Photos: NYPL Lions Get Giant Masks on Fifth Avenue

Not to be outdone by the Rockefeller Center statues getting masked, Patience and Fortitude, the lions outside the New York Public Library main branch have gotten their own masks. According to the NYPL, the initiative is intended to “set an example and remind New Yorkers to stay safe and follow expert guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19.” These masks are appropriately lion-sized at 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall.

New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx says, “Patience and Fortitude are the perfect symbols for the strengths our City and our nation need now even more. Like them, New Yorkers are strong and resilient and can weather any storm. We will get to the other side of this public health crisis together. But to do so, we must remain vigilant, we must have patience and fortitude, and we must follow what experts tell us, especially as we continue to reopen our cities. The lions, protectors of knowledge and truth who have seen 109 years worth of history, are setting that example.”

Patience and Fortitude have had a really big year, all things considered. They were restored just last November, celebrated their 109th birthday in May, and were given oversized books of some of the most popular books at the library in February.  In exciting news, NYPL will reopen some branches for grab-and-go service on July 13th and masks will be mandatory.

Next, check out the Top 10 Secrets of the New York Public Library.