This flagship library will inspire you to read. What a fantastic building. Love the details on the outside and the inside as you can see from the photographs. Lots of corridors toExplore and tons of history inside too. It is handicap accessible since they have elevators. They even have a phone booth! Definitely recommend this place for tourists and New Yorkers to check out!! For New Yorkers you can actually do work inside. For visitors there is some cool architecture and art pieces!

One of the great buildings anywhere, and I mean anywhere. I love to walk around this place and just sit and read. There is always so much to take in and look at. If you admire architecture then this better be a place you have been to.

The library is closed during lockdown, however it didn’t stop me from seeing the beautiful lions!! Whenever it opens I would recommend seeing the place, the architecture, the vibe the ambiance is so royal.NYC is spreading great message check out the pictures!!

This library was where I visit all the time, but during COVID-19, I just can use this way to share how beautiful this library is. We all miss normal New York City a lot.

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States (behind the Library of Congress) and the third largest in the world (behind the British Library).[5] It is a private, non-governmental, independently managed, nonprofit corporation operating with both private and public financing

Beautiful building that I went to very often as a respite from my life in the city. Just truly gorgeous architecture and painting. A lovely place to browse or sit quietly and do work or read.

I can say I an in love with New York i visit more then 36 countries till now since 2013 when I start traveling but I really like and love NYC you can spend while life here and still you miss alot you cannot say you see whole new york everything I come here I wanna stay more and more but I have to go back my country my family live there

I consider it as one of greatest Beaux-Arts architecture in the city!

Temporarily closed but its still a fantastic place to visit. Hang out in front and take some classic NYC pictures, or visit Bryant Park right next door.

One of the most beautiful places on Manhattan. The architecture is breathtaking and it feels nice to see real books in a digital world. Clear recommendation when you want to escape busy streets of NYC. They also have a dedicated Kids area with activities.

Great building. I suggest to, at least, walk in and check out the lobby. Good spot for a bathroom break, they have free public restrooms! If youre walking in the city, thats should be an easy stop for you since it’s in Midtown.Worth checking out one of their reading rooms. You could charge your phone while enjoying a little break.

Dear AshAsh —I’m worried to death because I haven’t been able to see you doing well.You said we live in different worlds. But is that true?We have different colored skin and eyes. We were born in different countries.But we’re friends. Isn’t that what counts?I’m really glad I came to America. I met lots of people.And more than anything, I met you.You asked me over and over if you scared me. But I never feared you, not once.What’s more is you’re hurt much more than me. I couldn’t help feeling that way.Funny, huh?You’re way smarter, bigger, and stronger than me. But I always felt like I had to protect you. I wonder what it is I wanted to protect you from.I wanted to protect you from fate.The fate that tries to carry you away, drifting futher and futher.You told me once about a leopard you read in a book. How you believed that leopard knew that it couldn’t go back.And I said you weren’t a leopard, that you could change your destiny.You’re not alone. I’m by your side.My soul is always with you.— Eiji Okumura

I’ve been here more than once, with and without my laptop. The large common study room is actually quiet enough to study or work in—If you can take your eyes off the beautiful paintings and woodwork long enough to stay focused. :) The bathrooms are clean, the staff were helpful, and it is just a beautiful building.

5 stars to the NYPL network and not just this library. You can sign up for a free library card if you’re a New Yorker which enables you to borrow books for free and also Kindle reads. It’s effortless. A really cozy place to study and read here. Super quiet so leave the laptop at home if you’re planning to work. You should stop by the museum store too - wonderfully curated gifts and an assortment of things inside.

Very nice n huge library - movie (DAY AFTER TOMORROW)

Great place to bring kids. The kids area is awesome. Lots of space, good book selection. On Saturdays they do story time for about a half hour. The librarians are great very willing to help and recommend age appropriate books. Clean area. All ages of kids are welcome.

Such a wonderful place to visit. I fell in love with the architectural design of the place. Its such a historical landmark in Manhattan. The intricate details of the interior design are remarkable.

