13+ Best Libraries in NYC
New York City is famous for a lot of things, amazing food (seriously, the bagels!), Broadway and the big lights of Times Square, the skyscrapers, the amazing melting pot of cultures and people from all over.
And the city is also home to some of the best and most beautiful libraries in the country and world. It can be overwhelming to figure out where to go, and some of them are hidden gems, so I’m sharing a round up of the best libraries in NYC that all book lovers must visit!
13+ Best Libraries In NYC
In this post you can expect a list of the best libraries in NYC, what to expect when visiting them, their location details and more. I’ll also share some other fun literary-inspired spots in the city too.
How Many Libraries In NYC are Worth Visiting?
There are over 13 libraries in NYC that are worth visiting for any literary lovers!
What Are The Best Libraries In New York City
The New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The New York Public Library’s flagship location is the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. It’s also referred to as the main branch and you’ve likely seen it in television and movies set in NYC. It’s iconic and a must-visit for anyone visiting New York City.
In addition to being a stunning building inside and out, the library is committed to providing free and equal access to its resources, which is so important.
Construction on the building started in 1897 and it opened May 23, 1911. Make sure you say hi to Patience and Fortitude before heading inside. They are the two marble lion statues standing majestically before the building.
Start your visit at the library’s Visitor Center.
To find it, enter the building via the main entrance on Fifth Avenue and make a right turn. The Visitor Center will be on your right.
Here you can enjoy interactive exhibits and displays on the Library’s legacy while also enjoying collection items, maps and more. This is also where you’ll join any tours.
On the third floor is where you’ll find the renowned Rose Main Reading Room.
The Rose Main Reading Room is open to visitors for one hour from 10 to 11 AM, Monday through Saturday only.
Or enjoy a Rose Main Reading Room Tour, lasting approximately 15 minutes, offered three times daily Monday through Saturday. The free tour starts at 11:20 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM. You’ll need to sign up in the McGraw Rotunda on the third floor ~30 minutes before the tour time.
Additionally, you can take your admiration of the library to the next level by joining the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Tour. It’s offered Monday through Saturday at 11 AM and 2 PM and runs for approximately 60 minutes.
The tour is free and you’ll need to register in advance online. The tour covers the history, architecture, and collections of the library and includes a visit to the Rose Main Reading Room.
If you’re a local, you could also just visit the library and get some work done in the reading room during their open hours. It’s certainly an inspiring space and they have outlets at all tables – a win-win.
Take a self-guided tour with the Treasures Audio Guide available online and via the Bloomberg Connects app.
At the end of your visit, make sure to pop into the Library Shop & Cafe for some shopping, light bites and coffee. The Library Shop is actually the perfect place to find a gift for that person who seems impossible to shop for and there are so many perfect mementos to remember your visit with.
Address: 476 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10018
Hours
Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
Also known as SNFL, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library is basically right across the street from the main branch, so you could easily visit both in one trip.
And it’s absolutely worth making the second stop at SNFL. It’s recently renovated and a state-of-art library that offers books, wifi, printing services, classes, entertainment and much more for all ages.
You can take a self-guided tour of the building with the Bloomberg Connects app. And you have to make sure you head to the top floor for the rooftop terrace.
The outdoor space is free and open to the public to enjoy the sweeping views of Midtown Manhattan. The open-air seating is first-come first-served, so you can expect more crowds on weekends when the weather is nice.
Address: 455 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Hours:
Monday: 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 8 AM–8 PM
Friday: 8 AM–7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
The Morgan Library
The Morgan Library is another must-visit for any book lovers in NYC. Just a short walk from the NYPL main branch and SNFL, and close to Grand Central, you’ll find The Morgan Library & Museum.
The library transports you from the city back in time to a gilded age and truly gives Beauty and the Beast vibes. It’s a stunning space.
It was originally completed in 1906 by the very wealthy banker, J.P. Morgan, as his personal library. His son expanded the library and opened it to the public and it’s underwent several renovations since.
There are many rare manuscripts, first edition books and more. You’ll find Gutenburg Bibles, original concept drawings for The Little Prince, a first edition of Alice in Wonderland along with curated artwork and rotating exhibitions.
You’ll find gorgeous spaces to explore and can amplify your self-guided tour with an audio guide available via Bloomberg Connects or The Morgan’s website.
Entry to the Museum is by timed ticket.
Advance timed tickets are strongly recommended for best availability, but not required, meaning you could try the day of to visit, but you may have to wait or return another day.
Compared to other libraries, there is a cost to visit most days. It’s $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, $13 for students and free for children 12 and under. They offer discounted admission for disabled visitors and admission is free for their accompanying caregivers.
Admission is not required to visit the Morgan Shop and Morgan Café.
You can visit for free on Fridays from 5-7 PM, but you must make a reservation. Tickets go available one week in advance.
Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM–5 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM–7 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM–5 PM
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is home to one of the entire world’s most extensive research collections in theater, film, dance, music and recorded sound.
You can enjoy these materials free of charge along with their wide range of special programs, including free seminars, exhibitions and performances.
If you’re a fan of the arts, it’s the perfect library to visit to take in all the non-book collections they have available from historic recordings, manuscripts, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters, photographs and much more.
And as you’ll be in Lincoln Center you can also combine this with a visit to The Metropolitan Opera House, Vivian Beaumont Theater and more.
