1. Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library

Opened in November of 1908, the Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library is located on 203 West 115th Street. The firm McKim, Mead, and White designed the “rusticated Italian palazzo style” three-floor building. In 1967, the building was declared a city landmark and in 1980, a national landmark.

The name was just changed this year to pay homage to Harry Belafonte, civil rights leader and supporter of free and equal education who was a purveyor of social justice. The library offers a community space that is used for after-school programs for the neighborhood children.

Next, check out 5 Authors Who Crafted Novels Around the Culture and Influence of NYC and 8 Homes of Famous Writers from Truman Capote to Edith Wharton. Get in touch with the author @LitByLiterature.