Should You Visit The New York City Public Library?

Should you visit the New York City Library? Do I get a vote? I vote yes. For one thing, it is beautiful and AMAZING. And it is also free. I also like that it is a quiet place—where you can get away from the hectic noise of the city. The history…the architecture…yes, you should go!

People often refer to the landmark building (the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building) in Midtown as the “New York Public Library” or NYPL. This is just the main branch of the entire New York Public Library system. The system stretches across Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx. NYPL refers to all library branches, buildings, and research centers. This article is about the flagship location – the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, which most people call “The New York Public Library”.

Where is the library located? How do I get there?

The NYC Library is located on 5th Avenue, right next to Bryant Park, one of New York City’s most beloved green spaces. Since Bryant Park and the NYC Public Library are right next to each other, you can plan to visit them at the same time. The library is also relatively close (within walking distance) to Times Square and Grand Central Station.

The main entrance to the library is located at Fifth Avenue between 42nd and 40th streets. Nearby subway stations are the Fifth Avenue/Bryant Park station on Line 7 and the 42nd Street/Bryant Park station on Lines B, D, F, or M.

Address:  476 Fifth Avenue, between 41st and 42nd streets in Midtown Manhattan.

P.S. If you are walking from Madison Avenue and 41st Street toward the library, you will see that the cement has plaques with quotes from famous writers from around the world. This block of 41st Street is referred to as “Library Way”.

Above Photo: “Library Way” Plaques in the cement

Here are some highlights of our visit and things you’ll need to know:

The Architecture

My photos don’t do this architecture any justice. You have to see it in person. The library’s main branch, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is an architectural marvel. The exterior features a Beaux-Arts style, with grand marble staircases, intricate carvings, and the famous lion statues Patience and Fortitude guarding the entrance.

The firm Carrère and Hastings won the bid to design the library. Both of these designers studied in Paris and gave the library its Beaux-Arts style, which is still famous.

Historical Items at the NYC Public Library

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the NYC Public Library, but it has an impressive collection. This library, founded in 1895, has over 50 million items! You’ll find rare books, manuscripts, maps, and photographs. It holds significant historical documents such as letters from historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Where Have I Seen This Before?

The NYPL has appeared in countless films, TV shows, and books, making it a literary landmark. It’s instantly recognizable for its iconic lions and grand architecture, having been featured in movies like The Day After Tomorrow and Ghostbusters. This is also where Mr. Big left Carrie Bradshaw at the alter in Sex and the City.

Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures

The NYPL features an amazing number of first editions and rare manuscripts. Its collections include George Washington’s original Farewell Address, an original copy of the Declaration of Independence, and a Gutenberg Bible.

On our visit (January 2025), we saw the stuffed animals that belonged to Christoper Robin Milne and inspired the original Winnie the Pooh story.

Photo Above: George Washington’s farewell address (collaborated with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison) written in his hand

After exiting this exhibit, you will find yourself in the library gift shop, where you can pick up one of the famous New York City Library Tote Bags. It makes for a great souvenir. In this room, you’ll also find Amy’s Bread kiosk. They offer coffee, cakes, and cookies.

The Children’s Center: If you are visiting with your littles, don’t forget to visit The Children’s Center at 42nd Street.

The Visitor’s Center

Learn all about the library’s history and legacy here at the Visitor’s Center.

What you’ll find at The Library Visitor’s Center:

• Coat Check
• In-person tours
• Digital displays
• Tactile displays
• Interactive exhibits
• Collection items
• Maps

Heading Upstairs at the Library

The McGraw Rotunda

I gasped as we climbed the stairs toward the 3rd floor and saw the McGraw Rotunda for the first time. It is breathtaking. The ceiling mural is Prometheus Bringing the Gift of Fire. It is symbolic, showing how the library brings the world of knowledge to the residents of New York City. Edward Laning’s murals on the ceiling and walls are framed by gorgeous Corinthian walnut columns.

Again, my photos do not do it justice. It is so beautiful!

The Rose Room

The Rose Main Reading Room is almost as long as a football field. It is divided into two sections and lit beautifully by large windows and grand chandeliers. My 17-year-old daughter says that this entire library gives Hogwarts “vibes” and “aesthetics,” but this room especially feels like something straight out of Harry Potter.

Audio Tours

The Library currently offers audio tours through Bloomberg Connects (a free arts and culture app). The app has several language translations, including Spanish and Chinese. You can listen to the tour while at the library or anytime.

Here are the three digital guides that are available:

• The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
• The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
• The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Map Room

• The library’s map collection is one of the largest in the world, with over 400,000 maps that span several centuries. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurer, or simply love geography, the Map Room is a fascinating place to explore.

The Library Gets All Dolled Up for Christmas

 Other traditional Christmas decorations in Astor Hall at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building:

• 22-foot decorated Christmas tree
• A beautiful illuminated copy of the Qur’an that is believed to have been produced in Safavid Iran in the 10th century AH (16th century CE)
• A shining 18th-century brass Hanukkah lamp from Poland, on loan from the Bernard Museum of Judaica, Temple Emanu-El.

The library also features special exhibits during the holiday season (usually from the first of December until the first of January). For example, in 2024, the NYCPL invited visitors to enjoy their display of A Dickens Christmas.

Isn’t she pretty? They were taking her down on the 6th of January while we were visiting…

Have you been to the NYPL? What did you think?

WEBSITE for NYPL:

The New York Public Library Website

You Might Also Like:

What Every Musical Theater Fan Must Do in NYC

Let's Be Friends! Follow Me:

• 
• 
• 
•