New York Public Library Reviews

I came here twice during a one-week long visit. It is indeed a great space that anyone can enter. The treasures exhibition is very interesting for all age groups. The book shop contained a lot of unique merchandise to give your study a sophisticated look!

We visited on a wet day in April and the library was packed.

We were unable to see the Rose Reading room as you can only see this is you are genuinely studying or if you are in a tour of the building.

We did enjoy the small exhibition on the ground floor, including Winnie the Pooh and friends and the New Yorker magazine exhibit.

The library is stunning inside and out. Located alongside Bryant Park so you can easily combine a visit.

Free to enter. Book a tour if you want to access the reading room.

Highly recommended. Worth going out of your way for.

Wish we had More time. Any book, history, or library loving person should go. We were only there 1.5 hrs , needed so much more time. The building it self is phenomenal

Originally we thought we would miss getting to see the NY Public Library due to holiday closing when we were there Labor Day weekend. However, we got to visit on our last day there and we were SO glad this was part of our visit. The architecture, art and history of the building are amazing. The Treasures exhibit on the 1st floor (which is also free you just need to sign up for a time) is a must see. There are so many incredible historic items in the collection.

NYC Public Library is another NY building with magnificent architecture, but best of all (in my opinion) it has a Treasures Room. We saw a 1455 copy of the Gutenberg Bible, George Washington’s speech for his farewell to Congress in 1787, penned in his own hand and a 1776 newspaper copy of the Declaration of Independence, amongst other things. Regular free tours take place too.

The New York Public Library is a literary temple. Its imposing architecture and vast collection of knowledge make it a charming place for lovers of culture and reading.

It can get very busy as it's a tourist attraction. I wasn't ready for that ha Also most areas are restricted in terms of actual books and reading. I eventually found a little spot. But still worth going. It's beautiful!

Great building, next to Bryant Park, got there for opening so very short line, inside of building is impressive. Had a New Yorker magazine exhibition on when we visited. Good facilities and gift shop. Worth a visit, a bit of a calmer oasis in a hectic NYC.

The best thing is that it is all for FREE! So you can go to the main branch of this institution, open since 1911, and marvel at the architecture and use the Rose Reading Room, or buy unique products at the gift shop.

I was lucky to be able to see this while NYPL was running the Polonsky exhibition. The Polonsky Exhibit had the library’s rare and old books; first drafts; letters & artefacts on display. So I was fortunate to be able to marvel at Shakespeare’s first printed copy of all his plays dating back to 1623; a Guttenberg Bible in Latin from the 15th century; George Washington’s farewell address of 1796 in his own handwriting (you can still read son of the words on it); cuneiform tablets from the Near MidEast civilizations from thousands of years ago; music composition in Mozart’s own writing; the original bear that inspired A.A. Milne’s classic, “Winnie the Pooh”; a 1726 copy of the New England Primer; an illustrated Ottoman-era text from nearly 509 yrs ago depicting the story of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad & the only one of its kind in N.America. And So Much More such treasures!

And this is right next to Bryant Park and walking distance to other attractions like Times Square and Empire State Bldg.

Please be ready to spend a couple of hours at this open and accessible center of learning! I guarantee you, you’ll leave feeling your views have shifted just a little.

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in New York City is worth a visit to see the historical documents and artifacts held by this institution. Treasures we saw included a Gutenberg Bible, George Washington's farewell address, a copy of the Bill of Rights, the writing desk and chair used by Charles Dickens, and the work of John James Audubon.

We did a self guided audio tour which was great - it’s a magnificent building with interesting history! If you have time book Docent tour they’re free!

A lovely building both internally and externally.
And very unexpected, close as it was to the tourist route.

The New York Public Library, a historic landmark near Bryant Park, is a massive, quiet space ideal for work or relaxation. The beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture and iconic lion statues make it a must-see. You can use free Wi-Fi, refill water, and access restrooms, but keep it quiet as locals frequent the library. Be cautious with navigation, as it might direct you to a nearby, newer library—head straight to Bryant Park for the main entrance!

I highly recommend the free guided tour. I don’t recall the name of the lady that gave mine, but she was great and clearly knew a lot about the library. The architecture here is stunning

it's a beautiful and vintage building, you can tour some places on your own, but for the Rose reading room, you need to join the guided tour to enter it, it's free, but the tickets will be given out half hour before the tour

Public library in monumental building that is definitely worth visiting. beautiful both exterior and interior.

We visited the New York Public Library just to look at the interior of the building but ended up spending over an hour looking at the exhibitions including the Treasures exhibition.

It is a beautiful building and the free exhibitions are worth a visit. You can only visit the Main Reading Room (Rose Room) on a tour, which is good as it would just be overrun by tourists.

I had no idea the original Winnie-The-Pooh and Friends stuffed animals have been on display in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building for years. I come to NYC a lot and somehow this popped up on my Facebook and I had to go visit. Located on the first floor in the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures there are a lot of other cool finds in there as well.

The NYC Library is free to visit. We actually tried to get on the tour for the Rose Room 3 different days, but each time didn't arrive early enough and they had given out all of the stickers already, so next time I guess. The architecture and art work is beautiful throughout the public spaces.

I had to go once and visit this establishment that we see in so many movies.
So for sure, it is a library, with a café, a souvenir shop, but it is also a library where people go to study, read, work.
And it's huge!
For the curious who have - again - a few minutes ahead of them.

I hadn't planned to visit the public library but I walked past it and thought it might be worth a quick look... I ended up spending a couple of hours there.

The free audio tour on the Bloomberg Connects app really adds to the experience and points out things that are probably easily missed. I particularly recommend heading to the 3rd floor to see the works of Alen MacWeeney and his portrayal of the New York metro in 1977.

There is a real emphasis that the library is a place available for all to learn from and enjoy... this message has inspired me to go get a library card of my own.

History of New York library with 3 accessible floors and free admission. However, some pavilions are reserved for researchers and you cannot enter if you are not there to do bibliographic research or other...
Overall it's worth it..

We popped in just to see the beautiful building and, luckily, stumbled upon a docent leading a free tour of the the Polonsky Exhibition.
The treasures (all originals) in this exhibit include a Guttenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, THE Christopher Robin's stuffed animals (from Winnie the Pooh; only Roo is missing), music from Mozart, Charles Dickens's desk set and creepy letter opener, and so much more.
Reportedly the exhibit is permanent though they do swap some things in and out.

With my previous 40 or so trips to NYC, I had never visited the NY Public Library. This trip, decided to check it out. Though I appreciated the beauty of it, it's okay to skip this.

It is worth scheduling a visit, the library is very nice and you can do free tours, just schedule it in advance.

Visited the NYPL one day during our recent visit to New York for a pre-Christmas trip. Loved the site and the Treasures exhibition - lots of history and free to the public.

Items include a Gutenberg Bible, another Bible from the mid 1500s in 4 languages - Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Aramaic, copy of the original Bill of Rights, Winnie the Pooh toys and lots more!

Firstly the outside of the library is a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by, with plenty of seats on the small terrace outside the front entrance.

Main purpose of the visit was to see the Polonsky Exhibition of the library's treasures, with number one on the list being the original Winnie the Pooh and friends. It is a fascinating exhbit and lovingly curated, and if you go for Winnie the Pooh and friends, make sure you check out the other fascinating artefacts from a whole range of spheres and times - truly something for everyone.

The gift shop is also highly recommended, lots of nice and unique New York themed gifts that I didn't see anywhere else on my trip.

The main New York Public Library has an excellent historical literary item collection worth seeing. Currently this collection highlights items related to Kate Shelly and her famous "Frankenstein" novel.

The Library also has rotating special exhibitions; currently they have several floors devoted to "The Arctic" and its impact on science & popular culture over the last few hundred years. Lots of books, newspaper articles, picture albums and even trading cards from the collection are shown.

We visited the NY Public Library for a break from the city noise and to soak in the art, architecture, and history of the building. Spent time in the famed Rose Reading Room and perused some sections of books. Sat at a desk and took in the gorgeous ceiling and wood features all around the room. Check out the interactive map in the Visitors’ Center to plan your route.

You can save yourself the trouble! I was here 30 years ago and wanted to go back to the large reading room. This alone makes a visit to the NYPL worthwhile. Until two years ago, you could just visit the reading room. It is beautiful. Since 2021, however, small groups are only allowed in four times a day for 15 minutes. For example, if the appointment is at 3 p.m., you can only register online for the visit from 2:30 p.m. Registration is no longer possible for 20 people or more. You can only register half an hour beforehand. You can imagine what goes on in front of the room: everyone tries to register on their cell phones 30 minutes beforehand and get a seat. This is how they want to ensure that the real students are not disturbed. I don't understand why this historic library is still used. They should think about opening the library and this room to the public and letting students read in another room. Without viewing the reader, a visit to the library as a tourist is a waste of time.

Definitely try to do the tour or at least visit! It was well worth our time and a beautiful building. I emailed the staff because I had wanted to do the tour, but the times were coming out right during my flight, and the worker was so helpful with getting a spot. Spots are very limited, but I recommend trying!

A superb library with lots of history.
A beautiful exhibition but it is impossible to access the library itself so as not to disturb people. Quite normal though, a shame for reading enthusiasts.

After many visits to NY, I finally entered this gorgeous building. The interior is just as stunning as the exterior. The reading rooms are phenomenal. There are free exhibits and tours. It's a perfect spot for bibliophiles, researchers, or those who are just curious. Photos of other people are not allowed in the reading room (so be careful). The art on the ceilings and walls are pure eye candy.

The public library is a very nice place to visit, read and relax or just see the great architecture inside. It is just for another era and the park near there was magnificent. Also entrance was for free and everyone good enjoy their time there.

An impressively large (well, like everything in New York) and endless library. It has access for regular users with their corresponding library documentation, but it also has a tourist tour in which they explain the history of the building, there are magnificent models, interactive information, etc. My favorite library is still the Manchester Central Round Library, where I spent so much time studying during my university days there (it will always be in my heart), but this New York library invites you to become a member and spend years and years reading.

Arrived at 9:50 to wait very briefly in line outside before doors opened. The gorgeous Rose Room was open and I greatly enjoyed working in there for a couple hours.

Tickets for the tour are limited to 25 per session (2 per day) and are available online at midnight EST on Sunday for the following week. Tickets are free. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and took us to places in the library that aren't open to visitors who aren't part of the tour. The Rose Reading Room, the DeWitt Wallace Periodical Room with its beautiful murals, the McGraw Rotunda, and the Bill Blass Catalog Room were all part of the behind the scenes tour. No matter how you visit, be sure to look up. The ceilings are spectacular.
The gift shop has a vast array of gifts that are reasonably priced.

Very nice. A very well preserved building. The main roof is amazing. And it’s worth seeing the art shows on offer at the time of visiting.
It has a bookstore that you get good books about the city. I loved it. Free admission

New York public library is a wonder, an amazing institution in an iconic and magnificent building.
There is so much there to see and do. Tremendous library, architectural details, exhibits, historic artifacts.
The library tends to be crowded and just feels like it needs a little loving care and attention sometimes.
I was there around the holidays, the tree was lovely and overall the staff was able to redirect the crowds well.
Recommend to visit at a quieter time and spend some time going up and down the stairs and visiting all exhibits and collections.

