What is the NYPL Picture Collection?
The New York Public Library Picture Collection contains over 1.5 million circulating images clipped from books and magazines, organized by subject heading. Covering over 12,000 subjects, the Picture Collection is the largest circulating collection and reference archive of its kind in any public library system. Since its creation in 1915, by the pioneering librarian Romana Javitz, the NYPL Picture Collection has met the needs of New York’s large community of artists, illustrators, designers, teachers, students, and general researchers.
The Friends of the Picture Collection is a loose group of enthusiasts who periodically, since the 1940s, band together to show our support.
