It’s a point of pride.
The New York Public Library’s iconic stone lions, Patience and Fortitude, have been given their own massive face masks — in a reminder to patrons that face coverings must be worn when the library begins to ease back into service next month after being closed due to the coronavirus.
“Patience and Fortitude are the perfect symbols for the strengths our city and our nation need now even more,” library President Anthony Marx said in a statement. “The lions, protectors of knowledge and truth who have seen 109 years worth of history, are setting that example.”
Library officials noted that the lions in front of the literary hub also set an example by social distancing — they’re 90 feet apart.
It’s not the first time they have been suited up for action — they were wreaths every December and donned Mets and Yankees caps during the 2000 baseball World Series between the two teams.
The library system’s soft opening on July 13 will bring limited “grab-and-go” services to eight locations in Staten Island, the Bronx and Manhattan, including the flagship branch in Midtown.
Lit lovers will be able to access the branches to pick up and return titles they’ve reserved online.