Was so excited to visit and was in awe as soon as I walked in. The only disappointment is that you're not permitted to enter the Rose Room (which is the room in the picture) unless you're doing research or studying.

Attended an evening event, "The Library After Hours - Arctic Edition" and was amazed by the atmosphere. My favourite building in NYC!

While I could only view it from the outside, the view of this iconic building, after a gap of over a year, made me realize how beautiful and historic this place is!

Went here to kill some time for the morning. Lots of interesting architecture and areas to visit. There is an area called treasure and this contains lots of valuable items from Dickens memorabilia to maps and charts and its all very easy to explore. There's also a Shakespeare folio although I am unsure if its an original. If it is, then it's probably worth millions.

The place has a lovely store too and my wife purchased a rather expensive handbag and a very interesting jigsaw while I opted for a mug.

The New York Public Library is a fantastic monumental building. The architecture is brilliant. This is a visit you will not want to miss.

Hoping to have a look round this magnificent building,we were met with long queues in the foyer they were xray scanning everyone all bags were being searched , it was just chaos so we left disappointed

in the heart of the 5th avenue, near the Bryant park, you will have the opportunity to discover treasures from the collection. a beautiful building with long arches, and many stairs, many expositions and lovely ceilings. The treasure exposed this week represents some of first works from composers, architects, writers and politicians. A first edition of a St James Bible, drafts from Mozart´s 42nd symphony, letters and documents. The reading rooms and collection rooms are quiet and invite you to read or opening your notebook or mobile to research. A quiet program for rainny days.

Loved this building and tip: I signed up for a free tour of building a day ahead of time on their website. It was okay but probably more than I would have seen independently. I also grabbed my special exhibit tickets on line and loved that exhibition skipping the lines to enter. Don't buy your memorabilia in the gift shop until after the tour where they give you a 10% discount. It is just around the corner from the subway so easy to visit.

Gorgeous and a must see if you’re in New York / really beautiful building and interior and fantastic collections. Not to be missed

Oddly, I am pretty certain that this was the first time I stepped foot into the building. Odd since I was born in New York, and have been visiting annually for years.

Be that as it may, I came across information regarding an exhibition called Traditions that sounded interesting. It did not quite meet my expectations, but I did not feel that my time was wasted. Part of the issue was the lighting and the warmth. Pretty much every museum I have ever been in has been like a refrigerator.

Upstairs is the entrance to the famous reading room, but only those who say they are there to do research or study can enter. Makes perfect sense. Can you imagine trying to do either with constant activity from “gawking” tourists?

Took a free tour today of the Polansky Exhibit of the NYC Public Library’s Treasures in the 42nd Street and 5th Avenue Building. I had walked through the exhibit before, but the live tour (I think the guide was Hilda) really brought a selection of the many treasures to life. The tour lasted about an hour and you will need more time to really view the entire exhibit. I found the tour by accident, but would guess more scheduling information is on their Website. A free Audio Tour was also available. Highly recommended for anyone who likes history.

it’s a cute building but when i think of a ‘public library’ i expect there to be books there available to the public. there was not. i did not see a single book in the entire building that you could actually read as a member of the public. why call it a public library if it’s not a public library?

take advantage of free tours to discover the interior of this building and appreciate the impressive reading room!

Breath taking NYC history & architecture worth seeing! The library is steps away from Bryant Park so enjoy a lunch in the park before adventuring over! Simply stunning outside with grand staircase entry, fountains & so many photo ops. My fave spot was the stunning massive stone archways at the top of the steps before entering!

The inside was just as grand with immaculate granite carved staircase & grand hallways with floor to ceiling windows.

They have a really nice bookstore / cafe to check out while here!

Walked here from near Times Square. Easy to find. Stunningly beautiful building. Architecture was so lovely. Small queue to enter. Went through detector. Saw some exhibits--Winnie the Pooh! Went upstairs to 3rd floor. The ceiling was stunningly beautiful. Rose Reading Room was closed for viewing as individuals were studying. Too bad as we would have liked to have entered. It is only open certain times of the day. We should have checked ahead of time.
Washrooms were clean. Gift shop was lovely. Staff was pleasant and helpful.

Surprising to learn that tours of this architecturally beautiful building is available at 11am and 2pm. Magnificent!

I did not expect this Library to be a Museum. Excellent artifacts, Beautiful architecture, with gorgeous hallways and lighting.

Crazy to think this is a library and not a museum. Getting to see the real Winnie the Pooh teddies was a childhood dream come true!

We visited here because I had seen it in movies and wanted to see the staircase, architecture and beautiful ceiling mural. We stumbled upon the Treasures room and were surprised by all of the original artifacts and pieces of history we saw including the first Gutenberg Bible.

If you are lucky enough to bag a spot on this free tour you are so very blessed. Gloria, our docent was incredible, her mind, knowledge, passion and enthusiasm were incredible, I wanted to scoop her off for lunch and listen to her for hours and hours. This place is spectacular, what is holds, the history, the exhibitions, how you feel when you are in there - this tour gives you an insight that is very special; highlight of my NYC trip.

Take the free tour and find out so much about this library. It is second to the Library of Congress for the size of its holdings. Beautiful building with quite a history. The Rose Reading Room is beautiful and olde style. The Library Treasures Exhibit is amazing. The Library is next to Bryant Park which is also a nice visit.

My first time to the library and there was an exhibit that was out of this world! The staff is friendly and the gift shop has a great variety! Get your NYC Public Library card also if you are a NY resident! Fun and Freee!

We visited here to see the winnie the pooh exhibition, was great to see. Added bonus was the Christmas tree was up and was absolutely stunning. Worth a visit around Christmas just to see the tree

The Treasures exhibit was amazing! Small in quantity but huge in quality. Very well curated and has cool artifacts of interest for everyone - from history buffs to entertainment lovers. Even the room is super cool. And would you believe, free!?

The rest of the library is an architectural gem worth wandering around a bit. Overall the library is a great way to spend an hour...and then follow it up by relaxing in Bryant Park with a beverage.

Oh and if you don't have a picture of Patience and/or Fortitude, you haven't been to NYC.

Library is very impressive in itself. You can see the Rose Reading room on the free tour which is every.houe or so, you can't simply walk in. The New Yorker exhibition is new and charts the history of the iconic magazine alongside that of New York - see pics. The library backs onto Bryant Park which is also worth a visit. Both of these activities are budget-friendly options.

I think this might be the most beautiful building I have ever been to! Built of solid marble and with stunning ceilings and architectural details everywhere. I found it so moving that so much care was taken over a building dedicated to books and learning. There is a wonderful FREE Treasures exhibition which displays some of the library's collection - not only books but also historical papers, Virginia Woolf's walking stick, fragments of Shelley's skull (!), Charles Dickens' letter opener with the handle made from his cat's paw (!!)... All so fascinating. I would highly recommend signing up for one of the FREE guided tours. Tickets are released on a Sunday for the coming week and they do get booked up so reserve a place online for some additional information about the history and architecture AND most importantly, for access to the astonishing reading room, which is otherwise only open to readers. Our guide, Dempsey, told us she had been doing tours for 20 years and her passion and love for the building shone through and really helped to enhance an already wonderful visit. One of the highlights of my time in New York.

The New York Public Library is a beautiful historic building with tons of books, free Wi-Fi, and quiet spaces to read or work. It’s open to everyone, and the atmosphere is inspiring. A great place to learn and relax!

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, visiting the NYPL is a must. It’s a place that makes you feel proud to have access to such an incredible institution. What a beautiful library, an architectural masterpiece with a museum, history & paintings.

Centrally located at the heart of NYC, and pretty close to Bryant Park, The New York Public Library is a treasure for all and offers free entry. Highly recommend exploring it!

Really beautiful place and a great exhibition of literature and old literary works.
The architecture is stunning. It kind of felt like a labyrinthine of hallways.

We had to return twice because it was not open on. St.Patrick’s day. The building and the interior were beautiful but we especially wanted to see the reading room and were told we had to do a tour which did not start for another 2 hours. As looking inside would only take 2 minutes we were not willing to wait. This was very disappointing and should be more visible on websites so that visitors can plan more accordingly to the times of access.

This was an unplanned find! It’s close by Grand Central station and is worth the visit. The library inside is stunning. I imagine it would be a great place to hang out and people watch, read or study.

We popped in to take a look at the opulence of it. There were loads of rooms and marble staircases. We wandered around the corridors admiring it all although never saw a single book! There was a queue to see the historic Rose Main Reading Room. Toilets were available free of charge.

Even if you are not a “bookworm” you will probably really enjoy the history in this building. Entry is free and the artifacts they have on exhibit are incredible. Charles Dickens desk, original Plato book, draft manuscript of “The Secret Garden,” a Gutenberg Bible just to name a few. Upstairs there are two wings of exhibits for The New Yorker magazine.

Lots to see, lots of history, lots in the souvenir shop. Bought a City Wrap (clothing) and wear it often.

So lame! There are three stories of the library and it is magnificent looking from the outside with the pillars and lions out front. Inside is marble throughout the building (floors, walls, stairs) but the public cannot go into any other areas of the library and there was not ONE book to be found or seen. It was cold marble on three floors with some paintings on the wall in one room. Very lame. I would not recommend going here. It's also incredibly funny that they check your backpack/ bag on the way out where there's literally NOTHING to steal!!!!! I didn't get to even see a book! The large paintings on the wall would not quite fit in my backpack.

We had several hours of work to do and the small hotel wasn't going to work! Walked to the library and worked in the Rose Reading Room. A highlight of a terrific visit.

This is a magnificent building. The permanent expo of Treasures is worth a visit as their collection is notable. Sometimes there are good temporary expos here. It is all free, it's a library, but also a monument to learning.

A must for books’ lovers. Its environment is must inviting, you want to stay and enjoy! It gives an historical prospective of books in the permanent exposition. The staff is most welcoming and nice!

We did not have enough time here. Next trip! The building itself is stunning. The exhibits in the first room as you walk in were amazing. They have the stuffed animals that Winnie the Pooh was created from, a copy of The Snowy Day with the most checkouts, the portrait used of Benjamin Franklin for the $100 bill, ETC We went up stairs to see the rotunda. Beautiful painting. You can not go in the Rose room. We went across the street to the satellite building. There is nothing there to see. It is a nice children's library, but no exhibits.

We needed a nice place to work Monday morning while waiting for our train back home so we stopped here and used one of the third floor rooms to do some quiet work. We had the nice bonus of getting to see the Treasures exhibit on a break and there are some really cool things available to see there if you get the chance.

Not worth it. It's basically just a big overcrowded tourist spot. I wanted to see actual books in an actual library. Completely disappointed. Do not recommend. Boston public was way better!

A must-visit for their new "Treasures" collection. A small exhibit, but incredibly well curated with some exquisite items on display, most are exhibit worthy in themselves!

The free tours are short, exciting and give you special access to the famous reading room.=

A nice place to go there's a good lot to see and read about. Look for the winnie the poo exhibition it was so cute.

This went beyond my expectations. When visiting the Treasures display, I felt like I was at the Smithsonian! I was stunned and amazed at some of the items on display! And it was free!!

