Othmer Library

[Othmer Library, Long Island Historical Society], circa 1938, V1974.031.65, Long Island Historical Society photographs, V1974.031; Brooklyn Historical Society.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Brooklyn Historical Society’s Othmer Library? If not, you’re in for a treat when you do. The New York City interior landmark was built in 1881 and features a unique truss system, beautiful stained glass, ornately-detailed shelving, and columns made of black ash wood. It is one of the most comprehensive collection of materials on Brooklyn history and culture, and includes over 33,000 books, 1,600 archival collections, 1,200 oral history interviews, 50,000 photographs, 2,000 maps, 8,000 artifacts, and 300 paintings. The library is open to the public and we would love for you to visit during public research hours, Wednesday through Saturday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

The photo of the week depicts the Othmer Library around 1938. This photograph comes from the Long Island Historical Society photographs collection which comprises black and white photographic prints, color photographic prints, and contact sheets documenting the BHS building, as well as the activities of the Long Island Historical Society (now BHS). The bulk of the photographs from this collection are from 1925 to 1980.  If you can’t make the trip to visit the library in person, this collection is the next best thing! We no longer have couches or paintings hanging from the railings, but we have wifi and a comfortable space for research. Check out more photographs from this collection here.

Interested in seeing more photos from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery, which includes a selection of our images. Interested in seeing even more historic Brooklyn images? Visit our Brooklyn Visual Heritage website here. To search BHS’s entire collection of images, archives, maps, and special collections visit BHS’s Othmer Library Wed-Sat, 1:00-5:00 p.m. library@brooklynhistory.org