This place is so beautiful. I remember watching Sex and The City and imagining the day that I would be able to visit this library. It’s even prettier than in the photos. I didn’t have time for the free tour, so plan ahead to find out more about this gorgeous place.

Super impressive building with long and distinguished history. This is a great place to visit and a must see for those interested in architecture and history. For tourists, there’s a lot of beautiful floors and marble pillars, great photo opportunities, old paintings, and just very cool long old halls. For those more initiated (which I am not), there’s lots of history here, and thousands and thousands of books. It’s a functioning library too, so you can ask the librarians for help researching things. They have extensive records and statistic books there. Either way, an amazing place to visit. Can see it in about 30 minutes if you’re in a rush.

I am very fascinated by books and old buildings, and the NY Public Library is amazing. The reading room is really beautiful. Highlights include the Map Room and the Rose Reading Room. In these rooms you must keep silent and respect the photo sectors. There is free WiFi. Entrance is free and it is possible to visit it with a guided tour (free in English) or do it on your own following the indications of a brochure. Spectacular architecture and decoration. Quiet to read and study.The library has plugs, computers and bathrooms.

The location is right next to the park. It is a great place to just sit and rest before resuming the day. They have a clean bathroom. I been here quite often just to use their bathrooms when I am around the area. It is always nice to see the interiors. nyc doesnt have enough bathroom locations but I am glad this is one of those spots.

Very cool stop! I would highly recommend at least walking in and checking out the lobby. This is one of the coolest buildings in the city. Also, of youre walking in the city and need a bathroom break they have free public restrooms! Definitely check out some of the reading rooms as well.

Classic building, legendary status. Good museum. Good photo op. Not really a library anymore, so don’t expect to check out with a book.

Well worth the stop. This is a very buitifull building to look at.

Libraries should be accessible to everyone. When I have visitors to NYC, I bring them here, my favorite place in town. I also donate all compensation teaching at NYU to the NYPL. Like the ones in Los Angeles, Houston and Helsinki, the NYPL lets anyone borrow books, not just residents. This is my favorite place in NYC.

Free admission and lots of amazing things to see. From beautiful ceiling artwork and pure marble building floor and halls. Practice being quiet as it is an operating library. No elevators only stairs.

One of my favorite places to visit in New York. Its very pretty inside, feels like you are in a Harry Potter movie. Has a few floors and the rose reading room is located here as well. Free of charge to visit, just need to go through some quick bag check. Was looking fabulous and very festive during the Christmas season this year.

I have walked past it several times but never stopped by and went inside. But I decided this time and it was amazing! As a public and free place, it provides museum like experience. Its also nice to visit during holiday season. Well decorated.

Cool place to take a quick tour of. We went on the weekend so some rooms were closed off. Make your way to the top floor to see the rotunda and study rooms, which are really cool. If I lived nearby I would come here to study! Admission is free, and there are bathrooms inside as well.

The Library is a beautiful building that everyone should stop in and enjoy. The reading room is iconic and the archive exhibits beautiful and education. Crowds are manageable and aren’t so overwhelming that you can’t enjoy the space. There is some light construction going on, but it doesn’t effect access. Make the stop!

I supposed to pick up my stuffs which are ready for pickup but turned out dismayed cause my stuffs were not there on the shelf. Such a waste of time of going there for nothing. A librarian did not bother to help me search the items on the cart probably about to distribute to the shelves. It was not busy due to pandemic but I would say the New Library should pick a helpful and professional staff.

If you’re visiting NYC and want to see old architecture for free, this is highly recommended. Easy to walk to from Grand Central, and you’re welcome to browse freely. For Winnie the Pooh fans - there’s a display of the original stuffed animals that belonged to the real Christopher Robin. If you’re a fan or your kids love Winnie the Pooh, this is a must do!

