New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-09-16

to buy books which he succeeded in doing to great
advantage on account of the political disturbances
of 1S4S. The books were arranged in hired house
in BOnd-st. until q permanent building could be
erected the easterly side of Lafayette-pace,
lot, IS feet front by 100 deep, hav-
ing been designated in the will. build
ing covering this lot was erected from the
designs of Alexander Saeltzer in the Byzantine
STYLE the lower story of brown stone and the upper
two OF red brick. Within. marble staircase led up
to the main hall, which was made open through
two STORIES with large skylight above. Around
this hall, both stories, were built alcoves
capable of containing about 100000 books. This
building opened to the public January 3
1854, with abont So 600 volumes, arranged on the
system OF Brunei. The collection remarkably
comprehensive and valuable the trustees concurrin"
in the views of the superintendent to the policy
OF making the library of reference only. The
hours during which it opened were from 10
am. TO pm.
In October, 1855, William b. Aston, son of the
founder conveyed to the trustees by deed of gift
piece Of land adjoining the library the north,
so feet front by 100 deep. and announced
his intention of erecting thereon addition of
the size and design the existing building.
The enlarged library opened to the public Sep
TENDER /, 1859, with about 10000 volumes, the
old hall being appropriated to science and the
industrial arts and the new hall to history and
literature. In 1851 the superintendent com
pleed the publication Of alphabetical catalogue
by authors. in four volumes, and soon after re-
signed his office. Francis Schroeder appointed
his place. Dr. Cogswell however retained his trus
teeship and undertook the preparation of an index
of subjects which was published i'll 1866 Mr. Aston
then made further donation Of $50. OOO $4,000 of
which to be spent in books He took special inter
est in the archaeological department, ard, next to
that, in the ancient classics. He had been pup!
of Bunsen and a student at Gottingen Mr. Astor
died November "a. 1875, leaving bequest to the
library of $4,000, making his entire bencfaction
upward of S550,O0O. These donations were made,
as he stated to the Board of Trustees, tho
understanding that the contents of the library
should not be lent out
In November, 1879, John Jacob Astor grandson
of the founder conveyed to the trustees by deed Of
Gift n piece of land adjoining the library ON the
north, 70 feet front by 100 Deep and proceeded 10
erect thereon ap addition of about the same size
| about goo iert front by 100 deep. At the same
| time additional story was put upon the middle
| hail, and entrance and staircase constructed
| IN the centre of the building. the old stairs To
The, south hall having been renewed. The
architect is Thomas Stent, ana the entire cost of
land; building aud furniture Will he about 1000.
| The building thus completed viii he opened TO the
public early in next month with nearly 200 900
| volumes. The capacity of the three balls is about
! 100000 volumes, with room loI 200 600 more on
| the or und toor. at present moccuped. The rear
| raugemert now iu progress has III view the appro-
pratlon of the main toor OF south hall To Ll1era.
! lure and Art, and tue main HOOr OF the North Hall
| to History. Tho lhlr floor OF the South Hall
is intended for Science and the scientific professions
and the third floor OF the North Hall for Philosophy
and the ethical professions. he Middle Hail wall
contain special colecti III constant USE the gen
erai delivery and the catalogues; the principal read
| ne-rooms being III the North and South Halls.
Pilgrims of research" who des re to make ext en-
sive investigations, may i'll addition to the nse OF
The reading-Iooms, obtain the privilege of study in
| the alcoYes, by filing letter of recommendation
| from trustee of the library or other
responsible citizen. The lib airy is to lie opor at
9 clock in the morning the year round. except
Sundays and holidays. II viii close at 8, changing
| to 1870 and IN the short days Of winter.
Last year the trustees authorized the preparation
| of Z printed catalogue in continuation Of DR..
CogSwells. bringing the work down tn the end of
1880. card catalogue of acceSsions since the be-
ginning uf 1881 has been started the dictionary
plan, with authors and subjects III one alphabet.
| Until the aforementioned printed catalogue is
| published. supplement attributed TO DR.. Cogswcn.
| and convenient card catalogue prepared for the
| most part under the superntendency ri J. Carson
| BreVoolt, Will remain i'll This card catalogue
| is III two separate branches authors and subjects
| The present superintendent is Robbins Little. The
| officers of the Board of Trustees Alexander
Hamilton, president; Henry Drisler, secretary and
| John Jacob AStor treasurer.