Edward Geier Freehafer records, 1948-1971.

Links

• View catalog record
• View finding aid

Creator

New York Public Library. Central Administration. Director's Office.

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

• 45 linear feet (63 boxes).

Scope/Contents Note

Records pertain to financial matters, library space, preservation of older library materials, acquisitions of new collections of art, manuscripts and rare books, and the introduction of library automation. Collection consists mostly of correspondence but also includes clippings, memoranda, newsletters, press releases, reportsand speeches. Correspondence with government agencies, corporations, foundations, and other libraries, as well asNew York Public Library offices and departments, make up the bulk of the collection. Records concerning the fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of the Central Building in 1961 mainly document the planning of events and community responses to the anniversary. Freehafer's personal files contain materials not directly related to the Library, such as membership in professional associations, travels, family genealogy, personal friendships, philanthropy, and travel. Records, 1956-1970,of the Assistant Director, John Cory, concern the planningand construction of the library at Lincoln Center.

Biographical/Historical Note

Edward Geier Freehafer (1909-1985) was Director of the NewYork Public Library from 1954 to 1971. Except for a brief tenure in 1944-1945 as Assistant Librarian of the Brown University Library, he spent his entire career at N.Y.P.L.Between 1932 and 1954, he was Chief of the American History and Genealogy Division, Chief of the Personnel Office and Chief of the Reference Dept. He also served as Acting Director before assuming the directorshop in 1954. As Director he oversaw the expansion of the Library and its services which had begun under the previous Director, Ralph A. Beals. During Freehafer's tenure, sixteen new branch libraries were built, a new annex was acquired to house research materials, and acquisition budgets were increased.

Controlled Access Terms

• Freehafer, Edward Geier, 1909-1985.
• Cory, John Mackenzie.
• New York Public Library. Central Administration. Director's Office.
• New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
• Libraries -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Research libraries -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Public libraries -- Administration -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Libraries -- Special collections.
• Libraries -- Automation.
• Library planning.
• Library finance.
• Books -- Conservation and restoration.
• Speeches.
• Librarians.

Additional Creator Name

• (CStRLIN)NYPW92-A12