1) The New York Society Library
If you want to be transported to the annals and bylanes of history, the New York Society Library is the perfect destination for you.
It is the oldest library in New York City and was founded in 1754 by the New York Society as a subscription library.
When New York was the capital of the United States, it was the de facto Library of Congress for two years,and its records show borrowings by George Washington, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton, among other American notables from that time.
Until the establishment of the New York Public Library in 1895, it functioned as the city’s library as well.
The library’s collection of 300,000 volumes consists of audio recordings, periodicals, and books on a broad range of subjects,including fiction, nonfiction, rare books, and historical archives.
Founded in 1754, it supports readers of all ages with curated selections and research materials, especially emphasising American history, literature, and the arts.
2) Poets House
Fun fact: Poets House in New York is the only library that has over 70,000 poetry volumes, making it one of the largest public poetry collections in the U.S.!
Tucked away in Battery Park City, this literary gem isn’t just for poets anyone can drop in to read, write, or soak in the skyline views from its cozy reading room.
Its huge collection boasts of rare chapbooks to slam poetry anthologies, coupled with regular readings, workshops, and kid-friendly events.
Full of inspiration and creative vibes, it is perfect for a creative recharge. Whether you’re in your dark academic era or just a lover of poetry, Poets House is a must-visit slice of culture in NYC.
3) New York Public Library
Ever wondered what the fifth largest library in the world looks like? No worries, New York City has got that covered as well.
With a catalogue size of 55 million, the New York Public Library serves as a passageway to an entirely novel universe capable of transporting you to such depths of your being, that you have probably never experienced before.
The building was declared a National Historic Landmark, a National Register of Historic Places site, and a New York City designated landmark in the 1960s.
It has also been declared as the most visited library in the world, with an average of 18 million visitors per year.
The New York Public Library has found its place in popular culture, making appearances in Hollywood films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Spider Man(2002), 13 Going on 30 (2004).
Thus, missing out on the New York Public Library is not only missing out on a library but a site of time travel cocooned amidst the modern, ever bustling city of New York.
4) Jefferson Market Library
The Jefferson Market Library is a branch of the New York Public Library and was originally constructed as a Third Judicial District Courthouse.
The Courthouse was located near the city’s entertainment district and was so much in demand that the country’s first night court began there.
The AIA Guide to New York City calls the building “A mock Neuschwansteinian assemblage … of leaded glass, steeply sloping roofs, …Venetian Gothic embellishments, and an intricate tower and clock; one of the City’s most remarkable buildings.”
Housed in a striking Victorian Gothic building, the library offers an array of literary classics, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and research materials.
Its collection reflects the rich cultural and intellectual history of the city, providing resources that cater to both casual readers and dedicated scholars alike.
The Jefferson Market Library in New York boasts a diverse and thoughtfully curated collection of books.
5) Morgan Library and Museum
The Morgan Library and Museum is truly what dreams are made of. Truly, a majestic and magical escapade from mundane existence, the architecture of the magnificent library and museum will surely leave one spellbound.
The Morgan Library & Museum (originally known as the Pierpont Morgan Library) is a museum and research library in New York City, U.S that was completed in 1906 as the private library of the banker J. P. Morgan.
A correspondent for the London Times, in 1908, characterized John Pierpont Morgan as “probably the greatest collector of things splendid and beautiful and rare who has ever lived”.
A Newsweek article from 1970 described the library as having a “regal atmosphere”.One can enter the magnificent main library through a striking polychrome rotunda, leading to Morgan’s study, the librarian’s office, and the original library.
Each room features numerous bookcase doors, with minimal wood used throughout to ensure fireproofing.
A writer for The Christian Science Monitor had observed in 1961 that the library housed “one of the most important private art collections in the world”. Thus, for any art connoisseur, this library is a must visit.
6) Hunters Point Library
The vertical structure of the library,designed by Steven Holl Architects and according to them this library,“reimagines the traditional library model, offering a diverse selection of intimate reading areas to active gathering spaces.”
Built with sustainability and the welfare of the community in mind, the library is designed to be the most energy-efficient and to utilise the least amount of community green space as possible.
It also provides beautiful and mesmerizing views of the Manhattan skyline, serving as a truly wonderful place for sightseeing.
Duy Mac notes “ Open stairways acting as bridge elements connect the bookshelves with the digital workspaces and the Rooftop Reading Terrace,…”.
It also offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful and mesmerizing Manhattan skyline.
While a ground-floor auditorium located beneath the main part of the structure serves as a gathering place and venue for events, the east wing of the Hunters Point Library is home to a reading garden with gingko trees.
7) The Center of Fiction
It is the only non profit literary organisation in the United States solely dedicated to celebrating only fiction.
After all, fiction is responsible for the development of empathy, curiosity and identification with multiple perspectives. It enriches one’s perspective, knowledge and vocabulary and aids in one’s understanding.
This library also provides borrowing privileges to its members as well as offers and discounts on events, reading groups, and writing workshops.
The Center of Fiction has a great ambiance and friendly staff that will assist you in finding your next favourite read.