The New York public library is located on fifth Avenue. The building is simply amazing. Lots of grandeur. Well worth a visit if you have time.

Great historic building.
Very well cared for inside and one of the unmissable visits if you are in NY.
Unfortunately we went late and had to make a quick visit and we couldn't appreciate everything it has, but it was still worth it.

Came mainly to see the magnificent reading room on the 3rd floor (Rosa main Reading) it is no longer accessible to tourists.
You have to register in advance and there are only a few slots per day (this is understandable, it serves as a library!!!)
Unless you pretend to be a student (we're asked for study? At the entrance to the room), otherwise you won't see anything.
So if you don't have access, there's no point in entering the library. ..
the rest does not require a visit from my point of view, while our Lonely Planet guide and others advised us to visit it.
Big disappointment because this room seems magnificent…

Like other American public libraries made for the general public, but of absolute magnificence. If you want to see the large reading room, my recommendation is that you go before the library opens (10 in the morning) and, when it opens, go directly to the lobby of the reading room to collect your (free) ticket for the visit at 7:30 p.m.

Beautiful library in twentieth century style, it is worth the entrance if you happen to be in the area, no reservation or ticket is needed

The New York Public Library is not just a haven for book lovers but a breathtaking architectural gem in the heart of New York City. Stepping inside, I was immediately transported into a world of quiet grandeur, with stunning interiors that speak volumes of its historical significance!

The Public Library is one of the largest and most famous public libraries in the world.
It is located in the heart of Manhattan, on Fifth Avenue, between 40th and 42nd Streets, just across from Bryant Park.
The main building is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture: at the entrance, the famous statues of the two lions, symbols of strength and wisdom, welcome visitors.
On the first floor, in the exhibition hall, there is a permanent exhibition that presents real treasures: manuscripts, letters from famous people, literary objects, a precious copy of the Gutenberg Bible, George Washington’s manuscript speech and many other historical documents of extraordinary value.
Inside you can also admire spectacular reading rooms, including the famous Rose Main Reading Room, with its sky-high ceilings and long study tables. The room can be visited every day in a dedicated time slot (10.00-11.00), or you can participate in free guided tours, bookable online.
I highly recommend the visit: it is a place rich in history, culture and unique atmosphere.

A place of amazing architecture! Entrance is free and you can visit several rooms. The painting work of the ceilings is indescribable. It is worth seeing!

Choka and not a single book available. Certainly the worst library I’ve ever visited.
The building’s architecture was apparently so wonderful that it doesn’t occur to the staff to mention that you can only access the stair wells.

We had fun investigating this pretty library- lots of different artefacts to be found! Worth a visit during an extended trip to NYC.

nice building and inner decoration. big reading room free entrance for visitors to sit down reading and to feel the atmosphere. there's another reading room open for quiet and research only.

If you are a lover of architecture, books and ancient treasures, this is your place. The gift shop is a treat and if you buy a book, ask to be sealed!!

We went to the bookstore in New York to see this clamorous and intellectual place where you could see the grave silence of the kids studying

If you have a little bit of time to fit this in - maybe the day of travel - this can be a really fun short stop. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is right next to Bryant Park, which has a winter holiday village now with ice skating and stalls for food, jewelry, etc., and only a 5 minute walk from Times Square.

We had done a little more of a self-guided tour on a previous visit, but I saw they had an exhibit "Lines and Thread"(through Jan 12) so we stopped by to see this - easy to find, and can see it in 15 minutes if you don't read anything, but I wouldn't think anyone would take more than 40 min. if you are just coming for this one exhibit. They did also have other exhibits related to Native American Heritage month, a "Polonsky Exhibition" (curated from treasures in their massive stored collection, sounds like it will be an on-going exhibition), and an exhibit on Bohemia in Greenwich Village. Some if this can be viewed digitally, too.

At 11 and and 2 PM they have one-hour, docent-guided tours of the library that may get you into rooms that are not normally open to the uncouth masses. If that schedule doesn't work for you, they offer a new free audioguide on the Bloomberg Connects app for a self-guided tour.

Another branch, 20 minutes away by public transport, north of Central Park, up in Harlem, is the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Exhibits there right now include James Baldwin; Contemporary Afro-Mexican Photography; and Code Switch: Distributing Blackness, Reprogramming Internet Art

From the stairs to enter we appreciate the beautiful building that is an important point not only for tourism but for the cultural life of the city. The architecture and design manifests itself in every detail of its interior and although we could not visit the reading rooms so as not to disturb those who read and investigate, the visit was special thanks to the impromptu presentation of an employee who approached us while we were undressing on benches near the exit and gave us a friendly explanation of the basement with archive cellars for all the thousands of books that move daily, with the help of trains or bands that move them quickly and safely. Very interesting especially the excellent lively and gentle attention we received.
Also anecdotal was the photo that a passer-by who was working out spontaneously offered to take us while we were sitting on an outside bench by the sides of the staircase near the lions, because he said he was struck by the group because of its color and disposition on the bench. They are signs of a community that is attuned to others and shows a friendly side of the cosmopolitan city in a hurry. Thanks for giving us a nice experience.

This is a must see in NYC—spend 15 minutes or the entire day and you won’t be disappointed! The architecture, knowledgeable staff, exhibits (definitely check out The Treasures on floor one if you only have time for one room), quiet reading spaces…this building is a gem and free!

The NYC library is a true destination for everyone. The architecture, history and incredible ceilings and rooms filled with art will definitely make people return for more visits. I have gone on 3 of their free tours and would return again.

Awesome library with plenty of cool things to see. They have the original Winnie the Pooh and friends on display. The architecture is also really cool. The Rose reading room is the coolest thing but make sure to check the website for hours and tours as you can’t go inside outside of a few specific times.

The New York Public Library Main Branch aka, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is a beautifully designed Beaux Arts style building and one of the most prominent and iconic landmarks of New York City.

Located in Midtown Manhattan, New York and designed by the renowned architectural firm, Carrère & Hastings, the library opened to the public on May 23rd 1911. The New York Public Library Main Branch is one of the four research libraries of New York’s City’s Library system and contains an estimated 2.5 million volumes in its awesome collection.

Due to its rich and storied heritage, its impressive architectural features, its vast collection of books, manuscripts, tablets, and papers, and its appearance in numerous shows and films such as “Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961), “Ghostbusters” (1984), “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1999), & Spider-Man (2002), the New York Public Library Main Branch has been listed on the U.S. National Register Of Historic Places, and was declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

In January of 2019, I brought my wife and myself for a visit to the library and we very much enjoyed our exploration of this remarkable institution. We were in awe of the building’s grand marble facade and its 2 stunning lion statues, nicknamed “Patience” & “Fortitude” both of which are located near the library’s main entrance. Other points of interest that we enjoyed seeing were “The Rose Main Reading Room” the “Astor Hall” the Wallace Periodical Room & the “McGraw Rotunda.” Each of these areas are immaculately designed, and are unquestionably worth visiting and viewing!!!

When traveling to New York, both my wife and I highly recommend for everyone to stop by and explore the New York Public Library Main Branch!!! You’ll have fun and will certainly bedazzled by this breathtaking landmark!!!

We've visited the NY Public Library many times over the years and it's always a wonderful place to visit. The building itself is gorgeous and it's in a prime location right next to Bryant Park (perfect around Christmas with the holiday market). The Treasures Exhibit is the big reason to come here though as it's one of the most amazing collections of historical documents and artifacts that we've seen, including a First Folio, copy of the Bill of Rights, Gutenberg Bible, Dickens' writing desk, and many more. It's such a wonderful place to visit and it's one of the gems of NYC!

I discovered this ancient library by accident. A very nice place as well as free. It is located near a small and cute Bryant Park.

I like to spend time their exploring books and beautiful design of Library. It is one the inspiring spots of New York city. Also park behind it also incredible.

Recently went early morning on a weekday (not too crowded), family of 5, to this amazing place with private guide (can also do alone if need). The library is so opulent ALL over, which is worth the visit alone BUT the treasures room/exhibit really blew us a way - as well as the room with over 2 billion worth of art paintings!! I suggest you do not miss this on a visit to NYC and take time to see all the areas, it doesn't take long. The treasures room you need tickets unless with private guide.

New York Public Library is one of America's greatest libraries; indeed, it's one of the world's most prominent libraries. The collection of books, movies and digital sources is remarkable. The Polonsky Exhibition contains the outstanding permanent exbibits held in the library. The New York Public Library is a unique Beaux Arts building in itself, as are the guardian lions at the entrance. By the way, borrowers no longer pay fines for overdue items.

I visited the New York Public Library in September 2024. I have been here many times. I have visited the Treasures Exhibit at least twice so I skipped it this time. I went to the top floor. I wanted to visit the main reading rooms.

You are not allowed in the main reading rooms unless you are there to do research. I talked to the receptionist and her colleague and got lucky. The rules are that you must bring your own materials to enter.

I had a book on Japanese history with me. The receptionist on duty was Japanese and I speak Japanese. I asked her in Japanese if I can enter the main reading room and she was so overjoyed to hear her native language that she let me in.

First there is the front main reading room. It is spectacular. I rested there, read my book and took one photo.

Then there is back main reading room #1 and back main reading room #2 - both huge and amazing.

I asked the security guard in each of them if I could take a photo and then leave. They both said yes but no flash and be quick. Both back main reading rooms are awesome.

Then I went to the Edna Barnes Reading Room. It was noisy not quiet. Full of paintings of New York and paintings of famous and not so famous people.

Finally, I had a latte in the NYPl cafe and gift shop and bookstore.

When I mentioned to my husband that we were to go to the New York Public Library he asked why but on a wander about agreed it was definitrly worth a visit - beautiful building to explore and some lovely free exhibitions.

It is one of the most important libraries in the world and with more content in America with more than 50 million copies.
Visiting this place is like traveling to another world, the rooms are immense and with a setting to be able to study and isolate ourselves from those around us, has countless services both laptops, WiFi, research for what we want, and even if one becomes a member free passes are given for many places of interest such as museums, etc.

What a wonderful place to wander. The architecture of the building is a masterpiece in itself. The beautiful paintings along many of the walls are just breathtaking. The age of the Library just takes you back in time. It was a wonderful visit, which will require me to return to explore more..

Beautiful library with lots of historical content. Definitely worth visiting also for the architectural content. Not to be missed.

Do not miss this! A beautiful building with fabulous architecture. You can tour it by yourself or sign up for a guided tour. The reading room needs a tour guide to access. We saw the Winnie the Pooh exhibition and the shop is fantastic.

There are chainging exhibits and a large, children's area. So many interesting rooms/dispalys, etc. Perfect fpr New Yorkers and visitors!

The building is lovely. The treasures exhibit is interesting and worth the visit. We took the guided building tour and were bored out of our minds. I thought I would love it but my goodness it dragged on and on. Do a little research on your own if you’re interest in the architecture and history - skip the tour and enjoy the treasures exhibit.

