Lenox Library

The Lenox Library was a free public reference library which grew out of the private book collection of James Lenox (1800-1880).

A lifelong bachelor of Scottish Presbyterian descent, Lenox inherited a large fortune from his father's commercial import business augmented by astute real estate investments. In 1840 Lenox retired from business to devote himself to his book and art collections. In 1870 the Library's act of incorporation was passed, a nine member board of trustees chosen, and plans were begun for a building to house the collections currently held in Lenox's home. The architect selected was Richard Morris Hunt and the site (donated by Lenox) was on Fifth Avenue between 70th and 71st Streets in Manhattan.

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