Ahah look at my pfp and name, iykyk

“a quick stop at fabulous architectural building...!!” -ITS FREE...!! best reason to go??? ;)right in the middle of the city, near to Bryant park/times square.make a quick stop and get it done in 1-2 hrs. as per title, the building is awesome. If you are not interested in the library, go for its architecture.New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States over millions of books and its branches are in Brooklyn and Bronx.Do check out lions outside the building. its awesome.!!see pics for more

What can I say rather than it’s great this hasn’t been taken over by a super computer. Great to keep tradition alive and lucky NYU students and the like to have this as on option to get some study hours in over a busy Starbucks.

If I lived in NYC, this would be one of my hideouts. It’s an architectural beauty that dates back in time.

For the tourist its a nice, quick (and free) visit. You come for the architecture (the building is gorgeous, outside and inside), and to take some pictures of the iconic lions. As a library Im sure its amazing, but for someone visiting NYC just looking for places to visit, there just isnt much to actually do or see here.

Lovely place. This beautiful library is opend for every people from all over the world, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age or anything. I can study and read this beatiful place as well as tour. Its constructures are very old and it still has traditional antiqu styles. I assumed it takes just under 30 minutes to look here, but i stayed here almost 2 hours. I could rest, bathroom, read, talk with other tour people, charge my cellphone andsee every single corner places. I love this place and highly recommand this lovely place for people visiting near midtown manhattan, New York!!!

Temporarily closed to the public. A wonderful place to explore

The library is wonderfully constructed. considering one of the oldest building in NY. I liked design of the wood. Strongly recommend.

This is a must see , beautiful building so much to see inside. Free to come in and wander.Just hanging out here people watching and going into every floor might take 2-3 hours.Excellent place to visit iconic.

Such a beautiful place to visit! Must be lovely visiting here regularly- for studying or just a quick read on a lunch time! The Winnie the Pooh exhibit was very cute and the gift store is wonderful! The architecture is absolutely stunning.

A beautiful library. The rose center is quiet even if there’s people taking pics. If you want to seem smarter take a pic here reading a book. Big library. Not too sure what books they got cause .

Others have covered the library. I am specifically discussing the Map Room that is located on the first floor to extreme right after entering building.This is the location to go if you are interested in maps from all over the world. The front desk is very helpful in locating the maps you desire. In my case I was interested in early Korean maps. They have a reference book and you fill out a form and in 30 minutes the maps are in your hand. This is a fantastic source of the original maps and there is usually plenty of space on the large oak tables to spread out the maps and search to the information of interest. I highly recommend a visit to this area of the library.

This library has a special place to my heart. It also gives free tours during the day and of course has nice places to study and read.

The most beautiful library in the U.S. The library might get a little crowded but what else do you experience expect from NYC. I love this building!

Great building. Their collection was amazing. The reading room was well maintained. Must see for all library lovers.

Majestic public library with free admission, the main room has magnificent frescoes and decorations on the ceiling. Worth a visit!

This place was a dream. Ive been around it and at the park for years, yet never thought to come in. It was really cool. The woodcraft and the stonework is beautiful! There are staff on the ready for any questions as well, bathrooms are very well kept and clean too. I enjoyed the stay there. I will be coming back to study here more often! Thanks for an amazing experience and history!If you like my reviews, hit the thumbs up. I try to put effort in these reviews to better prepare people for their upcoming experiences, unlike others who post up single word reviews just to say they are, local guides.I appreciate all the views and love you all give!

One of the best place to study in the city!

Absolutely fabulous place! Both for students to study literature and simple visitors. History and culture all in one. Also beautifully maintained and decorated reaaders halls and marble stairs. A must to visit!

Deep in the bustling metropolis of NYC is a building that towers over Bryant Park and provides a stark contrast to the hyperactivity a few blocks away at Times Square.The New York Public Library offers a sanctuary to those who may feel overwhelmed, beleaguered, even fatigued from the constant light switch stuck at ON that is the Big Apple.The library features one of the largest quiet reading rooms I have ever seen. I wasnt even brave enough to snap a pic fearing that it would create unwanted noise. Its impressive. For the crowd adverse, they offer even more intimate reading rooms which provide a much needed separation (and Wifi) from the crowds.The featured exhibits are impressive. The original Winnie the Pooh collection is notable. Some people write that its awkward to go without kids but I dont think its so.Its directly behind Bryant Park; with various food options, this is a fantastic afternoon adventure and worth the trip.Tip: You can take a book to the patio and enjoy a read by the park.

