Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. The main entrance of the library is guarded by two marble lions. In the midst of the Great American Depression (1930s), New York Mayor LaGuardia named these guardians after the two qualities he believed New Yorkers needed to endure the hardships of the time. What did he call them?
2. NYPL contains many special areas. Astor Hall is one of largest and most wonderful interior expanses in New York. What is its primary purpose?
3. In 1944, an executive of a large tobacco company bequeathed his personal library to the NYPL. Each book and artifact in this extensive collection relates to his occupation. Which childhood book is included in the "Tobacco Collection"?
4. The NYPL's Berg Collection contains one of only thirteen existing copies of Edgar Allan Poe's first published poem (1827). What is the title?
5. The NYPL was a complete success from the day it first opened its doors to the public. Lines formed as many people wished to experience the initial opening. What was the topic of the first book requested by the first reader on opening day?
6. The NYPL has many odd collections donated by rich families of New York. The library contains many items called "Elephant Folios". What are they?
7. NYPL is home to a renowned Conservation Laboratory. Its mission is the repair and preservation of myriad historical maps, parchments, letters, books and prints. What is the most common problem these wonderful preservationists face?
8. The NYPL originally shelved books according to the established system of the time; most libraries used the "fixed position system" based on height and date of acquisition. In 1876, Mr. Melvil Dewey was gainfully employed at the Amherst College library and decided this system disordered the diversity of his distribution of literary works. He then designed a different classification system, which was soon adopted by the NYPL. What is it called?
9. The NYPL has many interesting collections. Included in one is the favorite letter opener of a famous British author. Its shaft is made of ivory and its handle is made of the embalmed paw of the cat named Bob (claws and all). Who is rumored to have originally owned this strange item of memorabilia? (Hint - think of a famous holiday tale).
10. The original architects of the New York Public Library were well known in the early 1900s. John Merven Cerrere and Thomas Hastings designed not only the exterior of this Beaux Arts icon, but also focused on interior fixtures. Which of the following did they NOT design?
Source: Author
Jinxgirl
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trident before going online.
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