The NYPL Mid-Manhattan Library

A calming respite in the bustle midtown New York City.

Would you believe a library is listed as a top thing to do on TripAdvisor? Meet the New York Public Library, a National Historic Landmark and New York City Landmark located in Midtown Manhattan. Built in 1895, it has since welcomed millions of visitors seeking its beauty and knowledge. The allure is in its grandiose Beaux-Arts design, elegant reading rooms decorated with chandeliers, and high ceiling windows with art and sculptures throughout. This calming respite is located blocks away from the bustle of Grand Central and adjacent to Bryant Park.

The library offers free guided tours. We made a conscious effort to visit early afternoon on a Saturday hoping the feature would be the “Love & Resistance: Stonewall 50” exhibit however it was a general tour instead. Nevertheless, we enjoyed about 40 minutes of the tour listening to stories on its history and design as well as the wealth of knowledge stored in books and the vast collection of periodicals (totaling over 50 million pieces). We were then able to explore the Love & Resistance exhibit on a free-flowing basis to learn more about this epic movement in the history of the LGBTQ community.

Notable to see is Astor Hall, the Gutenberg Bible, the Rose Reading Room and the McGraw Rotunda along with the “Love & Resistance: Stonewall 50” exhibit. The volunteer staffs encountered were professional. Go visit and explore for a couple of hours, you’ll love it! And if it’s during the warm months, go enjoy Bryant Park right after. Wheelchair ramp access to Bryant Park is a short walk on 42nd Street at the library exit towards 6th Avenue.

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Important Tips & Accessibility Information:
- Wheelchair ramped access is on the side entrance on 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenue and a street-level accessible entrance is available at 40th Street. All levels of the building are accessible by an elevator at the north end of the building.
- Use the newer family restroom on the entry floor for larger wheelchair space.
- There is a small movie room which is wheelchair accessible, however space is only available in the back for the wheelchair.
- Free tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis lasting approx. 45 mins to 1 hour. It’s best to arrive 15-30 minutes prior at the information desk in Astor Hall, 1st floor, to pick up tour stickers. The tour talks about the history and architecture of the Schwarzman Building and highlight the special collections. Tours cover areas such as Astor Hall, the Periodical Room, the Map Division, the Rotunda, and Rose Main Reading Room.
- Food or drinks are not permitted in the library.
- Bag are checked at the entrance upon entry and exit.

- The Library offers guided tours online via the Bloomberg Connects app, you can view those here.

- Here is a link to NYPL general Accessibility website with more information on other branches.

Location:
476 Fifth Avenue (42nd Street Entrance)
New York, NY, 10018
Website: https://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman

Telephone: (212) 340-0863
Accessibility contact:  917-275-6975 or accessibility@nypl.org

Admission: Absolutely Free including the tours !

Schedule:
Click here to see full schedule.

Public Transportation: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M55, Q32, M42, BxM2

Dining: We dined at L'Adresse Restaurant a few blocks way. Click here for full details on the Restaurant page. 

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024