Reynolds Library collection, 1881-1929

Summary

Abstract:
This collection consists of records from and materials related to the Reynolds Library of Rochester, New York. Due to a lack of provenance, this may be an artificial collection. Materials in the collection include ledger books, operating records, manuscripts, and correspondence. The materials date from 1879 to 1935.
Extent:
1.37 Cubic Feet 1 box, 6 volumes and .17 Cubic Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Reynolds Library Collection. [box #,folder # or volume #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the history and activities of the Reynolds Library of Rochester, New York. The Reynolds Library was a private subscription library that served its patrons from 1886 to 1936. Materials in the collection include an instruction book, manuscripts, correspondence, materials on lectures by Professor Dodge and club registrations. These materials date between 1879 and 1935.

Biographical / historical:

Upon the closure of the Athenaeum Library in 1877, Rochester, New York lost its only lending library with substantial literary and non-fiction holdings. The Reynolds family had long supported the Athenaeum Library, which inspired Mortimer F. Reynolds, who was childless, to invest his fortune in the creation of a new subscription library as a memorial to his family. The Reynolds Library receieved its charter from New Yrok State in 1884 and opened its doors on January 6, 1886. The first librarian was Williamm A. Borden. The Reynolds Library initially operated in a space on the third floor of the Reynolds Arcade, moving to the former mansion of Mortimer Reynolds upon his death in 1892.

With the closure of the original Rochester Public Library in 1904, the Reynolds Library became the only circulating library in the city until the new Rochester Public Library opened in 1912. At the same time, the Raynolds Library began to face financial pressure due to an 1896 state law abolishing the previous tax exemption for library-held real estate. As the Raynolds Library was funded through income from the Reynolds Arcade buidling, the tax bills owed by the library slowly ate away at its finances. Despite this handicap, the Reynolds Library continued to grow and develop a diverse collection for decades. It was not until the 1920s that the Reynolds Library began to see serious competition from the rapidly growing Rochester Public Library. Faced with a deteriorating financial situation, the Reynolds Library to merge with another area library -first, that of the University of Rochester, then, following public outcry, with the Rochester Public Library. The latter union was consummated by City Council on December 26, 1933, and was contingent upon the construction of a new Central Library building. This would become the Rundel Memorial Building. A bill alloowing the merger passed the State Legislature and was signed by Governor Lehman in March of 1934. With the Rundel Memorial Building completed, the Reynolds Library shut its doors on September 1, 1936, and moved its collection into the new building.

Acquisition information:
Unknown. All materials are included in the manuscript card catalog, but there is no provenance or acquisition history included. It is likely that most, if not all, were transferred to the Rochester Public Library upon the merger with the Reynolds Library in 1936.
Arrangement:

This collection consists of 6 volumes and 1 box.

Physical description:
The ledger books are poor; weak bindings and many loose pages. Other materials are generally in good condition.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Preferred citation:

Reynolds Library Collection. [box #,folder # or volume #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org