Photographs offer a powerful way to observe how libraries have changed over time, capturing the various ways these institutions have adapted to meet the needs of their patrons, evolving social roles, and even architectural trends. With the New York Public Library Visual Materials collection, visitors can browse hundreds of images taken at a variety of New York branch libraries over the past two centuries. One such image is an historic etching of the architecturally distinct Astor Library, which opened in 1854. Another striking photograph, dated from 1902, depicts a crowded room of children at the Chatham Square Library (some of these youth appear distracted by the camera, while others are engrossed in their books). Meanwhile, a 1952 postcard offers Christmas Greetings from Great Kills Library, alongside an image of three children peering into the library's windows. This extensive collection of unique images offers a glimpse into the diverse roles played by public libraries throughout history