Ronald Clark Shares Stories and Photos of Living Inside a Branch of The New York Public Library by NYPL StaffOctober 13, 2017

 
Ronald Clark, Jamilah Clark, who grew up in Washington Hts. Library apartment
Ronald Clark, Jamilah Clark, who grew up in Washington Hts. Library apartment


In the early 20th century, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated $5.2 million to build more than 60 libraries throughout New York City. For many years, the Carnegie libraries were heated by coal, and each had a custodian who lived inside the branch, often with family, to keep the building warm. Raymond Clark, custodian for over three decades, lived at NYPL's Washington Heights Library with his son Ronald and granddaughter Jamilah. Now, their former apartment has been renovated and will serve as a teen center.

Storycorps produced an interview Ronald and Jamilah, which aired on NPR's Morning Edition  today. Listen now.

In 2016, the Library invited Ronald and Jamilah back to Washington Heights to see the renovation and reflect on what it was like to grow up in a library. Watch now: 

Ronald Clark also shared the story of being inspired to build a boat by hand. He found everything he needed to complete his dream in the Library he called home. Watch now:

View a slideshow of the Clark family's photos of life inside the Library.

Finally, view an animated short from StoryCorps that shares Ronald's story.

View all posts by NYPL Staff

Comments

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This is the most wonderful

Submitted by Kimberli Buckley (not verified) on October 15, 2017 - 11:07am

This is the most wonderful story ever! Thank you Ronald Clark for sharing your most treasured stories and memories.

Clark Family Photos

Submitted by Nancy Rosenberg (not verified) on October 15, 2017 - 7:32pm

What a beautiful story of a family with the greatest riches of all: love .

Clark Family

Submitted by Joanne Conte (not verified) on November 14, 2017 - 5:04pm

What a beautiful story, what a beautiful family! I wish I grew up in a library!

Washington Heights library

Submitted by Ken fischer (not verified) on February 22, 2019 - 1:22pm

I grew up in Washington Heights and have very fond memories of the library. I can remember the wonderful smell of the books and the excitement of when I got old enough to go upstairs to,the adult section. Thank you, Clark family, for making the library such a wonderful place.

Clark Family

Submitted by Ellen Koskoff (not verified) on February 22, 2019 - 8:16pm

I just leard your story on NPR's Morning Edition, Story Corps segment, and I was so delighted to hear it! It has long been my fantasy that I could live in a library--I love books and always feel safe and comfortable surrounded by them. I am so happy that you had this opportunity in your life--maybe there's hope for me, yet! Thank you for sharing this inspiring story!

Clark Family

Submitted by Deborah Carr (not verified) on May 27, 2020 - 2:19pm

How wonderful to have grown up living in a library! The library was always my hideaway. Thank you for sharing your story Mr. Clark.

Raymond

Submitted by Janet Getz (not verified) on July 22, 2020 - 1:35am

I am trying to get in touch with the family of Raymond E. Clark who grew up in Sharpsburg, MD and may have lived in the north end of Hagerstown after 1957. I would love to hear from Ronald or Jamilah. Such a special family and wonderful story!