The New York Public Library is not just a library, it is a magical and majestic place that transports you back in time as soon as you cross the threshold. Rich in history and imposing architecture, visiting it is a real journey into ancient times, between silent rooms, endless shelves of books and details that tell stories of the past.
The atmosphere is incredibly suggestive, almost sacred for lovers of books and knowledge. You breathe culture and wisdom in every corner. Admiring the grandeur of the reading rooms, the care of the interiors and getting lost in the corridors is an experience that enriches and calms the soul, offering a perfect contrast to the frenzy outside the city.
A little curiosity that will make fans smile: the Public Library is one of the iconic places you see in the original movie "Ghostbusters"! It's funny to think that the famous ghostbusters wandered through these historic halls.
Whether you're a fan of books, history, architecture or just curious, the New York Public Library is a must-see. Get ready to feel small in the face of so much magnificence and to take a trip back in time. A truly unique place!

Just walking into the library is an incredible experience. The architecture is magnificent and the rooms are gorgeous. Of course, the book collection is unsurpassed and the exhibits are always fascinating.

There was queue at 10 am and a rush to reach the signup for a free tour. We walked around and admired the beautiful walls and took in a special exhibit. It’s hard to believe this beautiful building in a library.

The architecture of the building is amazing. It is easy to go in and out. However, I didn't see many books (these are in a more modern building across the street). Also you can't go into the reading rooms. It is just for people doing research. The point of the visit is to tour the build that itself is gorgeous and see the instalation they have at the moment

I knew this was a beautiful building but it was really only on our list bc our teenage boys wanted to see all of the Ghostbusters sites. So much more! Timed it perfectly to see the Reading Rooms that are normally closed to the public except on a guided tour as well as an exhibit with items from favorite books and authors. Highly recommended.

A superb discovery a few steps from Time Square.

The Library is superb and it is a really interesting visit to do with the family.

Attention, access to the rooms is increasingly restricted and I recommend you reserve a tour of 1 hour (free) directly on the Library website.

You will learn more about this iconic place (which is not a public library at all) and you will have 100% access to bring back beautiful photos.

I often visit library when I bored but after visiting this one I feel like I was born to give time in libraries.
Thanks for this beautiful change!

We had walked by the main branch of the New York Public Library during previous visits to NYC, and took pictures on the steps since we knew it from "Ghostbusters." This time, we made sure to actually go inside.

The Polonsky Collection is a must-see for domestic and foreign visitors. The collection has a little bit of everything from around the world. I was drawn there because they have the original stuffed animals from the Winnie the Pooh books. There were several people inquiring about them at the information desk, so they are a popular draw.

After walking through the Polonsky Collection, we ascended the majestic staircase to the second floor and then continued to the third floor where the Rose Main Reading Room (also featured in "Ghostbusters") is located. You are only allowed in the room outside of the daily tour time if you're actually doing research or using the library, but you can see in from the main hallway. We also wandered the special exhibition about poet Lord Byron and the portraits in the Salomon Room.

We visited on a Wednesday when the library has extended hours. However, the gift shop still closes promptly at 5 because we got there at 5 and it was already closed. So, visit the gift shop first if you arrive close to closing time.

I went there to get a library card and stayed to look around. The “Treasure Room” is very special, with all sorts of items that are remarkable. Plus, the building is spectacular.

Certainly worth a detour to explore.

This beautiful landmark needs a visit. It's hallways are beautiful as is the main area. A wonderful gift store too. If you come straight to the library from E 41st, there are numerous wonderful bronze plates on the sidewalk with great quotes leading right up to the library worth reading.

Unlike a lot of things in Manhattan this is free to walk around, and it is definitely worth seeing, even if it is just to see the Treasures room. The actual Winnie the Pooh resides here…and Tigger and Eeyore. So why not have some brunch at Bryant Park next door and have a wander around afterwards. The building is beautiful but remember it is a fully functioning library - some folk go there to study.

Stopped by the NYPL to get the quintessential selfie of us with one of magnificent lions and front entrance! Ended up going inside just to see it. Up the grand staircase to the lobby featuring the WPA murals The Story of the Recorded Word. We walked through the 100 Years of The New Yorker exhibit on display in both hallways. Didn't go into the Reading Room since we were only breezing through the building. But we were taken by the building interior architecture and details!

The library tour was very interesting & provided an opportunity to learn about the history of the building and see some areas most visitors miss. If time is somewhat limited, skip the tour and just explore the "Treasures" exhibit. You'll find the Gutenberg Bible on display as well as original manuscripts, letters, artworks and even the original Winnie the Pooh and his friends Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and Roo. An absolutely amazing collection of incredible "things".

I always have been a fan of visiting libraries. This one is the top of the heap. Such cool history and amazing architecture. Saw an original Gutenberg Bible. Must visit in NYC

... that it is a place of research and work so everything is not accessible, especially the large reading room. Otherwise there are plenty of nice rooms, small exhibitions, the place exudes a thirst for learning. It's free, it's beautiful and it's nice, a little stop is necessary!

Entering the legendary Library was really exciting. It is worthwhile to face a long queue patiently (at least at Christmas time) to immerse yourself, after having walked the scenic staircase, in an environment full of fascinating history.

A classic building with interesting artifacts in a free exhibit, all displayed with care and clear informational texts.

There is a public museum to have a walk around, however most of the main rooms were prohibited to the general public. An impressive building however very limited.

Great place to visit when you are in NYC!! It’s a public library with treasury exhibitions!! We loved to see the original Winnie the Pooh, it was the highlight of the trip!! The library is beautiful. The famous rose reading room is only open for public if you are able to schedule the tours.

The building is absolutely beautiful and I love that it's free to visit. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the rose main reading room (which is the one I most wanted to see) is only open to visitors during certain times (10h30am, 1h30pm, & 3pm Mon-Sat and 1h30pm & 3pm on Sundays). And you must register first. Had I known this information, I would have planned accordingly, but I didn't see this posted on their website.

Nice place
Unfortunately we were unable to see the reading room. Open only 1 hour per day to the public.
The search at the entrance is worthy of a sketch. We really wonder what this is for.

While the entire building is incredible, I absolutely loved my visit to the Treasures Exhibit. So many incredible pieces!!! There's something for everyone, no matter your interest. It's free to visit. I recommend going first thing in the morning. For the first half hour there were only about 10 people there with me.

Everything so expensive in New York City so this gets a star for being free. Amazing building. Worth a quick visit. Can see the original Winnie the Pooh toy.

Horrible experience with rude staff about their arbitrary closing times on Sundays. And what right do they have to search everyone as they leave? Don't support this group of tyrants with a flashlight.

Those of us who love libraries is a place I couldn't imagine without visiting. It's beautiful, it's imposing, it's neat, it's so cute, it doesn't feel like getting out of there. You can't miss it. I loved it, I still love it and I keep choosing it to visit whenever I can

This is a free attraction & a must visit
The building is a wonderful build & the inside has big stairways & halls & the reading rooms the decor is grand, all in all very interesting vist🇺🇸

The Rose Main Reading Room sets the stage for what you will experience during your visit...all things of greatness. This room measures two city blocks with high ceilings displaying murals of skies and puffy clouds. If you have time, check out their Public Catalog Room and Rare Book Division.

Don't forget to check out the great lion statues outside the main entrance. "Patience and Fortitude" have become symbols that represent bravery required to get through challenging times and the gateway to information and education.

The building alone is worth a visit. Unfortunately, the study and reading rooms are reserved for the people who are going to use them, logically, so you cannot go through. In any case, it is possible to look carefully and take a look.

I was so pleased to get one of the 20 free tour tickets which are released on Sunday for the following week. The library is well worth a visit and the tour enables you to see rooms you wouldn’t normally be able to see. The female tour guide we had was really great with a wealth of knowledge (I wish they’d make it easier to know and remember their names so you can mention them in reviews). Only criticism is that I wish the instructions for exactly where to join the tour were clearer. I couldn’t see where to go either in my ticket confirmation email or once in the lobby of the building, so I had to join the customer service queue where a man was being very kind and friendly and helpful to everyone ahead of me, but it made it difficult to just ask to quickly be pointed in the right direction for the tour

Beautiful, iconic building with much to see. To visit the Rose Main Reading Room, take a free docent-led guided tour. Check times & sign-up options online prior to visiting. Be sure to visit the library shop for some unique items.

What a beautiful building! We went to the Treasures exhibit, which is free. Just lovely spending time there!

A tour of the library had been on my to do list for some time, although I'd used the reading rooms to catch up on communications during prior visits.

This trip, I was at the ready when tour slots were released and got one of the covered spots, which I squeezed in between trips out to the boroughs and an evening concert at Carnegie Hall.

The tour takes patrons into some of the beautiful reading rooms, with glimpses of special collections included. The history of how the main branch came to be was told, including some humorous anecdotes.

The artwork and craftsmanship of this storied old building are just beautiful, and are seen up close in detail.

Tours last about one hour and, best of all, are free.

After the tour concluded, I visited the Treasures exhibit.

Visited: 11/07/2023

Popped in on a whim as we weren’t expecting to be nearby. An absolutely stunning building with lots of fascinating exhibits. When we visited, they had a literary exhibit on so we got to learn about Charles Dickens, George Orwell, and lucky for us they had a section on A.A.Milne with the original stuffed animals of Winnie-The-Pooh on display. The museum was huge and it was nice to have a quiet space to wander and enjoy the exhibits, and detailed architecture of the building itself.

So good but a bit boring for the 8 year olds apart from that i think it was also great shop history museum and work room

This is again a free building to visit in NYC. It has huge collection of books and gigantic study halls-an architectural marvel. We loved our visit to library as they run lots of activities too for kids.

While one could not go inside, just a ringside view of this iconic landmark up close reminds one of the value & beauty of the place.

This stunning building is definitely worth a visit. Better still, take one of their free tours. You will learn so much about the history of the library and you will get to see some rooms that you wouldn’t as a regular visitor. Tickets for these tours go online Sunday for the following week and go quickly. Best of all they are FREE. The guide was amazing and had a wealth of knowledge. The library has a small museum with a fascinating collection of artifacts. And the library’s gift shop shouldn’t be missed.

You can visit their "treasures" room free of charge (you can make a donation if you want) where you can see the Gutenberg bible and lot's of other interesting things.

They offer free tours and they are totally worth the 2 or so hours. You will be able to see many rooms not open to the public and get a sense of the history behind the building and library system.

We could only stay for a short time, but the atmosphere is unique. I recommend checking first how you can enter the rooms. Students are at an advantage. Being a place of study and thought, the heartfelt tourist is faced with more obstacles for the visit.

Although you’ll recognise the exterior of the building from Ghostbusters, it’s what’s inside that is truly special. The Treasures collection is something else - think original Winnie The Pooh for example, among so many other true treasures. We didn’t expect this collection and we’re delighted with the broad nature of the items on display.
Charles Dickens’ desk and chair, Virginia Wolof’s walking stick, Shakespeares first folio, oh the treasures!
What a surprise and we are so glad that we visited.

A huge and very impressive library, most rooms were closed, there is a museum in the building.

Not a library as you might think. It is a serious academic research facility where you book in order to access old documents for research. Some lovely architecture, but really its a venue for researchers rather than tourists.

Great public library, located in the New York City area, close to Central Grand Station, Taipei's Economic Office in New York is also nearby, a must visit New York, and also welcome to sit in the Taipei office.

