Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today dedicated the Parks Library at the Arsenal, the Parks Department's Central Park Headquarters. The Parks Library, the first of its kind in New York City devoted solely to books and research materials on parks, open spaces, and New York City history, also includes a collection dedicated to Robert F. Wagner, Jr. The Mayor signed out the first book at today's ceremony, where he was joined by Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern, Columbia University Professor Kenneth Jackson and Phyllis Wagner.
"This library will be a tremendous resource for students and park-goers alike," Mayor Giuliani said. "From the newly restored City Hall Park, to Staten Island's Greenbelt, and to the Bronx's Pelham Bay, our parks, both large and small, have long provided New Yorkers with an escape from the rigors of city living while enriching the history of the City. I know Bobby Wagner would be proud to be represented in this unique collection."
Commissioner Stern said, "The Parks Library, including the Wagner Collection, will be an important resource for government scholars and people interested in conservation, preservation and parks. We hope it will grow over the years and become an oasis of knowledge along the information superhighway."
The Parks Library, made possible by a donation from Borders Books, provides a unique history of the green spaces in the country's most densely populated city. It includes a collection of 1,000 park-related books, documents, and pamphlets from several centuries. Topics also include recreation, sports, architecture, urban ecology, wildlife, politics and planning. By the end of the year, the public will be able to access the library's catalogue through the City's Internet website.
The library features the Wagner Collection, dedicated to the memory of Robert F. Wagner, Jr. (1944-1993), who served as a New York City Council Member, Chairman of the City Planning Commission, Deputy Mayor for Policy, and President of the Board of Education. The Wagner Collection includes master plans, annual reports, and rare, salvaged books.
The Parks Library is located on the second floor of the Arsenal at
830 Fifth Avenue, and will be open to the public during weekdays. The Parks Library will also host a wide range of special events, including children's activities, readings by prominent authors and evening classes.