https://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman
The main branch of the New York Public Library is well-known in popular culture with its iconic lion statues and grand entrance on Fifth Avenue. It’s a must-see for any bookish tourist!
History
The main branch of the New York Public Library was built in 1911 by famed architects Carrère and Hastings (who also designed Richmond’s iconic Jefferson Hotel). It was the largest marble structure in America at the time! The marble lion statues out front were renamed Patience and Fortitude by Mayor LaGuardia who said New Yorkers needed both virtues to survive the Great Depression. During WWII, the military used its maps room to research the coastlines of the countries involved in the war.
The building with its grand terrace on Fifth Avenue and its jaw-dropping reading room makes it one of the most revered locations in New York City. It has been featured in numerous movies and television shows. Who can forget seeing Peter Parker deal with his uncle’s death on the street in front of the library in “Spiderman?”
The library recently underwent a major renovation allowing it to display its historical artifacts in a much more accessible way.
Visit
The main branch of the New York Public Library is a must see for anyone who loves history and literature! With its central location and ease of entry, the library is a wonderful addition to any trip to New York. Even little kids will be in awe of its architecture and literary artifacts!
The main entrance is on Fifth Avenue which will put you in the grand Astor Hall once you enter. It’s truly stunning!
Just to your right is the new library visitor center, and it’s worthwhile to grab a map while there (or consult the online map). You can also download the guided tour before your trip.
Head straight through Astor Hall to the main attraction – the Treasures room.
This room contains the main historical items in the library. Some of the historical highlights are:
George Washington’s handwritten farewell address and Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence:
An original 15th century Gutenberg Bible
There are also many literary historical items that book lovers will treasure, including:
A portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft once owned by Theodosia Burr and Virginia Woolf’s walking cane:
Charles Dickens’ paper knife and desk
Shakespeare’s First Folio
Kids will love the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals!
Don’t miss walking up the grand staircases (look up to see the amazing ceiling!) to the third floor which houses reading and research rooms, including the famed Rose Main Reading Room. We got to tiptoe around the patrons as they read from the over 2.5 million books in the library’s collection! No pictures are allowed but this is a great photo of it.
There is an excellent gift shop located on the first floor so don’t miss that before you leave! I always love getting a fun bookish souvenir here.
The main branch of the New York Public Library is one of the iconic historical sites in the city, particularly for bookish tourists. Pop in on your next trip!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: Free
- Recommended: all ages
- Tour time: 30-45 minutes
- Gift shop located onsite and online
- Transportation: Located at Fifth Avenue and West 42nd Street, the library is an easy walking distance from many of the major tourist hotels and sites. The 7 train is the closest subway station.
- Dining options: There is The Library Cafe by Amy’s Bread in the library, and you are within walking distance of many restaurants. There are plenty of chains (Chipotle, McDonalds) and also the Heritage Grand Bakery, Restaurant and Pizza Bar. Walk a few blocks east and you’ll be at Grand Central Terminal with its many food options. Walk a few blocks west and you’ll be at Times Square where there are tons of chains and touristy restaurants.
- Nearby hotels: Of course New York City is full of hotels. A unique hotel just blocks away that I want to stay in on my next trip is The Library Hotel – looks perfect for book lovers!
- Nearby attractions include: Bryant Park, Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, The Morgan Library and Museum, and Museum of Broadway
Books to Read:
All links are Amazon affiliate links. You can visit my Bookshop.org shop to support independent bookstores and creators. You can also visit the library’s shop to purchase books.
Adult/Young Adult:
- The New York Public Library: The Architecture and Decoration of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
- Treasures of the New York Public Library
- The Lions of Fifth Avenue
- The Cartographers
Middle Grade:
- The Story Collector: A New York Public Library Book
- The Story Seeker: A New York Public Library Book (The Story Collector 2)
Picture Books:
