What are the names of the two lions in front of the main branch of the New York Public Library and who gave them these names?

Susan Mann

According to the New York Library, The New York City Library has two Stone lions named Patience and Foritude. Phone: (212) 704-8676 http://www.midtownretail.com/Midtown-Manhattan-Directory/Map/823106.html http://www.nypl.org/press/2001/lionswcaps.cfm [Links added Feb. 22, 2008 by Zbeckabee] Jun 21 00, 11:34 PM

McGruff

The nicknames of the lions have changed over the decades. First they were called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox, after The New York Public Library founders John Jacob Astor and James Lenox. Later, they were known as Lord Astor and Lady Lenox. During the 1930s, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia named them Patience and Fortitude, for the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the economic depression. These names have stood the test of time: Patience still guards the south side of the library's steps and Fortitude sits unwaveringly to the north. http://www.nypl.org/pr/lions.cfm [Link added Feb. 22, 2008 by Zbeckabee] Mar 05 04, 4:43 PM