The New York Public Library

Visiting the New York Public Library is like stepping into a cathedral of knowledge. Founded in 1895 through the merger of the Astor and Lenox Libraries and the Tilden Trust, the NYPL has grown into one of the world’s premier public libraries and an iconic institution in New York City. With 92 locations across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, it serves millions annually.

 

The crown jewel of the system is the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street—a Beaux-Arts masterpiece guarded by the famed marble lions, Patience and Fortitude. This flagship branch of the New York Library is home to the magnificent Rose Main Reading Room, where visitors can sit beneath a painted sky ceiling, explore rare manuscripts, and enjoy one of the most elegant reading spaces in the world.

 

Whether you're a scholar, a traveler, or a curious wanderer, the library New York proudly calls its own invites all to explore, reflect, and be inspired.

 

Top Tips

- Take photos with the iconic marble lions at the main entrance.

- Free docent-led tours and self-guided audio tours are available daily from Astor Hall—perfect for learning the building’s history and secrets.

- Check out the Polonsky Exhibition of the NYPL’s Treasures, including the Gutenberg Bible, George Washington’s handwritten farewell address, and rare literary manuscripts.

- It's one of NYC’s most elegant coworking spots with free Wi-Fi, reading desks, and quiet spaces.

 

How to Get There

The New York Library’s main branch is located at 476 Fifth Avenue (at 42nd Street). Getting there is easy:

 

By Subway

- B, D, F, M trains to 42nd St–Bryant Park (use the 5th Avenue exit)

- 7 train to 5th Ave–Bryant Park

- 4, 5, 6, 7, S trains to Grand Central–42nd St, then walk west on 42nd Street (about 7 minutes)

 

By Bus

- M1, M2, M3, M4 buses run north/south along Fifth Avenue and stop right outside the library

- M42 or M104 buses run crosstown along 42nd Street

 

Walking

Easily walkable from Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and Herald Square—all are within 10–15 minutes on foot.

 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building depends on what you're looking to experience. Here's a quick breakdown:

 

Weekday Mornings (10 AM – 12 PM)

Weekday mornings between 10 AM and 12 PM are the ideal time to visit the New York Public Library if you're looking for a peaceful and enriching experience. During these early hours, the building sees fewer crowds, allowing for a quieter atmosphere—especially in the reading rooms like the Rose Main Reading Room. It’s the perfect window for solo exploration, quiet study, or capturing stunning photos of the library’s architecture without the usual bustle of midday visitors.

 

For Photos & Architecture Lovers

For photography and architecture lovers, timing your visit to the New York Public Library can make all the difference. Early mornings, especially before noon, offer soft natural light that beautifully illuminates the Rose Main Reading Room, enhancing its intricate ceiling and warm wooden details. In contrast, late afternoons provide a golden glow that washes over the building’s Beaux-Arts façade and the iconic marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, making them especially photogenic. These times are ideal for capturing the library’s timeless elegance at its visual best.

 

Avoiding Crowds

To avoid crowds at the New York Public Library, it’s best to skip weekends and holidays when visitor numbers are highest. The busiest hours tend to be between 12 PM and 3 PM, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. For a more peaceful experience, plan your visit during weekday mornings or later in the afternoon.

 

Features

The New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is renowned for its architectural splendor and cultural significance. Its most iconic features include the two marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, which have loyally guarded the Fifth Avenue entrance since 1911. These statues are more than decorative—they’ve become enduring symbols of the city's resilience and intellectual spirit.

 

Inside, the building reveals its true grandeur. The Rose Main Reading Room is the crown jewel: a vast, light-filled space nearly the size of a football field, adorned with chandeliers, oak tables, and a beautifully painted sky ceiling. It's open to the public and offers free Wi-Fi, making it a peaceful workspace or reflective retreat in the middle of Manhattan.

Beyond the reading room, the library houses extraordinary special collections, including an original Gutenberg Bible, George Washington’s handwritten farewell address, and the Berg Collection of rare literary manuscripts. The Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division holds over 400,000 maps and 20,000 atlases, some dating back to the 16th century, making it one of the most comprehensive map collections in the world.

 

Visitors can also explore rotating exhibitions in Gottesman Hall, or join free public tours that offer insight into the library’s architecture, history, and treasures. Other features include the DeWitt Wallace Periodical Room, the Dorot Jewish Division, and the Manuscripts and Archives Division, all serving scholars, writers, and curious minds from around the globe.

Whether you're researching, sightseeing, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the NYPL is more than a library—it’s a civic treasure and a celebration of knowledge, open to all.

 

History and Fun Facts

The New York Public Library (NYPL) was founded in 1895 through the historic merger of three institutions: the Astor Library, the Lenox Library, and the Tilden Trust. This visionary consolidation was driven by a mission to make knowledge freely accessible to the public. Its grand Main Branch—now known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building—opened its doors on May 23, 1911, following a decade of construction. On opening day, more than 50,000 visitors and dignitaries, including President William Taft and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, attended the dedication.

 

Built atop the old Croton Reservoir, the library was, at the time, the largest marble structure ever constructed in the U.S. It was designed by the architectural firm Carrère and Hastings in the Beaux-Arts style and features more than 75 miles of shelves in its original book stacks.

 

Among the library’s quirky historical touches: it once had a resident cobbler install rubber heels on employees’ shoes for quieter footsteps. Its famous lions, Patience and Fortitude, were named during the Great Depression by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who believed those were the qualities New Yorkers most needed.

 

The NYPL houses incredible treasures, including a Gutenberg Bible, George Washington’s handwritten farewell address, and manuscripts from literary legends like Shakespeare, Virginia Woolf, and James Baldwin. It also played a secret role in World War II—its map collection was used by the military for intelligence and planning.

Today, the library continues to be a cultural touchstone, appearing in countless films like Ghostbusters, The Day After Tomorrow, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and remains a beloved symbol of free learning and civic pride.