representing the Brooklyn Apprentice's Library, but it is represented well by the meeting minutes and early constitution.
Dates
- 1840s
Creator
- From the Series: Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences (Organization)
Biographical / Historical
What is now considered the Brooklyn Museum was founded on August 7, 1823 as the Brooklyn Apprentices' Library (BAL). The BAL was the first public library in Brooklyn. The BAL wanted to provide educational materials to local youths, and apprentices. The founders believed in the power of education as a moral good. Utilizing memberships and capital campaigns, the founders raised money to purchase a plot of land and build a permanent buidling to house the library. On July 4, 1825 General Layfayette placed the cornerstone at the southwest corner of Henry and Cranberry Streets in what is now Brooklyn Heights. The new building was completed in 1825. In 1828 members of the BAL broke off the create the Brooklyn City Library which operated as a completely free public library. Due to financial struggles and decreasing memberships, the BAL was forced to sell its building to city of Brooklyn, and from 1835-1840 it frequently moved locations between its original building and the Brooklyn Lyceum. In 1835 Walt Whitman served as Librarian to the BAL.
Extent
From the Series: 5 volume/s
Arrangement
Meeting minutes listed first, followed chronologically.
Repository Details
Part of the Brooklyn Museum Archives Repository