An extraordinary public library, located in Manhattan and housed in a building of magnificent architecture. The ambience tallows you a quick travel in the history and helps you feel more comfortable. Apart from the variety and plentitude of books, encyclopedias, magazines, titles and rare editions, there is electronic platform as well. Among others, there are often held exhibitions and conferences.

Highly recommend the one hour group tour, which runs twice daily, and is free. You learn a lot of history with respect to the development and building of the NYPL. The architecture is beautiful, and definitely a place you must see when in NYC.

Astounding Library.I dont know how anyone gets any work done here. Not only is it too beautiful not to stare at, but there are tourists everywhere!There are certain areas that are closed to non-members but even then, you still get to see so much and all the rooms are amazing.

Dr. John Shaw Billings, the first director of the library, created an initial design that became the basis of the building contain a huge reading room on top of seven floors of book stacks. The architectural firm Carrère and Hastings constructed the structure in the Beaux-Arts style and opened on May 23 1911.

This is not just a library for avid readers! This place is for everyone! The building is beautifully constructed, the architecture and the interior are just beautiful and out of a fairytale (specially during Christmas). The library store had unique products, souvenirs etc. at very reading prices. The library had many halls and the staff is super-helpful. Maps are available to help you locate the halls of your interest. There is a reading/working room where you can just sit and work for as long as you like (and the library is open). The desks are area look as if from Harry Potter’s classroom! The cafe although has very limited eatables but that won’t matter. Plus the library is free to everyone!

The New York Public Library is located right next to Bryant Park and is a beautiful and striking building. As a native New Yorker, it’s been on my bucket list to visit for a long time. I finally got to do it this past week and was blown away by how amazingly preserved and well kept it was. The architecture is gorgeous. I was in awe of the wall to wall marble, giant pillars, wood paneling, tiffany lamps, stately furniture, gorgeous frescoes, and historical paintings. This place is just so impressive.The New York Public Library is still a functioning library and many people come here for the library services. You can book an audio tour and learn about the building on your own. Everyone is welcome to browse freely. The reading rooms are great spots if you’re looking for a quiet place to read and you can charge your phone while you’re at it. There’s a computer lab on the 3rd floor, free Wifi and restrooms are open to the public. There’s also a small café on the main floor but there are MANY food options around the neighborhood.Did you know that this library is the second biggest library in the US and that you can visit three out of the five floors of this library? I cannot wait to go back for another visit as there is so much more to explore in this beautiful building. Also, I am now adding the NYPL in my roster of places to bring family and friends who visit NYC.

The New York public library has several branches all over the city, but this is their main big one. It has a great entrance which shows its history.Inside it is a maze of several parts, but with many history in the building, and its books.There are several study areas as well several areas where you can request specific history writings.As a visitor, you have to go upstairs, where some huge wall paintings are, and make this branch a very unique in its kind.

One of the best libraries in the world with a huge reading room and lots of research computers and fast Wifi and charging ports for convenience. A very peaceful environment to sit and do your reading or research. I wish such an awesome library existed at my hometown. 100 Percent Recommend this place.

Nice from the outside, magnificent from the inside. Lots of marble used for the floors, sophisticated wooden decoration for the ceilings.Just wanted to visit briefly, at the end we spent at least an hour in the building

An absolute classic. Also, the kids area has the original Winnie the Pooh, which is cute.

Amazing treasure. Lots of folks just drop in and take a photo, but their archives are amazing and the periodicals room is so vast. Bryant Park our the back door is so beautiful. One of the best public spaces in the city.

Breathtaking architecture. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

Beautiful architecture and many historic books, maps and artifacts. They did a great job at preserving, repairing, restoring and renovating this huge and gorgeous library. The big main reading room is reopening next month after two years of restoration.