Do visit. This architecturally delightful building is an embodiment of the cherished American ideal of public works endowed by philanthropy of those who can afford it and support of visitors and users.
The Treasures exhibition is fabulous. An original Gutenberg Bible, Winnie the Poo and Friends, and of special interest to me, A Bill of Rights, originally belonging to Thomas Addis Emmet ( a leader of the United Irishmen.)
Staff were thoroughly charming. The gift shop provided number of original and inexpensive presents and souvenirs.
We came on the recommendation of our New York hosts and can give this wonder our highest praise.

Even though we have been to NYC many times, we had never
gone to the library. The collection of artifacts was very impressive
from the original Winnie the Pooh (and friends) to original documents! It was free and the line to get in (we went in the morning) was fast and easy. The building itself was very impressive!!

The Primary, Main New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and 42nd street (backs up on the east side of Bryant Park) is extraordinary and special. It would take all day to view the various collections and rooms and exhibits that are there. Of course, a few rooms are blocked off for use only by scholars and those doing research but the collection of rare books and manuscripts is truly special. Further a significant wall exhibit with thirty to fifty photographs of the history of the Equal Rights Amendment is really quite something to walk through, read, and learn. Also the Gutenberg Bible from the mid-1400s with its hand-inked initials is quite mind-blowing (most likely the oldest book in their collection.) And be sure to take the free audio tour and digital guide...truly special. This is one extraordinary place to spend time in NYC.

One of our favorite places to bring visitors to when they come to the Big Apple. Well worth a visit!

Imperial and majestic, one of the best known public libraries in the city and the world, however the pity is that you can only visit the rooms through a tour. Logical, considering that it is not really a tourist attraction, and that people go there to work and study. Worth visiting.

This is a beautiful, must see, library. We took the one-hour tour and if that interests you, be sure to sign up as soon as reservations open as they sell out very fast. You can sign up starting the Saturday night after midnight (which is actually Sunday morning) of the week you plan to be there. The nice thing about the tour is all the fun facts. Be sure not to miss the Treasure Room where you can see the stuffed toys that inspired Winnie the Pooh, the desk Charles Dickens used along with many other interesting treasures.

Beautiful and interesting exhibitions in this sublime library!
Too bad we can't get into the reading rooms anymore.

We booked the free guided tour to learn more about the library’s history and it was amazing. The tour guide was very enthusiastic and we were embarked in a very entertaining ride through the library’s collections and halls. Make sure to book several days in advance as the tour is quickly sold out.

We made a quick and unplanned stop here, while walking to a different attraction. I'm so glad we did, and my young adults loved it too. It borders Bryant Park which is a lovely reprieve of shady trees in the heat. The building itself has great architecture. Make sure to stop in the Treasures room...as you will be sure to find a treasure you are thrilled to learn more about. If I were to go back to NYC, I would like to take advantage of the free tour, as it will give you even more access to other parts of the building. Make sure to stop in the bookstore before you leave!

Another fun thing to do when it is raining outside...a trip to the New York City Public Library!!!! And it is free!!! This is a gorgeous building that opened in 1911 and was the largest marble building ever built in the United States. The lion statues at the entrance are unofficially name Patience and Fortitude. Not sure why, but in the massive collection are locks of hair from the heads of Charlotte Brontë, Walt Whitman, Mary and Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Wild Bill Hickok, among others. Also here are the original Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore, but we couldn’t find them. Ghostbusters was filmed here as well as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It is truly beautiful inside. The Rose Reading Room is gorgeous. Really fun to walk about and marvel.

I had already seen the Boston library, but this one is more extensive and rich; attached to the bryant park (it might be a good idea to merge grand central terminal, park and library), it extends in various areas and during my visit there was also a temporary exhibition; free admission, eye only on the entrance times and those scheduled for the visit of the rose reading room which is not freely accessible; inside there is a bar (a bit poor) and a fairly stocked shop

What a beautiful library, it was quite crowded when I went, more than beauty. I loved, and look, I didn't walk through it because it was too big. More the library is perfect

How did I not know that this place was so cool?!?! We often visit Bryant Park when in NYC (great place to grab a quick dinner before show), and frequently take photos of the lions. But this was the first time we thought, hey, let's see what the inside is like.

SOOOOO glad we did; the museum is amazing. It's a small selection of the library's archives, and I was frankly amazed at some of the things I got to see. It's a very "random" selection of items, from the original "Winnie the Pooh" dolls that Christopher Robin owned to letters from George Washington. Items of historical interest along with curiosities. It was free, and just so surprising. Not sure why I was surprised...shame on me! We were there late in the day, so had no chance to take the guided tour, but just the little bit of the building we saw ensures that we'll be back to do that as well. Really cool place!

It’s a magnificent building that attracts a large number of tourists and researchers to be honest. There is a free exhibit that is worth seeing including the original Winnie the Pooh and friends. Unfortunately the Rose Reading Room is no longer open to visitors/tourists but only researchers. At least you can take a picture of the mural on the ceiling just outside the Rose Reading Room. Unless you are a researcher then probably 30 minutes will suffice when visiting.

Stopped at the cafe, ended up with wet tasteless sandwiches and barely warm coffee for a high price. Visit the library but don’t go anywhere near the cafe!

I’ve seen the Public Library in movies and photos but never thought there’d be much reason to visit it as a tourist attraction. I decided to go on a recent trip because it was open until 6, when many other sites close at 4. Inside, the architecture is as impressive as on the outside, with Baroque ceiling paintings and Beaux Arts style arches and marble interior. There are special exhibitions, including a large one with Treasures [of the Collection] that had rare books, cuneiform tablets, Dickens’s desk, the original Winnie the Pooh “family,” documents handwritten by famous people and other ephemera. It’s free to visit and while some of the rooms are restricted from public touring (it is a library after all), the interior and exterior are impressive.

I'm a die-hard fan of "The Day After Tomorrow," which was shot here. I really appreciate that I've visited this stunning library at least once.

Impressive building. You can walk straight in. Bag checks and you can walk into the rooms you are allowed to enter. Other business is for members only. There is an exhibition on the ground floor. We thought this was worth it.

If you wish to see the Rose Reading Room, there are very limited tours each day.
While we were in NYC in April, the first tour was at 10:30am (and there were only 3 per day) and you can sign up for this tour starting at 10am when the library first opens. We arrived at 9:45am and lined up outside. Once you are through security, go straight up to the third floor and ask for your tour sticker outside the Rose Reading room. Then you can go back down and explore the building before the tour starts.
The tour lasts about 20 minutes and was quite interesting. Plus the Rose Reading Room is very beautiful.
The gift shop is quite good. Unfortunately the Treasure Exhibit was closed for the week so besides the tour there is not a lot more to see although the architecture of the building is impressive.

Beautiful building with many beautiful spaces. Unfortunately, the large and most beautiful room was closed to the general public. Despite that, it was worthwhile to visit this building.

Interesting exhibits in the free Polanski Exhibition including Charles Dickens writing desk and chair, The Guttenburg Bible and i was particularly pleased to see Adam Smith's On the a wealth of Nations first edition. The architecture inside and out the library is beautiful. There are other exhibited such as art and an arctic photography exhibition.

Free and nice. Well placed. It looks in a while and I really liked it. They have Public Service and they let take pictures. Recomendable

It is obviously the best place to take refuge in the event of a global glaciation. I was hoping to be able to visit the main room seen in the film but it can only be visited for consultation and research. The exterior is imposing and iconic, the interior is majestic with the main atrium and the internal rooms. Free entry but there is little queue.

A fantastically beautiful building where you can enter freely. There are several rooms closed to the public. So how "Public" it is, is the question. The building is beautiful inside but don't expect rooms full of books.

A fabulous landmark and institution dedicated to the memory and education of all generations. This is a must visit. Take the time to explore all that NYPL has to offer.

The building is beautiful on the outside and its interior is great, just visiting and attending is a pleasant experience; At the end of the visit in the gardens in front of the building, you take a break and even there you see art in its lions and lamps and statues.

Architectural masterpiece constructed at the turn of the century. It houses some of the most valuable literary works in the world today including copies of the Gutenberg Bible. The Treasures collection is a must as is the Rose Main Reading Room. Get yourself on a tour to get the inside track.

To our pleasant surprise, the library had one of the best exhibits we saw while visiting NYC: the Treasures. The exhibit has a wide range of culturally important items, from the actual Winnie the Pooh to drafts of major literary and musical works. A must see.

The rest of the library is interesting, especially in its architecture and old paintings of famous residents. You have to, however, make plans if you want to see the best part: the Rose room. If you’re a tourist (and not a museum user), the Rose room is open to look at only for an hour each morning or on a guided tour.

I recommend the New York Public Library as a stop on your tour of NYC. Not only is the building architecturally stunning, but the regular free exhibits are incredibly interesting! We just saw the Polonsky Exhibit, an amazing exhibit of a variety of items from the Library's collection. They show everything from ancient illuminated manuscripts to Shakespeare texts to Charles Dickens' desk. You really could spend several hours in there easily.

This is a beautiful building. Wonderful frescoes and wood panelling. Certainly see the Renaissance inspiration. Actually free to enter which was surprising. Be respectful of those inside the library, as this is a real working library not a museum with students studying inside. Didn’t see any ghosts.

Write! I’d you have just one hour to mosey around an NYC attraction, go here! It is exquisite and inspiring. And the tour of the Rose Readibg Room is well worth planning around

Called in here after visiting Bryant Park. Beautiful building and lots to see. We hadn't allocated enough time to see it properly and we were carrying too much which, because it was food, we weren't allowed to store in a locker.
However first impressions of the building left us wanting more and we will certainly try and return at some stage, to visit it properly

Nice and clean, good way to get of a busy and noisy street. Go up to the 7th floor and grab a coffee and go out on the terrace and enjoy the sun.
It would have been five stars if not the dude in the cafe had rolled his eyes when we ordered a latte. Like it was sooooo hard to make a coffee. Almost like I would have like to take a dollar from the tip jar just because he was so “sourdoughed” 🤣 good Latte though so not sure what his problem was.

I recognise the New York Public Library from Ghostbusters. Fortunately when I visited there were no ghosts however there were LOADS of dithering tourists. It's good that it is bringing visits to the library however I imagine for students and staff it can be a bit frustrating.

I wanted to do some writing and I spoke to a member of staff who said I could go in one of the reading rooms to do this which I was very grateful for.

The majority of the tourists were respectful of people using the library for what it is supposed to be used for but there is always the odd one or two who are a bit noisy.

I would definitely recommend going there is you need a bit of quiet to do some studying.

An amazing building with a museum, history, paintings, architecture and all free! A must go when in NYC. Cane here to get out of the rain and spent over 2 hours in this amazing building. Beautiful details in the architecture, history and books! Loved it here!

The imposing and iconic entrance, with the "Lions" guarding the entrance is already worth the visit in itself, which becomes even more exceptional if you continue to the entrance (free, and it is one of the few things that can be visited in New York without having to pay…). Present in many films and TV series, many of the rooms can be visited although silence is obviously required out of respect for those who are inside studying and working. I would like to point out that on Madison Avenue and 41st street leading to the Bookshop there are plaques set in the pavements with quotes from some of the most important literary works in history, truly original, while the back of the building looks directly onto the wonderful Bryant Park.

