Title: Wasted space, but not for long

Photographer: Jules Geller

Date: 1952

Format: 1 photographic print: b & w, gelatin silver; 8 x 10 in.

Call #: CBPL 0111

Caption: "Wasted space, but not for long--This photo, taken in the sub-basement of the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza, shows the original foundations of the building that was planned in 1912, but never constructed. The trench in which Chief Librarian, Francis R. S. John, left, is talking to a Brooklyn Eagle reporter will be covered with flooring after ventilating ducts are installed, in accordance with plans to complete interior construction of the edifice. Referred to as 'the hole' by library personnel, the sub-basement will be converted into a stack area for 500,000 additional books."