☞ ARCHITECTURE: 218 E.125th Street Library

Back on 125th Street, in East Harlem, among the row of 19th and early 20th Century buildings sits one of the first libraries in the area. The New York Free Circulating Library, Harlem Branch was built sometimes in the late 19th century and the top photo shows the new local community kids making use of the cobble stone front streets that existed at the time in this brand new neighborhood. The New York Public Library would eventually take over by 1909 and build an updated structure, two buildings down. The little red building would eventually fall into private hands in later years and lay dormant. Recently, this little reminder of the early years of East Harlem, has become the TWO Fifth Lounge which host nightly events. The building is located next door to the Demolition Depot between 2nd and 3rd Avenue with the 4,5, 6 train at 125th Street being the closest subway line.