If you’re a fan of the arts, you should also visit The Drama Book Shop, located in Midtown, which I’ve shared more about in my Best Things to do in Times Square New York roundup.
Address: 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th St.
Hours:
Monday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM–6 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–6 PM
Thursday; 10:30 AM–8 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM–6 PM
Sunday: Closed
Jefferson Market Library
The Jefferson Market Branch of the New York Public Library, formerly a courthouse, was named a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Yes, the building is that gorgeous.
The striking tall, octagonal-shaped, wooden fire lookout tower part of the building was built all the way back in 1833. It’s a Victorian Gothic style building and a visit is worth it just to take in its unique beauty and the stained glass windows.
They also host regular events like book discussions, movie screenings, quiet reading parties, and music.
Address: 425 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Hours:
Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 1–5 PM
Queens Public Library at Hunters Point
The Queens Public Library at Hunters Point has amazing views of Manhattan and the East River. The space is modern with multiple floors giving a really unique experience and you can check out the views on the roof deck.
There are many children’s programs here, so you should expect to see families and hear some noise from the kids playing. Therefore, it may not be the best place for deep studying if you need more peace and quiet to focus.
Address: 47-40 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109
Hours:
Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday: 1–6 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 12–8 PM
Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday: Closed
Poets House
The Poets House is a public library located on the west side of Manhattan overlooking the Hudson River.
It’s one of the largest and most comprehensive independent poetry collections available to the public in the entire country with over 80,000 poetry books and related materials like literary journals, chapbooks and more.
They hold a variety of events, workshops, readings and talks for fans of poetry and literature.
Visitors can enjoy the spacious Margo Viscusi Reading Room to read, write and work with their free wifi, or enjoy the Quiet Reading Room all while taking in views of Rockefeller Plaza and the Hudson River.
Address: 10 River Terrace, New York, NY 10282
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–6 PM
Sunday: Closed
Seward Park Library
The Seward Park Library on the Lower East Side is nestled in, you guessed it, Seward Park.
There is a great collection of material on the history of the Lower East Side to peruse. Plus, you’re near loads of great places to eat and a generally fun area of NYC to explore. Hop over to Sweet Pickle Books afterwards to continue with the book theme and pick up a jar of pickles that Harry Styles himself has enjoyed.
Address: 192 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Hours:
Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday: Closed
The Center for Fiction Library
The Center offers spaces for both the public as well as members. The cafe is open daily from 11 to 8 serving a rotating menu of coffee, tea, espresso, plus some wine, beer and cocktails. It’s housed in a spacious auditorium for all guests to enjoy a sunlit, book-lined view.
Members only can enjoy borrowing from the catalog of over 70,000 titles, plus access to visit the tech-friendly lounges, tech-free reading room and an outdoor terrace.
Address: 15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Hours:
Monday: 11 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
Friday: 11 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM
Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
The Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library
Central Library is Brooklyn’s home library, and is home to the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Cultural Center, programming series BPL Presents; the Shelby White & Leon Levy Information Commons, public co-working and meeting spaces and more.
You’ll find three floors of collections and last year they had nearly 6 million visits! The library is so stunning to visit. It’s designed to resemble an open book with Art Deco details.
The entrance is home to fifteen bronze sculptures of famous authors and characters from American literature.
You can enjoy an audio tour when visiting and spend hours getting lost in the stacks.
Address: 10 Grand Army Plz, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Hours:
Monday: 9 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 9 AM–8 PM
Friday: 9 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 1–5 PM
Pacific Branch, Brooklyn Public Library
The Pacific Branch of the BPL system is not as flashy as other libraries, but if you’re nearby it’s a worthy visit. The Pacific Branch was the first Carnegie Branch to open to the public in Brooklyn, all the way back on October 8th, 1904
There is a rotunda with an interior semi-circular iron balcony that’s just so interesting. I really enjoy seeing all the various architecture styles in the many libraries throughout the city.
Address: 25 Fourth Ave. at, Pacific St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Hours:
Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday: 1–8 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday: Closed
The Center for Brooklyn History
The Center for Brooklyn History is part museum and part library. It’s housed in an 1881 landmark building and includes exhibits on Brooklyn history.
The reading room is stunning with its stained-glass windows and carved wooden columns. There are over 33,000 books, 50,000 photographs, 8,000 artifacts, 300 paintings and more to enjoy.
Address: 128 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours:
Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday: Closed
The Morbid Anatomy Library
If you enjoy your libraries with a side of creepiness, then the Morbid Anatomy Library is for you!
Additionally, it’s also a gift shop perfect for that certain someone who’s a fan of the creepy crawly too. Plus, you’ll be in Industry City in Brooklyn which is a really fun area that doesn’t always get its due.
Address: 254 36th St 2nd floor, C248, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Hours:
Saturday: 12 PM–5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM
Brooklyn Public Library for Arts & Culture
Brand spanking new! The BPL’s Library for Arts & Culture has a boutique reading room and event space. It’s an art-centric library so it’s perfect for art lovers and it’s located in downtown Brooklyn in the cultural district. So you can find plenty of restaurants, shops and more nearby. Or pop down to Prospect Park!
Address: 10 Lafayette Ave Second Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Hours
Monday: 10 AM–5 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–5 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–5 PM
Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday: Closed
While you’re traversing around the city, crossing all these libraries of your list, you’ll want to be prepared with some essentials for NYC travel. Here’s what to pack for New York City to stay cool and cozy.
