Press Release

Uris Brothers Foundation Gives $3 Million for Children's Book Endowment to The New York Public Library

June 25, 1998, New York City: It was announced today that The Uris Brothers Foundation, Inc. has made a $3 million grant to The New York Public Library to establish an endowment for children's books and materials in the 85 Branch Libraries throughout Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx. This endowment will allow the Library to purchase a selection of books for children that complement current holdings, including pictures books, alphabet and counting books, books of fiction, adventure, fantasy, fairy tales, and poetry.

Norman Holman, Director of The Branch Libraries, said, "The $3 million Uris Brothers Foundation grant is particularly beneficial to The New York Public Library because it addresses an active need for new books for children, and contributes to a stable funding base for book purchases each year."

Julie Cummins, Coordinator of Children's Services, said, "This endowment allows The Branch Libraries to fulfill our mission to provide the best books and materials that help children grow, learn, and blossom. The Library will be able to purchase nearly 13,000 new children's books each year as a result of this grant."

The Children's Collections of The New York Public Library are made up of materials designed to serve the needs of all children from infancy through the sixth grade, as well as their parents and teachers. These collections encompass a wide range of print and non-print materials, including books, periodicals, audiocassettes, compact discs, videotapes, computer software, and electronic materials.

For nearly ninety years, the Office of Children's Services of The New York Public Library has been nationally recognized as a leader in librarianship with the creation of sophisticated age-specific programs, recommended reading lists, and high standards for materials. Today, Children's Librarians respond to the changing needs of their young users, with a new focus on technology, and continue to mix tradition with innovation to serve a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual community. The Library strives to establish a relationship with children in support of education, but also to cultivate an enjoyment of reading and lifelong learning. There are 80 Children's Rooms located in the 85 Branch Libraries throughout three boroughs of New York City, providing safe and inspiring places for toddlers and young children to explore ideas and to experience the joy of reading, regardless of income or neighborhood.

The Uris Brothers Foundation, Inc. donated nearly $1 million between 1975 and 1995 to The New York Public Library in support of various research and branch library initiatives. The Library is one of six New York cultural institutions to receive funding from the Uris Brothers Foundation's $30 million final grant series that was announced today, also including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park Conservancy, Carnegie Hall, Thirteen/ WNET, and the New School.

The Uris Brothers Foundation was founded in 1957 by brothers Percy and Harold Uris, two of the most influential real estate developers in New York City. The sons of a Russian immigrant ironworker, the brothers formed the foundation because they wanted to give something back to the city that had been so welcoming to their father, and subsequently their own business efforts. In recent years, the foundation has donated about $2 million a year to New York City charities, particularly those focusing on education and housing.

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