Did you know?️It is not public. It is a philanthropic library for the good of the public. ️There are over 50 million items in the collection, including the first Gutenberg Bible to come to the New World. ️The movie “Ghost Busters” made the Reading Room famous.

Its really nice library here in the area. I do my research work here. I would definitely go again once open again.

There are libraries and then there are libraries. This one should definitely be added to your list. We enjoyed the featured exhibit as well as just spending sometime looking through the book shelves. If you are a researcher and want access to this section in the library you will need special permission ahead of your visit. I didnt know this and regretted not knowing in advance. be sure to also stop in at the Childrens library section to see all of the original Winnie the Pooh stuffies.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY IS OUR GREATEST TREASURE AND VERY SPECIAL

Classic landmark for the city. COVID kitties have masks on, as do most people walking around.

If you happen to travel to New York but somehow feel afraid to leave your hotel room in Midtown since you are so done with the crowd, craziness, and cost the city has given you so far, the NYPL is likely to be the place where you want to visit and treat yourself better. It literally (un)checks all the box: no entrance fee, no millions people yelling at each other, open toilet, and public wifi.

An iconic place. The image of a lot of movies came into my mind as soon as Ive entered the place.

This is the New York Public Library. The two lively stone lions welcome the library. The librarys reading room rose main reading room is worthy of appreciation. It is like a movie scene, quiet and beautiful, how many New Yorkers read here. The ceiling murals are lifelike and a great place to read.

When are the going to open back up

What a atmosphere, great place once in NYC you cannot miss visiting this place.

I hung out here with a friend for 2hrs and I enjoyed every minuet of it! It really is an impressive building. There are chairs and tables out side the library to sit and relax. There is a bag check in and on the way out of the building - security reasons. Toilets are on the second and the third floor of the building. Make sure your look up at the ceiling for they are beautifully carved out of wood. Bryant Park is behind the library and that is a whole other treat.

Gorgeous building, beautiful park, amazing FREE library with the place to sit and work. I just can not find any bad things

This is a massive library filled with a ton of books. I really like the architecture of the overall building, and how elegant the inside looks and feels. Definitely a great place to study at!

We enjoy visiting the Stephen A. Schwarzman Public Library (free entry) in front of Bryant Park during visits to NYC. This is a nice opportunity to view a rare example of impressive Beaux-Arts architecture in America as well as beautiful library rooms and quality temporary exhibitions.During a recent visit, we enjoyed time spent in the Rose Room which has reopened since our last trip. This is a large and beautiful room with lovely ceiling frescos. We also enjoyed time in the Edna Barnes Salmon Room looking at the portrait paintings. The wall murals in the Rotunda room were also much enjoyed again.On the ground floor, there are usually a couple temporary exhibitions that are worth visiting. This time around, we spent 15-20 minutes in the Shared Sacred Text exhibition (ending 30 June 2018), viewing religious books and manuscripts from the world of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.This was another very good visit to the NYC public library, a place will will continue to visit during future trips to the Big Apple.

Its as majestic and beautiful as the movies made it out to be. The study hall is beautiful, but given its an actual library, youll only have access to take photos in parts of it. There are also exhibits to see, different rooms to visit and lots of old architecture. Its iconic, definitely worth checking out!

Free entrance into the New York Library makes this a must do part of your time here. Amazing history of the building is on view and of course it is a working library so keep the noise down! Wonderful ceiling art adds to the beautiful architecture of this iconic structure. Well worth a visit.

Its absolutely massive with a huge selection of books and the staff are very helpful.

Hands down the most beautiful library I have ever seen or been inside. The architecture is stunning, second to none. Was visiting from the West coast and had to stop by once I saw the outside. Would definitely be my study spot if I lived in the area. A remarkable work of art!

