New York Public Library
The New York Public Library (NYPL) in Manhattan is a classic building with a grand stairway flanked by two marble lions. This New York Public Library main building, officially known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, opened its doors in 1911. The research centre is the main branch of the NYPL and is located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, next to Bryant Park. You can visit this Beaux-Arts style building for free and use the internet and the workspaces.
Visiting the Public Library in New York
The Public Library in Bryant Park is freely accessible, free to visit and is located close to Summit One Vanderbilt.
What to see at the New York Public Library
The building itself is already worth a visit, and if you have a lot of time, you can explore all the different rooms that the New York Central Library comprises.
If you only have a short amount of time to spend here, I recommend admiring at least two of the highlights of the library:
- The impressive exhibition Treasures showcases some of the most remarkable items from the library’s collection of 56 million items. These include the original Winnie-the-Pooh, the Bill of Rights, and Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence.
- The Rose Main Reading Room on the third floor. With the wooden benches and golden desk lamps, this is the most famous room of the building. Access to the Rose Main Reading Room is limited. To be granted access, you actually need to plan to work or study there for a while, or book one of the tours to enter the room as a visitor. A short tour is also available.
You can end your visit to the library in the New York Public Library Shop. Here you can buy classic and contemporary books, as well as souvenirs and gifts. You will find the ground floor shop to the right of Astor Hall.
New York Library Tours
Would you like a deep dive into the building led by a knowledgeable guide? Then you can book a free one-hour tour to learn more about the history, architecture and collections of the Beaux-Arts building. This tour also takes you to the famous Rose Main Reading Room. To do this tour, you need to make a reservation in advance on the NYPL website.
To visit the Rose Main Reading Room without doing the complete tour, you can make a reservation for the designated Rose Main Reading Room Tour. This can be done on the spot, 30 minutes before the start. In 15 minutes, you will first get some background information on the impressive space, and of course, visit the actual room.
Rules and regulations for your visit
When you want to visit the Public Library during your trip to New York, you have to take several rules into account.
- You should speak quietly, as people are working. Therefore, you are also requested to turn your phone off or in silent mode.
- You are not allowed to eat or drink in the building, except in designated areas.
- You are allowed to take pictures, but do not use a flash or a tripod.
- Make sure you have an ID with you; this can be requested at the entrance.
- It’s also possible that your belongings are checked when entering the building.
- Large bags, bags on wheels and big backpacks are not permitted in the building and will be refused at the bag check. So make sure you leave these in your hotel.
Rooms of the New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is the second-largest public library in the United States. NYPL is located in various locations throughout New York, with the main New York library at Bryant Park being the most famous and impressive.
The imposing building consists of several beautiful rooms, and with its high ceilings, grand staircases and mysterious halls, it’s an interesting place to discover. The NYC library is “guarded” by the two lions Patience and Fortitude standing in front of the entrance.
Astor Hall
When you enter the library through the main entrance on Fifth Avenue, Astor Hall is the first room you see. Every part is covered in white marble, the arches are high, and there are many details. The names of the main donors are engraved on the pillars. From here, you can explore the building further.
Treasures Exhibition
Over the course of more than a century, the New York Public Library has collected a grand total of 56 million items. Some of the most extraordinary items are being displayed in the exhibition Treasures, located right across the main entrance.
You can see a fair copy of the Declaration of Independence that was written by Thomas Jefferson, the Bill of Rights from 1789, and a map of The Commissioners’ Plan of 1811, which laid out the future development of Manhattan. It’s also home to the original Winnie the Pooh and his friends, who are fun to visit when you’re travelling with kids. A free audio tour guides you through the exhibition.
Periodicals & Jewish Division
On the ground floor, you’ll find the Periodicals & Jewish Division. Editions of 200 magazines and newspapers from around the world can be found in the DeWitt Wallace Periodical Room. Many editions of, among others, The New York Times, Le Monde and The Yale Review are available.
From Periodicals, you can walk into the Dorot Jewish Division. This space has one of the most important public collections devoted to Jewish studies of the world.
Rose Main Reading Room
The Rose Main Reading Room, on the third floor, is the heart of the library. In the space, which is as long as a football field, readers can browse works from the collections. Several great writers have found inspiration here and developed their ideas further on the oak desks. Because it is a research library, books may not be borrowed and can only be read in the building.
Practical Information
- Location: 476 Fifth Avenue
- Opening hours:
- Monday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 – 20:00
- Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Sunday: closed
- Accessibility: The library is wheelchair accessible
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