The New York Public Library is a landmark that every American know just by sight. It has been used in movies and TV shows and is a must for any visit to NYC. I always like to go to have my photo taken with the lions. The architecture inside and out is so impressive and it is a beautifully maintained. Go enjoy and wander around.

PROS
* A grand and world famous institution
* Fantastic massive building of splendid grandeur- both inside and out
* Large and cavernous interior
* Elegant staircases
* Priceless historical exhibits including a Gutenberg Bible from 1455, George Washington's farewell address 1797, the Bill of Rights, stuff from harry Houdini, a phonograph from 1900, a bank ledger 1850, a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, a Shakespeare book from 1600 and Charles Dickens' writing desk
* Amazing amazing large and popular gift shop
* Free to enter and explore

CONS
* Many of the reading rooms are of course closed
* Some of the stuff is accessible for visiting with scheduled guided tours

'I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
-because I had been there before and it is so amazing and so incredible and so impressive and so historic and the exhibits are astounding and spellbinding and breath taking- I was determined to return, and I did- twice..

I went the first time with Princess Place Junior and then I returned another day by myself- the first time, we were denied entry to the main exhibit because it was too close to the 1700 closing time. We wandered around.

My second time- alone- was the "real" visit. That’s when I went to the main special exhibit and saw so of the amazing artifacts and historical stuff that I listed above.

I also explored all of the hallways and entered all of he rooms that were open for the general public without reservations.

I also entered the gift shop- wow!! That was amazing and incredible!! So vast and massive and bright and so many interesting items available or purchase- I bought none.

WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
Of course- it is free

WOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
Absolutely yes

ADVICE from IVTP
* Be sure to visit this place- it's more of a museum than a library
* Admire the architecture- inside and outside
* Be sure to visit the special exhibit(s) that are open to the public (see above my description)

After walking up The Avenue from my Chelsea digs, this storied library was the perfect spot to recharge myself, and my phone.

I was able to use one of the smaller reading rooms, which had a gorgeous series of art depictions on its wooden walls, showing classic Manhattan scenes.

A combination the impressive setting and the peaceful, studious atmosphere meant I caught up on my h needed work and had a breather at the same time.

A million miles from the visitors crowding the stairways, yet just down a quiet corridor a few yards away. Of course, I had a look around at the familiar sights after my business was done.

Thank you, NYPL, for always being there. I ain't afraid of no ghosts!

A must visit place if you are in NYC, in my opinion. Place is astonishingly beautiful. Their shop has a lot of nice souvenirs. Highly recommended.

After many trips to New York City it was only recently that I visited for the first time this landmark building on 5th Avenue. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, commonly known as the New York Public Library, is built in the the Beaux-Arts style and opened to the public in 1911. It houses this institution’s world-renowned collections in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts, and is said to contain some 2.5 million volumes in its stacks.

It is free to visit, and if if you are not using the library for your own research, you should visit to discover the library’s free exhibitions, and especially to take a look at some of the grand reading rooms, lined from floor to ceiling with shelves of books, and equally grand hallways. It’s really quite beautiful. You won’t be allowed into all reading rooms unless your are actually conducting research, but you are able to visit some.

The current exhibition, ‘Treasures’, was also very worthwhile. There’s many wonderful and unusual items on display, drawn from the library’s vast collection of books, documents and objects. Entrance to that specific exhibition, on the ground floor, is free, but you will need a timed ticket. We only had to wait about 30 minutes.

The library is on Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, on 5th Avenue between W40th and W42nd Streets. It is easily accessed by a number of subway stations.

stopped in to see the architecture but was surprised at their genealogy room and wished I could have spent some time seeing what if could find on my family tree. Many areas restricted to card holders so would have to plan ahead if ever wanted to do research. Beautiful eating area that overlook Bryant park.

We passed by the library several times during our walks all around Manhattan and finally decided to stop by when they were open. One of our walking tours gave us the lowdown: this is a research library, and not where you check out books. A lot of the stacks are actually underground under Bryant Park -- so cool. The lions out front are iconic, and they did have some interesting exhibits in the building itself. You can peek into some of the rooms but you can't really enter unless you're doing research. The also have a gift shop and coffee bar which we visited but did not purchase anything. Definitely an interesting and informative stop. PS, one time we walked by it looked like there was a Ghostbusters fan group in costume outside. That was unexpected and fun.

We enjoyed our visit to the Library. We just popped in to the Treasures room. It was amazing to see Winnie the Pooh and friends, Charles Dicken’s desk and Washington’s Farewell address. Would highly recommend.

Stopped in on a stay in NYC. My wife is a book and movie nerd and LOVES this library. She has never been here and cried when we arrived at her Mecca. I was skeptical but not so much once we went inside. This place is amazing! The architecture and history is unbelievable. We self toured the entire place for FREE and loved it all. If you’re in midtown this is definitely a must see. Highly recommended!

This is one of The most beautifull library’s in The World. A absolute must, even When You don’t like books! This is a must see

If you love books, the property is worth seeing. In the reading room you enter only for a few minutes and at defined time slots so as not to disturb those inside. The tour of the property is free and does not take much time.
During the holiday season, in the back in Bryant Park there is an ice rink and a Christmas market. Very nice atmosphere.

The architecture was impressive from all the floors to the basement. Did not expect the little museum with all the primary documents. Excellent!!

The building is superb from the outside and inside. It is interesting to see the interior architecture and the rooms that can be visited are very beautiful and very interesting. We loved stopping for a moment and enjoying the calm that reigned there. Beautiful place full of knowledge.

Beyond the pseudo search carried out at the entrance and at the exit, for fear, I don't know if we leave with a chandelier or a china cabinet, I found the place very disappointing and dirty as well. A bric-a-brac not possible for a place like that. An exhibition on the ground floor, ok very good but we don't come for that.
The main interest of this visit remains the majestic reading room, the slab that I would describe as historic. To see it you can find images on Google but you will not be able to visit it depending on your arrival time we were not even able to peek into this room. To do even that 2 or 3 photos, which would have been enough for our happiness.
On the other hand, 2 minutes later we let in 2 other couples who were not readers and who came out 5 minutes later. It’s a bit in the customer’s head!
Make these places accessible! Give us back our family jewels! This is especially true since a few streets further on, an annex of the Public Bookstore of New York offers almost identical services. Free the story and please share it with us!

As a general tourist attraction this is a bust. You are not allowed in any of the rooms except the one with displays of their Treasures.

The woman at the Information counter was utterly disinterested in being helpful to visitors.

The gift shop is a disgrace. There is nothing related to the Library, not even a refrigerator magnet.

I visited on previous trips to NY but this time I went specially to see the Treasures exhibition which the last time I was there, needed reservation and it was not so easy to get it. Nowadays the exhibition is no reservation needed. It´s super interesting and everyt single object you will see here is really a treasure, the name of the exhibition is the best description for it. From Houdini´s cetificate of escape from prision to the real Winnie Pooh and friends that inspired the characters, make sure you stop to see every corner of this place, highly recommended!

The library is an iconic building on the outside and has treasures to explore on the inside. The free display of valuable artefacts was beautifully presented and well worth a visit, but unlike other reviewers we found that we couldn’t visit other parts of the library such as the reading room. Great shop though.

Beautiful building that I only felt sorry for not coming in.
An amazing structure and I guess a dream interior.
Any ghosts inside?

Sadly overlooked and STUNNING, The current exhibit of their treasures is incredible and the smaller Virginia Wolff exhibit is fascinating. Well worth your time.

The whole building is worth the visit alone. But we also did the (free) tour of the Rose Reading Room, which is even better.
Then down to the Treasures Room, where they have a Gutenburg Bible, a Green Book (have you seen the movie? Then you'll know what I mean), Charles Dickens' desk, and what I'd mainly come for- Christopher Robin Milne's original toys that inspired the stories of Winnie the Pooh. Truly a treasure room, spend time looking at other things as well.

Every blog I read while researching our recent trip to NYC said to check out the NY public library. They all showed beautiful pictures of the reading rooms. As we walked up to the library the signs state that the library is open to the public during certain hours, we visited during those hours. While you can walk in the halls of the library, almost every single room was closed to the public. The signs outside said they were only open to researchers. While I understand why this would be, is that really open to the public? We left after 15 minutes, not really worth our time to walk the halls. And the employees guarding these rooms were extremely rude, as there were many tourists hoping to see the rooms. Not sure if this is a new policy, but if you are hoping to see the inside of the library and you are a tourist you will be very disappointed.

Of course I had to stop in! The site of several film locations shot here…Ghostbusters, Sex in the City and more it is lavish landmark rich in architectural detail and history. Lovely gift shop decked out for the holidays

After dozens of visits to NYC over the years, I finally made my way to the NY Public Library and regret waiting so long to see this absolute marvel of architecture, art, and literature!

We were thrilled to visit Patience and Fortitude at the front entrance of the library. I learned that the children’s books are at another library across the street. The Treasures exhibit was diverse and fascinating and the staff at the help desk were much appreciated.

It is a beautiful building. Trying to get one of the 40 tickets (2 tours of each 20 people) just the day before didn't work out. But even without tour tickets we enjoyed the beautiful building and saw the top things you should see:
- Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence
- The stuffed animals that belonged to the real-life Christopher Robin and inspired the Winnie
- The Triumph of Maximilian (Triumphal Arch) by Albrecht Dürer
- Charles Dickens’s desk

The pictures speak for themselves
The entrance runs with pocket control. Nice museum shop. You can also drink coffee there

We went mostly for the Treasures exhibit and wished we had time to explore the library further,

The building is quite beautiful and we were warmly welcomed by the staff. The Treasures exhibit is absolutely worth the visit, an amazing array of artefacts in display including THE original Winnie the Pooh and friends toys.

We would love to return and explore the library further if we get back to NYC.

It is so much more than a library, but also a museum containing ancient texts. Simply astounding to see 500 year old textbooks on display with ornate bindings. Saw the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed bear on display that inspired the author. Wonderful experience!

It was lovely to see the library but disappointing that the exhibition room we came to see was shut. This was not detailed online and we probably would have given it a miss had we known.

The New York Public Library is one of the world's great public libraries. The New York Public Library is built in striking Beaux Art style, the architecture is amazing. The accessible collection is amongst the most extensive in the world. The library has many historic documents, my visit to the library was one of the highlights of my visit to NYC.

Easily accessible in the heart of New York City, right next to Bryant Park, this beautiful landmark is well worth a visit. The library is not only for academic research—it’s also free to enter for the general public and tourists. Inside, you’ll find amazing murals, stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, ornate chandeliers, and engaging exhibitions.

At the moment, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures is on display. Here you can see Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, as well as Christopher Robin’s original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals.

The Rose Main Reading Room is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the mornings, so plan to arrive early if you want to experience this magnificent space, with its moulded and painted ceiling and grand, light-filled atmosphere.

Coming here, I expected it to be an actual Library with books, instead to my disappointment, it is full of study rooms.

We did the tour. It was for donation and was really the best way to see the library as a tourist. There are a few exhibits if you are unable to schedule a tour. These have archive and other literary history items such as Charles Dickens personal items.

Beautiful building! Interesting architecture and comfortable pleasant interior. Many areas to relax and visit with reading material of all kinds. The exhibit space is large and the items on display are varied and fascinating.

