Brooklyn city and telephone directories
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Abstract
Brooklyn and New York City directories, including telephone books, white pages, yellow pages, and address directories ("criss-cross"). These directories are available digitally, on microfilm, and in bound volumes at both the Central library and the Center for Brooklyn History.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in series by type and then format. The directories are held in three formats: digital, microfilm, and bound volumes. Within each format, the arrangement is chronological.
Scope and Contents
The Brooklyn city and telephone directories provide a wealth of information about individuals, businesses, occupations, advertising, and social class status, as well as practical neighborhood information such as street maps, public services, shopping and restaurant guides, maps of rapid transit systems, and more. The earliest city directories list names, addresses, and occupations of Brooklyn residents, while later directories include telephone numbers for individuals and businesses. The "elite" directories list names and addresses of Brooklyn's wealthiest residents, and some include separate listings for wealthy residents of the town of Flatbush and Long Island.
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Conditions Governing Access
These materials are located both at the Central library and at the Center for Brooklyn History. Researchers should utilize the library's Book A Librarian process to request access to the collection.
Conditions Governing Use
While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date, page number; Brooklyn city and telephone directories, BCMS.0064; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Location of Materials
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
The collection's digital surrogates should be used in place of the originals whenever possible.
About this Guide
Processing Information
This finding aid was created and edited by Brooklyn Collection staff over several years. The current version was entered into ArchivesSpace by Dee Bowers in May 2026.
