Stone Avenue Library

1914 - present

Founded as the Brooklyn Children's Library, and thought to be the first library specifically created for children. The library opened in 1914 in response to the over-demand on the Brownsville Library. The library's construction was funded by a gift from Andrew Carnegie to the Brooklyn Public Library and has unique architectural features that distinguish the Stone Ave Library from other Carnegie libraries. The idea for a children's library was the brainchild of Clara W. Hunt, who served as the Brooklyn Public Library's Superintendent of Work With Children. In the 1940s, the library began serving teenagers as well. It served as the headquarters for teenage groups from Brownsville, including the Brownsville Boys Club, and the Girls Club. Today the Brownsville Heritage House a cultural center created by Rosetta "Mother" Gaston in the 1980s, is on the second floor of the library.

Stone Ave Library
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Details

Category
Library
Corporate Body
Brooklyn Public Library
Tags
philanthropy, childrensspace, library

Location

  • 581 Mother Gaston Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA
    ? - ?

References

  1. n.d. “Stone Avuene Library- History.” Brooklyn Public Library. Accessed on 4/01/2024.
  2. Noonan, Theresa. "Brooklyn Public Library Stone Avenue Branch." New York City Landmark Preservation Commission. April 14, 2015. https://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2568.pdf
  3. Kazin, Alfred. "A Walker in the City." New York: Harcourt Press, 1951.