Chang W. Lee/The New York Times River and Dale at rest: the new lions outside the library branch in Riverdale in the Bronx now have names.After a worldwide naming contest, the stone lions snoozing outside the Riverdale branch of the New York Public Library in the Bronx have been officially christened: River and Dale.
The names, to be announced at a reception at the library Friday afternoon, beat out more than 350 other suggestions submitted in person and online from lion-namers as far away as Toronto, England and Australia. Finalists included Patronus and Cupitor and Leo and Rex.
The New York Public Library president, Tony Marx, chose the winning pair. “The enthusiastic response to this contest highlights the deep love and passion people around the globe have for N.Y.P.L. and for libraries in general,†Mr. Marx said in a statement.
In a nod to the Riverdale lions' more glamorous cousins, Patience and Fortitude, stationed in front of the library building on Fifth Avenue, Mr. Marx added: “It was difficult to choose from such a wide range of creative names, but after looking over the finalists with much patience and fortitude, I couldn't help but name the lions after their new home, a vibrant community with dedicated patrons.â€
The Riverdale lions, which weigh about 900 pounds each, were moved to the library in January after their previous home, the Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue, underwent renovations. James S. Tisch, chief executive officer of Loews, is also a member of the board of the New York Public Library.
Library officials said the Riverdale branch, which circulates about 12,000 books and DVDs a month, was chosen in part because it had ample space to display the lions.
