11 Best Libraries In New York City You Must Visit In The USA
New York City is not only famous for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, but it's also home to some of the most gorgeous NYC libraries in the world.
These libraries, with their impressive architecture and extensive collections, offer visitors a chance to step into a world of knowledge and beauty.
Whether you're a book lover or simply appreciate stunning design, exploring the most gorgeous NYC libraries is a must-do activity.
Top 5 New York Libraries | Library in NY | US Local Guide
The New York Public Library
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The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the largest public libraries in the United States and is considered one of the most iconic libraries in the world.
Its main branch, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and is home to over 53 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and more.
The library's stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, with its iconic lion statues guarding the entrance, makes it a must-visit for any bibliophile or architecture enthusiast.
The library offers free public tours, exhibits, and events, and has been featured in many films, including Ghostbusters and The Day After Tomorrow.
Brooklyn Public Library - Central Library
The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is the fifth-largest public library system in the United States, with 59 branches throughout the borough.
Its Central Library, located in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, is a stunning example of modern architecture, designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects.
The building features a striking glass façade and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Brooklyn skyline. The library's collections include over 1.5 million books, as well as DVDs, CDs, e-books, and more.
The Central Library also offers free programs, workshops, and exhibits, including an extensive genealogy collection and an African American Heritage Center.
Columbia University Libraries
The Columbia University Libraries system is one of the largest academic library systems in the United States, with over 12 million volumes and more than 300,000 journals and serials.
The libraries are spread out across 26 locations on the university's campus in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood. The crown jewel of the system is the Butler Library, which houses the university's humanities and social sciences collections.
The Butler Library's neoclassical architecture and marble rotunda make it a stunning sight to behold, and it has been featured in many films and television shows, including Spider-Man and Gossip Girl.
The library offers a range of services to Columbia students, faculty, and staff, as well as to the general public.
The Morgan Library & Museum
The Morgan Library & Museum, located in Manhattan's Murray Hill neighborhood, is a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture.
The library's collection includes rare books, manuscripts, drawings, prints, and other materials from the medieval period to the present day.
The library's highlights include a Gutenberg Bible, a collection of original drawings by Michelangelo, and the personal papers of several notable authors, including Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams.
The Morgan Library & Museum also offers temporary exhibits and free public programs, including lectures, concerts, and family programs.
The Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, located in Harlem, is part of the New York Public Library system and is one of the leading research institutions in the world for the study of African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.
The center's collections include over 11 million items, including books, manuscripts, photographs, films, and artifacts. The center's building is a stunning example of modern architecture, with a façade that features the names of notable black authors and activists.
The center offers free public programs, including lectures, readings, and film screenings, and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
The Library Of The Hispanic Society Of America
The Library of The Hispanic Society of America is located at 613 West 155th Street in Manhattan, New York City. It is a research library that specializes in Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American literature and history.
The library was founded in 1904 by Archer Milton Huntington and has since grown to become one of the most extensive collections of Spanish and Portuguese works in the United States.
It features over 250,000 volumes, including rare books, manuscripts, maps, and other materials. The building itself is beautiful, with a grand staircase and beautiful marble floors.
The New York Society Library
The New York Society Library is located at 53 East 79th Street in Manhattan, New York City. It was founded in 1754 and is the oldest cultural institution in New York City.
The library features a wide range of collections, including books, periodicals, manuscripts, and more.
It also has a beautiful interior, with a stunning reading room that features high ceilings, beautiful architecture, and an extensive collection of books. The library is open to the public, but you must have a membership to borrow materials.
The Library At The Museum Of Modern Art
The Library at the Museum of Modern Art, also known as MoMA Library, is one of the most impressive libraries in New York City.
It is situated on the fourth floor of the museum and has an extensive collection of books, periodicals, and exhibition catalogs on modern and contemporary art, photography, design, film, and other related fields.
The library has over 300,000 volumes of books, including rare and out-of-print materials, making it one of the largest specialized art libraries in the world.
The MoMA Library also has a large collection of artists' books, archives, and special collections, including the Fluxus Collection, which features materials from the Fluxus movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
The library also has an impressive collection of rare books, including early editions of classic works of art, as well as publications by contemporary artists.
Visitors can access the MoMA Library for free during regular museum hours, but they must register and present a valid photo ID. The library has comfortable reading areas, and visitors can also use the library's computer terminals and printers to access the library's digital resources.
The Library At The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
The Library at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as The Met Library, is one of the most renowned libraries in the world. It has a vast collection of books, periodicals, and other materials on art and art history, archaeology, anthropology, and related fields.
The Met Library has over 1.5 million volumes, including rare and out-of-print books, making it one of the largest art libraries in the world.
The Met Library also has an impressive collection of manuscripts, archives, photographs, and other special collections, including the Costume Institute's collection of fashion plates and sketches, which dates back to the 18th century.
Visitors to The Met Library must register and present a valid photo ID to access the library. The library is open to the public during regular museum hours, and visitors can use the library's reading areas and computer terminals to access the library's digital resources. The library also offers guided tours and lectures on various topics related to art and art history.
The Forbes Library
The Forbes Library is a public library located in Northampton, Massachusetts, founded in 1894 with the donation of Charles Edward Forbes. The library is located in a beautiful building designed by architect William Brocklesby in the Greek Revival style.
The library's collections include over 250,000 items, including books, DVDs, CDs, and more. The library also has a local history room, which contains over 25,000 items related to the history of Northampton and the surrounding areas.
The Forbes Library offers a variety of events and programs for all ages, including author readings, book clubs, and storytimes.
The New York Academy Of Medicine Library
The New York Academy of Medicine Library is a world-renowned research library located in New York City. The library was founded in 1847 and today houses over 550,000 volumes, including rare books, manuscripts, and archives.
The library's collections focus on the history of medicine and public health, and include materials from around the world. The library also has an extensive collection of medical journals and other periodicals, as well as a digital collection of rare books and manuscripts.
The New York Academy of Medicine Library is open to the public and offers a variety of services, including reference assistance and access to the library's collections.
People Also Ask
What Is The Oldest Library In New York City?
The oldest library in New York City is the New York Society Library, founded in 1754.
What Is The Largest Library In New York City?
The New York Public Library is the largest public library system in New York City, with 92 locations and over 51 million items in its collections.
What Is Unique About The Rose Main Reading Room At The New York Public Library?
The Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library is known for its grand architecture, including its 52-foot high ceiling and massive chandeliers. It is also home to over 4 million reference books and serves as a quiet study space for visitors.
What Makes The Morgan Library & Museum Unique?
The Morgan Library & Museum is unique in that it combines a research library with a museum, housing rare books, manuscripts, drawings, and other art objects. It is also housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts building, originally the private library of financier J.P. Morgan.
Can You Visit The Libraries At Columbia University?
Yes, some of the libraries at Columbia University are open to the public for research purposes, including the Butler Library and the Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library. Visitors must present a valid ID and check in with the library's front desk upon arrival.
Final Thoughts
New York City is home to some of the most gorgeous NYC libraries in the world. From the grandeur of the New York Public Library to the ornate architecture of the Morgan Library & Museum, these institutions offer a glimpse into the city's rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
Whether you're a bookworm or a history buff, exploring these gorgeous libraries is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.