This is one of several research libraries in NYC. Entry is free and you can explore at your leisure or plan ahead and arrive early enough to do a docent led, one hour tour. There are so many treasures- the architecture of the building, the interiors of many rooms, the actual books and maps and special exhibits. This is a beautiful library building with tons of marble, just a few steps away from Grand Central Station. If you are visiting the area and would like to do research in the library, you can apply for a library card on-line. Please note, if you are carrying luggage you will not be allowed in the building. Loved everything about it!

The best library system in the world, in my opinion.It supports well over 80 branches around the NewYork area and a myriad of programs for children andadults alike.Let us not forget to mention their expansive andsteadfastly growing digital library.You can order your library card online and accessthe digitized books from the comfort of your home.However, nothing beats the experience of beingphysically there.It is not just a library, it is a highly sophisticatedsystem which provides free access and education.

Its a world in itself! The old world charm, the smell of books, the quietness, the architecture..love everything about this!If you are around the area or are a bookworm, you must check out this majestic library.If you are from out of state, they do give you a 3 month library card and you can access their collection online.

This library is gorgeous and made me feel like I was in the movies. I needed to study for a few hours on my trip and really enjoyed doing it in the reading room. Would love to explore it a bit more next time.

The main hall is so majestic and inviting and inspiring too. I went there as a traveller so didnt spend much time reading. Though I got a library card. You can get one too for memorabilia purposes atleast. The shop here has many curiosities and is worth a visit.

A grand and majestic library that is worthy of its reputation as a place of learning and inspiration.When you walk into the library, you are presented with a very beautiful marble walk up, tall ceilings and chandeliers, and signs leading you to the latest exhibits.If you want to throw in your support for learning and reading, the library’s gift shop has a wide range of goods from bags, pens, and other bric-a-brac. From there, you can make your way upstairs to see the art gallery, quiet areas, and other spaces.

The New York Public Library on 5th Ave is an impressive building with some fabulous treasures. It’s free to enter. You have to go through airport style security, but bottled water is allowed. We came to look at the wonderful ceiling paintings in the Rose Main Reading Room upstairs, but also loved seeing the real Winnie the Pooh and friends in the children’s library. Sadly, you aren’t allowed to take pictures in the Rose room, but Pooh and co are fair game.

An incredible and amazing library. Beautifully architected and built. We thoroughly enjoyed (and highly recommend) the tour. Would definitely suggest coming here to study or read in peace but still get the feeling of getting out of the house.

Amazing Place to sit in silence and reading! Youll love this place at the moment you walked into. I surely can say you havent seen anything like this place before. one of the coolest building in the city.

My soul is always with you ~ eiji okumura

This is magnificent library located right next to Bryant park with two stone lions at either side of stairway to the entrance. Its a National historic landmark.Its grandeur gives feeling of museum in itself.Large paintings and art work displayed is worth appreciating.Rooms inside lit with massive windows and grand chandeliers, furnished with sturdy woody tables, comfort chairs and brass lamps. You can get access to computers and laptops after issusing library card.Its open until 8pm

More than 2 million books, amazing building..and gosh, the reading halls.. Get a tee or a pair of socks in the merch shop while they last :)Do not forget to check out the book train conveyor system!Beside these it is beautifully accompanied with the Bryant Park next to it.

What a beautiful library. Make sure you check out the reading room and the Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals in the basement

Beautiful library. Anyone visiting NYC must include a visit here. The Main Reading Room is amazing.

Amazing!! It is a huge open space, with no detail spared from the ceilings to the woodwork. The Fifth Avenue entrance leads to Astor Hall that is thought to be the largest all marble room in existence.The whole building is a great architectural piece. And its free!!!

The NY Public Library is one of the most unique spots in all of Manhattan. It’s free, quiet, and a beautiful historic building for learning located blocks away from Grand Central, The Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building in Midtown.

Saw the JD Salinger exhibition. Included his original manuscript with pencil edits for Catcher in the Rye, family photos and personal correspondence. Very cool and these items are being displayed for the 1st time! No phones, jackets, coats or personal accessories are allowed in the exhibit.Be sure to check out the main reading room on the top floor. This is where the library scene from Ghostbusters was filmed