Alanson T. Briggs records, 1901-1913, 1901-1910 (bulk)

Links

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Creator

New York Public Library. Board of Trustees. Agent for Carnegie Sites.

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

• 9.5 cubic feet.

Scope/Contents Note

Collection consists of letter books and correspondence; typescript, handwritten and printed reports and memoranda;statistical tables and graphs; appraisals; blueprints; deed; insurance policies; photographs; sketches; clippings; petitions; and invitations to branch openings. While most of the material pertains to the N.Y.P.L. Carnegie branches, this collection also contains materialson other topics of interest. In addition to information onCarnegie branches in Brooklyn and Queens, there are reports and memoranda, tables and graphs, statistics and budgets relating to these two library systems, as well as to the N.Y.P.L. The collection also contains a transcript of New York Library laws; memoranda on the history of the New York, Brooklyn and Queens public libraries; and material relating to a conflict between the libraries and the Bookbinders' Union, to the sale of the Lenox Library, and to the 42nd Street Building. Of particular interest are the photographs of the Carnegie sites under construction.

Biographical/Historical Note

Through his connection with the firm of Olin, Rives and Montgomery and as secretary to George L. Rives, one of theoriginal trustees of the N.Y.P.L., Briggs became Clerk of the Board of Trustees and in 1901 was appointed Agent for Carnegie Sites. As Agent, Briggs' main duties were to assist the Board in selecting sites for Carnegie branches;to examine and, in conjunction with a Board of Appraisors,appraise each site approved by the Board; to negotiate thepurchase of sites; to report to both the City and the Library on the progress of negotiations and construction; and to represent the Library in any issue connected with the Carnegie program. Briggs worked as Carnegie Agent for nine years, until 1910. During this period he also served as Agent for the Carnegie programs in Queens and Brooklyn.After leaving the Library, Briggs served as Secretary of the Court House Board and practiced law independently.

Controlled Access Terms

• Briggs, Alanson T., 1871-1946.
• New York Public Library. Board of Trustees. Clerk.
• New York Public Library.
• Brooklyn Public Library.
• Queens Public Library.
• Lenox Library.
• Libraries -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Research libraries -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Public libraries -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Branch libraries -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Library buildings.
• Library sites.
• Photoprints.
• Blueprints.
• Charts.

Additional Creator Name

• (CStRLIN)NYPW92-A125