I heard the rumor for a while, but it’s official that New York Public Library is selling off some of its libraries. The Donnell Library on W53rd and Fifth across from MOMA is the first to go. Granted the plan is to build a hotel on its site and the hotel will give back three floors to the library, so essentially NYPL lost nothing, but still, it just doesn’t feel right to me! I don’t want it to start a dangerous trend where all cultural institutions start selling off their assets to gain a little cash. The article goes on about how Donnell is in serious need of repairs and how it’s falling apart. They definitely painted a dire picture. To be honest the rest of the picture of NYPL isn’t good in any case! From multiple sources I know the institution is in a horrible shape, drastic re-organization plan is going on and moral is low. Maybe the cash from selling Donnell will really help, who knows. Until I see some real benefits coming out of this deal, I remain skeptical.

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4. LibraryThing
5. Pillow Fight

Tagged: Library · New York