James Baldwin and NYPL

James Baldwin was born in Harlem on August 2, 1924, and was a patron of The New York Public Library from a young age. In the course of his groundbreaking career, his writing and activism propelled him to international prominence, and his novels and essays continue to be widely read today. His papers, manuscripts, and other historical materials are stewarded by the Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and form the basis of our two celebratory exhibitions, which feature many materials that have never before been on public display.

Thank You

The James Baldwin Papers were acquired through the generosity of the Ford Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, James and Morag Anderson, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and New York Life. Support for processing has been provided by the Arcus Foundation.

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