I was there twice, one to visit and a second time for a research at the library and on public ancestors sides. A must

Beautiful to visit and if you are lucky enough to live in new York, the NYPL library card could be the most valuable thing you ever acquire.

Nice building, free to get inside. Security that check your bags going in and going out. They are slightly more aggressive as you leave. I am not sure what you would steal as you don't get near any books!
The iconic room you are not permitted to enter as this is the actual library. They have tours but you have to register in person and wait a few hours. It's a shame as they have a room opposite that you can enter that has little character.

Stunning architecture and a true homage to the history of New York City - a must-see! Seek out the old phone booths adjacent to the restrooms and the Treasures Room, home to the original Bill of Rights and the stuffed animals upon which A.A. Milne based his "Winnie the Pooh" characters.

It seems anachronistic to think of a library nowadays. Well it is not at all. The library is alive with events and people in which they study us. Behind it the park most loved by the Nyesi: Briant Park....beautiful and alive

Big, bold and historical NYPL! Architecture is amazing! Also, go to the adjoining Bryant Park for culture, food and the best restrooms in NYC!

Utterly beautiful building. The Treasures were just unbelievable! Everyone has to go here.

The gift shop was also amazing - be prepared to spend a lot!

Much better than I was expecting. Famous building for the numerous movie scenes it is featured in and yet it is much more. The architecture is beautiful and definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately we do a tour so missed visiting the main reading room.

The New York Public Library is a treasure for all and free entry. You'll be amazed at the architecture and enjoy the treasure exhibit tour. For us, we appreciated the beauty of the Rose Room. However, we didn't consider it a tour, we walked in and were told to stand along the perimeter of the room. Our guide had no personality and provided no information.

Executive summary: Crowded, pinch point security to enter and leave, limited but significant artifacts, no stacks, no reading room access
Security: Everyone enters via one small revolving door. Security checks all bags coming into and leaving.
Building: Certainly a grand building and very large on the outside and soaring inside, but things to see is very limited. On the first floor there is a small museum of literature treasures that should be seen. Next door is a gift shop pushing merchandise.
On the third floor there is the main reading room that cannot be accessed without a tour or if you can prove you are there to study. There are New Yorker exhibits on the walls at either end as well.
Second floor is mostly closed.
Books are at another location.
Overall: Free to stop in. The little museum inside is worth a look. The rest is a big building that is either empty or inaccessible.

Beautiful building. Tours are offered twice a day. They are free, but you have to register online and they fill up. some rearranging of spaces is going on, so some rooms are closed, but you get to see a lot on both floors. Don't miss the separate exhibit of some of the library's permanent holdings, including the original Winnie-the-Pooh animals that belonged to the Milne family.

Spectacular architecture and collections. Interesting rotating exhibits. Right on 5th Avenue in the middle of Manhattan. Not to be missed.

The staff were so helpful and we enjoyed the free tour of the building such a great thing to do right next to Bryant Park

The public library is pretty but there is almost nothing to see. To do if you pass by but not worth the detour. Free.

Beautiful building to enjoy & get away from the hustle of manhatten. Enjoyed a lovely few hours wandering about. Has a lovely gift shop & public toilets also!
Free access.

What a beautiful, large library. If you're in the area it's definitely worth a visit, and it's free. Bryant Park is just outside which is pleasant to visit as well.

Only library I’ve ever been to where I struggled to find any books?! Rose Room was guarded by two female ‘guards’ who seemed to only stop women from going inside and ask them what they were doing but ignore the male tourists and left them to go into the room unaccompanied. They said the only way I could go into the room was on a tour which was the worlds most boring experience - waste of time & left a sour taste in our mouths as they were the rudest people we experienced on our trip.

There is a treasure room in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library that hosts a number of extraordinary treasures, such as the Gutenberg Bible, the Bill of Right, the stuffed animal that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends, Anna Atkin’s cyanotypes, Charles Dicken’s desk and chairs, etc. It is a small museum well worth sometime to visit. The library is next to the popular Byrant Park.

Historic New York bookstore that if you have time should definitely be visited. Externally palace of classical architecture with a wide staircase and two lions that "control" those who climb it. This is the main seat of the institution, which boasts various... Just almost opposite there is for example the library dedicated to children.

The New York Public Library is a beautiful space in a stunning building right next to Bryant Park. It’s definitely one of those must-see spots in New York City, which also means it can get pretty crowded with tourists.
It’s been featured in tons of movies like Ghostbusters, John Wick, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Spider-Man, so it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular place..
The reading rooms are open to the public if you want to get some work done. The library is well worth the visit for its iconic architecture, the artworks, the paintings, rare collections, the exhibitions and treasures.

Beautiful Library with a small museum (Treasures) which includes historical things from all across the globe and time. The original Winnie the Pooh animals are on display in here.

The Cafe just outside of this area is very small with very little seating room if you are wanting to do that.

Stunning building . Beautiful exhibits. Step in from the busy streets and breathe . The New Yorker exhibit is good . Nice places to sit and take it all in

We took a tour of this library that is free. Check out their website to find out details on how to get tickets. We learned so much history and details about the library and what it contains inside. I don’t want to ruin some of the details, so take the tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny.
There is a great exhibit going on at this time that is also free to tour. The library also has a fantastic store and coffee shop.

Beautiful and free! Next time I'd like to get a docent led tour. It seems like an amazing place with lots of history! We went because it's the start of Ghostbusters!!

I visited here very briefly as it was on my wish list but I didn’t have too long, so only managed to see part of the interior - stunning! - and to get a couple of gifts for myself (as a huge book and library fan!)

Recommend!

New York is what “promises” and we have consciously and subconsciously admired in hundreds of films. The metropolis of the world

As a long time New Yorker, I sometimes forget the treasures we have—I hadn’t been here in years, although I’m often at Bryant Park next to the library. So this fall I went a couple of times and it was SO WORTH IT! You’re visiting? Got places to go? Ok, pose just go in the lobby, marvel at the fancy gilded age architecture, curving staircases, high ceilings, (the seasonal decorations are lovely, too). Then go right in to the permanent treasures exhibit. Gutenberg bible? Check. Declaration of Independence? Check. But so much more—chunks of NY theatre history, Harry Houdini, raggedy little Winnie the Pooh (yes, the real one). Tiny books, richly illustrated Medieval bibles…just such riches. They funnel you out into the new library shop, which also has a crowded little lunch bar. The shop has lots of thoughtfully chosen New York/Booklover gifts, definitely worth checking out. That’s it, use the bathrooms and leave! Or wander through the upper halls, marvel at the main reading rooms, take a free tour, whatever (I’ve also gone for research in the genealogy room—you don;t need a library card to access it—as well as requested an obscure book from the arts collection—-lovely, quiet room w nobody in it, book arrives 40 minutes later—the book wasn’t that great but I read other books they had there and appreciated the quiet).

The section open to the public is definitely worth seeing, it contains real pearls including a Gutenberg Bible.

Bring a book so you can see the reading room. You’re not allowed in it unless you want to sit and read. You can’t just go in to see it. Otherwise, beautiful building but most of it is roped off for people who are doing research. Not really tourist friendly.

I was delighted to get tickets to the building tour as there aren’t many available. If you don’t get tickets it’s worth showing up at the time of a tour and asking the tour guide if they will take you as an extra. My tour guide was happy to take anyone who was there. He really added to the experience as he was so knowledgeable. The tour was a bit over an hour and was enjoyable from start to finish!

We stumbled upon the library as an accident while walking downtown and decided to go in before we went to dinner. Glad we did! The architecture was breathtaking and the exhibits on display were equally impressive. It’s fascinating to tour and has free admission, which is great on the wallet. This ended up being one of my favorite parts of New York and I’m incredibly glad to have found it!

This area is truly remarkable! I’m impressed by the new book additions and the optimized design of the space. It feels like more than just a library, it’s almost like a museum. You can enjoy not only the impressive collection of books but also the beautiful sculptures and artwork displayed throughout the space!

Free public tours are offered at 11 am and 2 pm. Each lasts 70 minutes. Online advance sign ups are required. The tour starts in the visitor center to the right of the lobby.

The docent is excellent and you learn a lot. It is a beautiful building. Children under 12 seemed bored.

Also free is the Treasures exhibit, just off the lobby. You can just walk-in.

And there is a lovely gift shop and a small cafe.

Popped in to see the library. It was large and they had various rooms to visit. I wished i had more time to visit

In addition to the Morgan Library, we visited the New York Public Library, which I have seen a million times in the movies and have walked past several times but never went in to check it out. It's an amazing combination of architecture, artifacts, and research library ... Well worth a visit!

The relatively new Treasure’s Room is amazing. An original copy in Jefferson’s writing of the Declaration of Independence! Gutenberg Bible and Washington’s hand written Farewell address as well as very old NY maps and manuscripts dating back to 14th Century. Incredible. Also the bookstore is the best I have ever seen with unique gifts.

We went to the Treasures collection late on a Sat afternoon. The documents they have on hand is incredible! We did get free tickets ahead of time from a link on the web.
They have priceless documents - Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of Declaration of Independence, 1 of the 14 first copies of the Bill of Rights, Guttenberg bible plus a lot more. They also had the stuffed animals that inspired the Winnie the Pooh stories. We only had 45 minutes before they closed but we will come back.

I came here 6 years ago and really enjoyed my visit, but much is different now. The building is still gorgeous, of course, but there are now barriers around the lions outside making it harder to get your picture with them. Inside there is very little someone not on an official tour can do. There is now one main exhibition room with the majority of the library's treasures that everyone is absolutely packed into. You can also go into the gift shop and the visitor's center, but that's pretty much it unless you want to just walk the halls. There's also a line to leave as every single person's bag must be checked upon exiting, which is something that we didn't encounter anywhere else. It's certainly still worth a look for the book-loving NYC first-timer, but I probably won't bother to go back.

NYPL is one of the five most famous libraries in the world and the most beautiful library in the world. THE New York Public Library
It was built in 1911 and has a history of more than 100 years. It is one of the major buildings built in New York City in the early 20th century.
Collects the Gutenberg Bible, the earliest movable type printing in the West, and Newton's "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy"
Located on Fifth Avenue in New York, admission is free and one of the must-see attractions in many New York free itineraries!!

This is a beautiful library building and quite honestly too big to visit properly in the time we had. Lots to explore and enjoy, including the Original Pooh bear which I though deserved more of an exhibition with additional books and illustrations.
A great stop before or after the Empire State Building as it’s literally just down the road and it’s free so nothing to lose by trying it.

Was very close to the time square
Had only little time to go inside
There was a small exhibit on the ground floor
Did a tour of that
The library tour had been booked out

I got stabbed here. Very beautiful and relaxing atmosphere but I got stabbed here. Would definitely return. Very peaceful and lovely place to have a rest.

Nice enough building but no particular outstanding item in its collection. The much trumpeted Rose Main Reading Room is only accessible for students.
For me, it's famous for being famous.
Impressive enough but massively overhyped despite my fondness for Ghostbusters.

While strolling around downtown, we happened upon the library by chance and made the decision to visit before heading out to supper. Happy we did! The exhibitions were just as remarkable as the stunning building. It's quite economical to visit and offers free entry, making it an interesting trip. It turned out to be one of my favorite spots in New York, and I'm so happy I found it!

