Explore the wonders of New York!
NYC Public Library
*Promotions listed are subject to change without notice and based on availability. We make no guarantee that the promotions listed are available.
NYC Public Library Information
NYC Public Library Info
Hours:
Mon. 10am- 6pm, Tues.- Wed. 10am- 8pm, Thurs.- Sat. 10am- 6pm, Sun. 1pm- 5pm
When to Go:
11am & 2pm for guided tours
Seasonal Information:
Open year-round
Important Information
- Closed on Holidays
NYC Public Library Quick Facts
- The NY Public Library was founded in 1911.
- The NYC Public Library is home to over 15 million items, including rare books, special collections, and a massive database of newspaper articles.
- Guided Tours are available at the NY Library for free, and leave at 11am and 2pm daily.
Address:
5th Ave & 42nd St
New York, US
Website: http://www.nypl.org/
Phone Number: 212.621.0670
User Average Review
Overall: Location: Information: Fun Factor:Based on 1 review
Rating Distribution
4.0 out of 5 Stars
100.0% recommended it
NYC Public Library Reviews
Transportation Nearby NYC Public Library
NYC Public Library Hotel
NO Shows
*Some images shown above are not actual photos from the attraction, but category representations. Visit the attractions's web site for actual photos.
Find Nearby Hotels
| Hotel Info | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
 |
Waldorf
in Midtown East
Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa |
Rates starting at
Check Availability
Details
1 review |
| 2. |
 |
Hampton Inn Time Square
in Times Square
Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa |
Rates starting at
Check Availability
Details
0 reviews |
| 3. |
 |
Hilton Garden Inn
in Times Square
Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa |
Rates starting at
Check Availability
Details
0 reviews |
| 4. |
 |
St James Hotel
in Times Square
Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa |
Rates starting at
Check Availability
Details
0 reviews |
| 5. |
 |
On The Ave
in Upper West Side
Business CenterConcierge ServiceFitness RoomFast Free InternetFree Guest ParkingPets AcceptedIndoor PoolRestaurantsRoom ServiceSpa |
Rates starting at
Check Availability
Details
4 reviews |
NYC Public Library
Do you agree? Write your own review!
NYC Landmark Features Beautiful Architecture and a Massive Book Collection
Located in
Manhattan
Midtown East
This tour is FREE!
Summary
Features: A NYC landmark featuring some of the most beautiful architecture in the Big Apple, the NYC Public Library in Midtown Manhattan is a must-see for NY tourists. With more than 15 million books, articles, and films at your disposal, as well as free WiFi and guided tours, the NY Library is the perfect rainy day getaway in New York City.
Why We Go: While visiting a library on vacation may not sound incredibly appealing, trust us when we say that the NYC Public Library is unlike any other library in the world. A favorite among NYC tourists, the Beaux-Arts architecture of this historic NYC building alone is worth the trip. And once your inside, you'll be swept away by the magnitude of the NY Library collection.
- Beautiful Interior: The interior of the NYC Library is made up of classic chandeliers, stained glass windows, and long dark-wood communal tables, making it more reminiscent of a church than a public library in NYC.
- Free WiFi: Log on to the fast and reliable WiFi connection at the NYC Public Library free of charge.
- Special Collections: Perhaps the largest special collections section of any library in the country, the NY Library in Midtown holds every issue of the NY Times, from the first issue ever printed to yesterday's copy.
Inside Knowledge: Guided tours of the NY Public Library are a fun and informative way to explore this historic NYC landmark. NY Library tours are free and no reservation is required. Guided tours at the NYC Public Library leave at 11am and 2pm, and meet 15 minutes bfore departure at the reception desk at Astor Hall in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
Do's and Don'ts:
- Do Explore the Collection: Once you get started, you may get lost in the massive NYC Public Collection for the whole day. Just remember they close around 6pm.
- Do Bring Your Laptop: The public computer stations at the NYC Library are often occupied. Make sure to bring your laptop and take advantage of the free WiFi if you're hoping to get online at the NY Public Library.
- Don't Forget the History: Opened in 1911, the NY Public Library was a community effort in New York. Horses were once called to duty to deliver books to the public, and in the 1940's and '50's the NY Public Library defied the censorship of the time and continued to order and circulate controversial books.
- Don't Miss Winnie the Pooh: Since 1987, the original Winnie the Pooh and his buds have been on display in the Children's Area of the NYC Public Library. The stuffed animals that inspired A.A. Milne's classic children's stories are a popular NYC attraction at the NY Library.
Sort Reviews By: | | |
Gina Hornung
Nov 17, 2011
at 11:14 am
Joined: November 2010
xxx.xxx.244.242
Would recommend to a friend
Date of stay: 11/11
Main Branch of NY Library - A Feast for the Eyes
Libraries aren’t generally on my list of “to-do’s” while I’m visiting a city, but the main branch of the New York Library ended up being my favorite landmark I visited, believe it or not. The first time I passed by the library, I was on a bus tour and my guide mentioned it’s in the Sex and the City Movie, where Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding was planned. This is a trivial fact I already knew, and I couldn’t wait to step inside those doors. I made sure to go back on my own time, and I’m so glad I did.
Walking up those countless steps to the main entrance, I had a feeling of importance – thinking of all the amazing people who have used this library. It’s a research-only branch, so though in many film and television shows (notably Seinfeld, when Jerry has an outstanding overdue book fee) when characters are checking out books from here, in reality, that’s not its purpose.
I stepped inside an felt like I had escaped reality and walked into an ancient chapel or gallery – a combination of the two, maybe. Two marble stairwells on either side lead up to the second floor, and the ceiling is covered in a masterful painting, with chandeliers hanging down. It’s the most beautiful architecture I’ve seen in New York, hands down.
Since the library is for research, there are computers available as well as a ton of information on-hand. I noticed more people just looking around at all of the art and the building itself, than using the library for research. I saw several people taking pictures and drawing sketches. I could have easily spent all day there.
The Library is also right next to Bryant Park, and the combination of these two magical New York City landmarks became my favorite spot in the City.