Huntington Free Library and Reading Room, Historical library in Westchester Square, The Bronx, United States
The Huntington Free Library and Reading Room is a library located in Westchester Square in the Bronx with a non-circulating collection housed across multiple rooms within a Victorian Gothic building. The structure features detailed architectural elements in the gothic style and has been carefully maintained to preserve its original character.
The original building was constructed between 1882 and 1883 with funding from Peter C. Van Schaick, before railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington took over and established it as a free library and reading room in 1891. The contributions of these two key figures shaped the institution, which has remained in continuous operation since then.
The Reading Room displays a large commemorative engraving, an oil painting of Huntington, and a historical map above the fireplace that reflect the people and places tied to this library's origins. These objects help visitors understand who supported the library and what the local area looked like at that time.
This location operates by reservation only, so visitors should contact the staff in advance through phone or email to arrange their research visits ahead of time. This approach allows the team to ensure the rooms are properly prepared and specialized assistance is available.
The building served as a filming location for the television series Boardwalk Empire, which selected it for its well-maintained gothic architectural features. This use in television production helped preserve awareness of the structure's historical appearance in popular culture.
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