10. General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen Lock Collection

The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of the City of New York was founded in 1785 by the skilled craftsmen of the City. The Society’s soaring, light-filled Library, located on the ground floor of its Midtown building, is the second oldest library in New York City, and one of only three remaining private membership circulating libraries. The building also houses the John M. Mossman Lock Collection, which contains more than 370 locks, keys, and tools, dating from 4,000 BC to the early 20th century.