Never visit NYC without stopping in this Library. Its magnificent to see, the architecture, you have seen in on tv or in movies. Its well maintained, the people there are so kind and friendly. They all want you to be able to find things and enjoy your visit. I love that the Treasures are open to everyone. They are amazing, especially the Winnie Pooh and the Bible. Also, the gift shop was well done. ITs one of my favorites. Sadly, we could not go to see any reading rooms or into the Library itself as you think a library would look like. So will do a tour next time.

Superb architecture.. love passing by this amazing place and a MUST see in NewYork . Have been in once or twice … good collections . Lots of traffic and no parking around . Even if u find it’s insanely expensive .. easy to use public transport and / or walking to this place . Pretty close to Bryant park .. like this place overall..

Public? Library? No it’s neither of those things and more like a museum with not hi no see idk inside. We stopped off during a rainy day in NY but most tourists wouldn’t know the rules here that you need to present yourself half hour before your starts to get one if the tickets to see the reading room. It would have been nice if we were told when we did arrive and were stopped one hour before the next tour. We went away and came back at 1.30 only to be told that the tour was now full. A waste of time on our last morning in NY you can’t just walk in to look at books it does not work this way. Plan your visit and get a library card if you really want to go.

It might have been a nice place but the attendant at the front door started yelling at me that I was blocking his entrance as I was trying to walk into the building. Since I don’t care to be yelled at, I decided this was not the place for me.

The building is impressive and there is a small, free museum showing the first Gutenberg Bible as well as letters from Columbus with some drawing and painted scenes. There is also a Borges manuscript and many more items to enjoy. You won't see the main reading room with the wood panelling as it is not open to the public to maintain the quiet & calm atmosphere allowed to readers & students but the entire building is a jewel.

The historic building is impressive. The library is really rich and worth visiting.
However, it is an operating library. For visitors, this is a drawback. Many areas are restricted to users and researchers.

A must see you can spend an hour or more here. The gift shop and museum are amazing and there is still the whole building to see as well.

The New York Public Library is in the heart of Manhattan, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors alike. It is, of course, a central hub for students, researchers, and professors, offering a wealth of resources and study spaces. However, even if you're not there for academic purposes, the library is also open to tourists, and you can explore some of its stunning rooms. Admission is free, which makes it an ideal stop for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful moment in the city.

The building itself is an architectural marvel, showcasing a grand mix of Beaux-Arts design and the elegance of abundant marble throughout the interiors. As you approach the library, you are greeted by the iconic lion statues, "Patience" and "Fortitude," which have become symbols of the library's dedication to knowledge and perseverance.

One of the most remarkable rooms in the library is the Rose Main Reading Room, located on the third floor. This vast, majestic room is often referred to as the heart of the library, with its towering ceilings, stunning chandeliers, and rows of tables where visitors can study or read. Unfortunately, we didn’t know that the Rose Main Reading Room is only accessible from 10 to 11 a.m. each day, which meant we missed our chance to visit it. If you plan to explore this iconic space, be sure to remember the visiting hours. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour to gain a deeper insight into the library's history and architecture, as well as access rooms that might otherwise be restricted to the public.

The building is amazing and the contents on free public display absolutely awesome. From Winnie the Pooh to the Declaration of independence, it's all in here. Easily the best value place to visit in NYC and the best bit of our short trip.

Been to New York so many times but never to the Public Library! Check!

The New York Public Library (NYPL) on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street is an iconic institution with tons of historic charm.

The lions out front were my favorite. The library's lion statues, named Patience and Fortitude, have been guarding the entrance since 1911. They were named by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia during the Great Depression for the qualities he felt New Yorkers needed to endure tough times.

This library holds more than 50 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, and multimedia, making it one of the largest public libraries in the world.

My little piece of Paradise in New York City has always been the main branch of the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue. Each time I visit the Big Apple, I make it a point to visit this gorgeous Beaux Arts building. Once I climb the exterior steps, flanked by the building's two famous marble lions (Patience and Fortitude) and pass through the entrance to marble-clad halls, a sense of peace embraces me. I think about the millions of books here and the comfort that reading has brought to me for decades.

I generally proceed quickly to the magnificent Rose Reading Room, almost the size of a football field, on the third floor. There, I sit for a while, reading or writing but always enjoying a quiet respite from the busy city in an elegant setting. During my stop in January, however, I put the Reading Room on temporary hold to see "Treasures," the library's first permanent exhibition, which had recently opened and was free to enter.

Located on the first floor, a selection of wonderful items with a literary connection, from 56 million in the library's collection, fill Gottesman Hall, Though a free audio guide was available, I opted to read the information panels on the various showcases, which cover 4,000 years, from the beginning of the written word to the present. Themes ranged from Children's Literature to Performance.

One of my favorites was a 5-inch silver disc that accompanied the first edition of Amelia Earhart's, "The Fun of it: Random Records of My Own Flying and Women in Aviation." The disc contains excerpts from a broadcast Earhart made after completing the first solo crossing of the Atlantic by a female pilot. Other favorites included Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of the "Declaration of Independence" and Charles Dickens' desk, writing slope, lamp and chair.

Hours, information about free tours and a map to download are available on the library's website.

An architectural spectacle, we were lucky enough to visit this architectural monument early in the morning and we enjoyed the visit.

The New York Public Library is an iconic symbol of knowledge and culture, and my recent visit reaffirmed just how special this landmark is.

The building is grand and imposing but in a good way.

You can see holiday decorations in Astor Hall, including a 22-foot Christmas tree, in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

One of the highlights was the free exhibits. I only had time to view the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures.

The title is spot on, as the exhibition featured a wonderful array of artistic and literary treasures, including the original illustrations for the first edition of The Wizard of Oz.

The library was crowded so be prepared to dodge people walking up and down the staircases and taking photos of the soaring ceilings and architecture.

Whether you're there for the exhibits, architecture, or looking for an activity that is fun and inexpensive to do, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate at the NYPL.

Gorgeous building on the inside and outside. There were some cool, free exhibits when we were in town. We got out of the cold and enjoyed about 30 minutes here.

Must go and see even if it’s just to look at the grand structure of this building it truely is breath taking :-)
We went to see a room with all the researchers and it did not disappoint although not allowed inside you could still see it

This tour is a wonderful way to explore the New York Public Library. The tour is free and signups on the web site are easy and efficient. In a city where most activities are NOT free, this is a hidden gem. You will never look at Bryant Park the same way after you learn that the stacks of library are below the park. Books from the stacks travel by a cleverly designed miniature train to researchers in the main library. The library is an architectural gem constructed in a former reservoir and built using marble quarried in Vermont. You will be taken to many large research rooms featuring art and portraits worthy of display in the MET. We also were treated to an excellent exhibit titled, "A Century of the New Yorker." The tour is one hour.

Winnie the Pooh wasn’t there and the Rose room is closed except for small hours, but it is still so beautiful to enter for free and take a look around. There are restrooms and a gift shop. My favorite part are the lions out front. We sat with fellow artists (taking a class) while my daughter sketched and I enjoyed the weather, the birds, the scenery and people watching.

Book lovers will love this place. The building is beautiful outside and inside. The bookstore has great books at good prices so you can even take them as souvenirs, with the library stamp. Oh! The bookstore does not accept Apple Pay. Search for the tour schedule. It lasts around 15 minutes and is free. This way you can get to know the library area itself, which has restricted access, obviously. The library has a café for those who want to rest a bit and has a photo exhibition about the Arctic. I don't know if the exposure changes.

Free docent led tours are available M-S at 11am & 2pm at the Stephan A Schwarzman Building at 42nd street. Tickets are made available online Sunday for the following week and they book up very quickly! The tour is about an hour and I found it very interesting to learn about the history of the building. Docents are very knowledgeable about the history of the library building. There are also short 15 minute tours of the Rose Reading Room (also book tickets online). I had just read The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis about the caretaker's apartment inside the NYPL building (now a storage room) so it was neat to tour the building and think of the families that lived there to keep the coal burning in the furnace during the cold winter months.

We got free tickets online for the tour - they are available every Sunday at 10am for the following week. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and loud enough for us all to hear. The murals in the main halls and side rooms are impressive, and it was great to learn that pretty much everything they have is digitized and available free to anyone online (no library card needed). The tour was about 1 hour and ended on the top floor where there was an exhibit about the 100th anniversary of The New Yorker. Highly recommend this tour!

We came by here because of the movie ghost busters. We weren't disappointed, crazy amount of history in an incredible city!

This building is truly magnificent. A relic of a time when architecture involved such intricate design and detail in every corner. If you're in the area, definitely worth stopping by to take a look.

The only reason for the 4 stars instead of five is that there is not much to do here. Most of the study halls, private rooms, or other areas that actually have books in them are locked or guarded by security, reserved for serious research or private study. There are some tours, but they only run a few times a day.

Even still, worth a visit.

Very nice! Immediately when you enter there is a beautiful Christmas tree. It is so beautiful and free! Very special. You must have seen this.

It's an incredibly beautiful place.
Marble vaults and staircases, painted ceilings, surprisingly atmospheric reading rooms (it will not be possible to get into them, alas, for a simple tourist, but you can briefly look inside until you are noticed by a library staff member).
Definitely worth a visit.

There are free storage boxes, you can leave the extras there and pick them up when you leave. Comfortable and clean bathrooms. Functioning drinking fountains.

We got there around 10:15 and they opened at 10. We were able to walk right in and see the Rose Main Reading Room. It is beautiful and worth a stop. After that, we saw the Treasures exhibit. Total visit was about 45 minutes. This is a great historic stop in NYC and its free.

If you'd like to be treated like a thief, a general moron, or unwanted vagabond, please make sure your next visit is to the New York Public Library (41st st). the staff there are so rude and discourteous, it's like they're doing you a favor and you should be so grateful that they even condescended to notice that you are a living presence in front of them.

Started out great. Saw two terrific exhibits and then the trouble with the staff began. All of them were the same: discourteous, unacknowledging, and couldn't have cared less. I was going to eat something in their cafe and buy something in their Museum Shop but forget it; they wouldn't let me in. Plenty of people inside, wouldn't tell me why, and don't know why to this day. (My friend was inside. They wouldn't even let me go in to say goodbye to her.)

After that, I couldn't wait to leave. I'll never be returning. I'm sure the staff is overjoyed at the news, that is if they could even show an emotion better than a corpse and had an actual pulse.

Magnificent. The NYPL main branch off Bryant Park has got to be the best bargain in The City: It's free. There's always lots to see. And they keep changing it up. The main reading room was closed to tourist viewing when we visited most recently (on a Saturday afternoon) but if you can get it, it's huge. The smaller reading rooms are still impressive with their paintings. This library building and the activity within it are a monument to the accumulation and dissemination of information.

The New York Public Library is located downtown in Bryant Park. The building is beautiful from the outside and is the second largest library in the United States with 53 million books. The interior is elegant with worked ceilings and impressive paintings and frescoes. However, the disappointment comes from the fact that a very large part of the building cannot be visited (closure) and the millions of works are not visible. From then on, only the main hall and the first floor remain. Disappointing.