Inside the Buffalo Public Library, New York From the Early 20th Century

The Buffalo Public Library was founded ca. 1835 as the Young Men’s Association, prominent members included Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain), who was the editor of the Buffalo Express from 1869-1871.

The Young Men’s Association was a private subscription library, meaning that paid membership was required in order to borrow books. In 1883, the Association began a fund-raising campaign for a new building and held an architectural competition, which culminated in Eidlitz’s 1887 design. Upon completion, the Association turned over its collections to the citizens of Buffalo and the Buffalo Public Library was born, with no requirement for dues or membership.