New York Public Library. Picture Collection.

The New York Public Library Picture Collection, comprised of clipped illustrations from books, newspapers and magazines as well as loose photographs, prints and postcards, was established in 1914.

The Library assigned Ellen Perkins, a chief cataloger in the Circulation Department, to oversee the program's development. In 1929, Romana Javitz succeeded Perkins as Head of the Picture Collection. During Javitz's long tenure, the collection grew tremendously, access was improved, and use expanded. Javitz retired in 1968 and was succeeded by Lenore Cowan. The Picture Collection was eventually moved from the Central Building to the Mid-Manhattan Library at 5th Avenue and 40th Street.

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