New York Public Library Statement On Proposed Lion Sculptures Outside of Our Battery Park City Branch

While The New York Public Library cares deeply about the concerns of its patrons, we want to make clear that the proposal to place lion sculptures in front of our Battery Park City branch lies with the Battery Park City Authority, not the Library, which does not have any authority over the sidewalk outside of the branch. We in no way solicited this project, and are learning much of the detail in public meetings. We have already expressed our concerns about maintenance, access and liability related to the lions, but the decision will ultimately not be ours to make. The donation is not being made to the Library, and no library funding will be used for the project.