New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-27
THE LENOX LIBRARY.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW BUi.DLSG-WnAr IT WILL
CONTAIN.

The Lenox Library, and the building in
which It is to be placed now in course Of erection at
Fhaye and S5venty-seoond-s, opposite Central Park,
are Gift 10 tie city from James LeuOI, already well
known the principal contributor 10 the Presbyterian
Hospital. The structure consists OF main building and
two wngs-eaoh with frontage Of Is feet-extcndiug
s feet from the principal structure, which has front
ago OF V6 feet The depth OF the building through the
wing, ia ia feet IL Is constructed OF limestone, IN
tye Of architecture adapted from tho new Greek and
Tho plans approved by tho Paris School Of Fine Arts.
Many slight deyations from these styles arc
made, but only such Us render the edlhce
more suitable for the climate. The front
Of each wing is surmounted by a pediment. The ped-
ment TO the north will beara sculptured head OF Apollo
ipcosed in an appropriate design while the pedment TO
the south will have bust OF Minerva on the sides of
the building the style Of the front IL repeated ana the
pedments each side Of the same hight Us those In
front These last two pedments viii inclose allogoFical
d. signs representing the ue arts. Tbs main building
% feet IN hight The third Aoor Is supported and ona-
mened by three columns Of Aberdeen granite. The roof
is peaked and ia perfectly proof, being slated and
constructed OF iron raftefs.
The three floors are approached y two flights Of stone
steps The vestbule which is q by sc feet VIII be hled
with statuary and from its size and situation VIII be
admirably adapted for such exhibition. In the rear
of the vesbulo situated the jantOrs apartments
in the north wing the directors roon and in the south
lOs feet in length by 80 feet in depth. aud is therefore
bird larger than either OK the three largo In
the Congressional Library at Washington. IL Is ar
ranged iii for the reception OF bookcases aud
probably the room which will he most generally used by
the public The directors tho opposite side Of
the ycstbue is OF the dimensions the library.
twill also be used the reception OF art treasures and
hooks which may be contributed after the opening OF
the library Upon ascending the staircase and reaching
the second floor another largo yesbnle is found also
destined to be- used as slatuary nall In inc south
wing is another large library and readingrOom or the
same dimensions Immediately beneath it. In
the north wing Is similar room, TO be used as nut
scum and art gallery On this floor n also large room
intended be used as picture gallery, 81 by feet
which Is lighted from the center of the roof. On the
third floor is another room, which will be used as pic
ture gallery, and a number OF apartments
for special purposes. Tao utmost care has
been taken to render tho building fire
proof Tho plans for ventilation and heating
principle adopted by Gen Marin FOR the Sale du Con
lumber Of bookcases required win be made entirely OF
iron. thus securing all tho safety possible In this re-
M Lenox first proposed to present his library to the
city G t state e to Jnhaf T s In ss
charter the following gentlemen were named AS direct
James Lenox, william H. Asplnwall. Hamilton Fish,
Robert Raw, Alexander Van ReEssela er, Daniel Hun
tington, John Fisher Sherie' James Donaldson, and
Tae aci Of Incorporation forth taat the trustees
scripts printed books, engravpgs. and maps. statuary
paintings drawings aud other works OF art also, GER
public library in the CITY OF New-YOrA, aud such real
estate as may convey for site for rho same
peighDOrhOod OF Central Park. The act further empow
er the trustees to spend part exceeding thirds
Of bequeatbed, for erecting the library, In the
purchase OF furniture aud Otner things pertain
lug to library for general use: Tao residue OF
this sum OF money If 20 be used for maintaining and
gradually increasing the library aud defpying the
necessary expenses. In case tho income OF the fund
shall exceed the ordinary expenditure, the trustees
empowered expend the surplus In payment Of public
lectures the lectures be- delivered in the library
upon such subjects history literature. and the
"A
ecs OF the institution; necessary in increasing
the capacity OF the building Another part Of the act
empowers the trustees TO hold any additional grants,
deyises or bequests which may be made In further
support OF the library and It's collections. OF the ec
rs on literary aud scientific subjects there
with The rest OF the TACT gives Instructions TO the
trustees as the investment OF the fund and other
nacessary details The VI the building, IL is est
mated WIN amount TO t;ooooo. The srchect Ia Richard
Nj, Hunt.