For the first time in nearly a decade, the New York City Municipal Archives and Library opened its doors to the public, releasing rare and historic books at bargain prices. The one-day sale drew in bookworms, collectors and history buffs alike – all eager to grab a piece of the city\u2019s past.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is unbelievably popular; there was a line to get in the door. It\u2019s insane!\u201d said Pauline Toole, commissioner of the NYC Department of Records and Information Services.<\/p>\n
The sale featured everything from books personally autographed by Shirley Chisholm to artifacts once gifted to city officials. Each item offered a glimpse into New York\u2019s rich and storied history.<\/p>\n
Collector Laeo Crnkovicrubsan said he was thrilled by his find.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just bought a bond that was issued by Mayor La Guardia in the 1940s, when New York City was buying the subways. It\u2019s cool to have a piece of history,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Shoppers could pick up books for as little as $2, with genres ranging from politics and history to art and urban planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s one book that was sold that was like, \u2018How to End the Affordable Housing Crisis,\u2019\u201d Toole added with a laugh. \u201cIt was from 2016, so hopefully whoever bought that is going to find the answer!\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the bargains, attendees said the sale was also about recognizing the importance of the city\u2019s archives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe archives is a very overlooked department in New York,\u201d said Ellie Watts, one of the attendees. \u201cIf more people understood its importance, more people would be at events like this.\u201d<\/p>\n