Historic library boasts stunning architecture and quiet reading rooms with laptop sockets for study. Free admission includes access to clean public restrooms and lifts to all floors. Visitors enjoy rich collections alongside a small cafe and gift shop.
Entrance is free with public restrooms available. Toilets stay clean and lifts reach all floors.
A free museum with stunning architecture, this library offers a vast collection and a quiet space for study and travel research. It stands as one of the city's greatest treasures and a must-see for anyone interested in knowledge and culture.
"The Public Library's architecture is monumental and breathtaking."
"I found the library building to be beautiful and monumental."
"The architecture inside and out was incredibly intricate."
Good to know
Entry to the library is free for all visitors.
Guided tours of the Rose Main Reading Room are available multiple times a day.
A free tour starts at 11am and 2pm, lasting one hour.
Space combines quiet reading areas with a children's section featuring a glass window overlooking a museum's Science Area. Large windows bring in natural light, while meeting rooms and technology outlets support work and community programs. Noise levels rise in the afternoon due to nearby museum activity, but the library remains neat and accessible.
Bathrooms stay clean and quiet with a great kids section. Some kids use the bathroom barefoot and leave doors open, with caretakers wiping them afterward, but no handwashing happens after use.
A small, quiet library with a nice selection of books sits inside the children's museum. It has big windows, is handicapped accessible, and offers a clean, neat space for reading or work.
Good to know
The library is not open on Sundays.
The workspaces for adults have comfortable chairs and good lighting.
The library is always very clean.
Italian Renaissance-style rooms and rare manuscripts create a rich, historical atmosphere. Ornate older sections contrast with modern glass elements, blending classic and contemporary architecture. Intimate spaces host live jazz and orchestra performances, adding a cinematic vibe to the experience.
Bathrooms sit in the basement with the men's room featuring urinals at three heights. They are clean and well maintained.
Houses a rare book collection including three copies of the Gutenberg Bible and items dating back to the 16th century. Offers a beautiful library setting with impressive architecture and a rich history that highlights the evolution of libraries and librarianship.
Good to know
On Fridays after 5 PM, admission is free.
I would recommend booking free tickets on Friday nights.
It is better to visit during the free Fridays between 5-7 pm.
Building showcases magnificent architecture with Greek-inspired stonework and spacious interiors. Atmosphere balances calm and cozy with occasional noise from children and casual visitors. Features include free WiFi, numerous reading nooks, a mini museum, and a cafe, creating a welcoming environment for work and leisure.
Plenty of restrooms make it easy to stay all day. Bathrooms stay well-maintained throughout visits.
A huge public library with museum-like collections offers a calm and safe environment. It features beautiful architecture, inclusive programs, and free entry, making it a well-equipped spot for study and exploration.
Good to know
You cannot enter the main hall without making an appointment.
To see the famous 'rose main reading room', arrive 30 minutes early for free tickets.
Entry to the library is free.
Building shaped like a huge book showcases gorgeous architecture and spacious, well-divided rooms. Quiet areas support focused work, while a cafe and recording studio add unique amenities. Exhibits like the Jay Z display bring cultural depth to the space.
Bathrooms stay spotlessly clean despite heavy use. Every visit shows well-maintained and tidy restrooms.
A gigantic selection of books fills the shelves in a space known for its beautiful architecture inside and out. The library offers unique features like a record player for public use and provides a welcoming, organized environment with helpful staff.
Good to know
The Book of HOV exhibit is free and accessible to all visitors.
The library hosts various daily and weekly events and educational offerings.
Major events, including a Jay-Z concert, have been held at the library.
Small public library with historic architecture and a quiet atmosphere offers limited seating and a good selection of books. It serves a diverse community with children's programs and maintains accessibility inside the building.
Two clean bathrooms serve the space, with additional restrooms in decent condition. Seating areas are nearby for convenience.
A quiet place to work with a robust hold section and programs for very young children. The library is a historical landmark with two floors and friendly staff, but restrooms are non-functional and full accessibility is limited to the interior.
Good to know
The public library is open Monday through Saturday.
You can only return books inside the building during open hours.
This library is fully accessible to people with disabilities on the interior only.
Public library combines traditional study tables with a modern basement featuring community rooms and a computer lab. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming, attracting people from diverse backgrounds. Wide media selection and free wifi support study and research, though computer use limits affect longer sessions.
Bathrooms stand out for their cleanliness and niceness. Public library bathrooms rank as some of the nicest and cleanest encountered.
Renovations bring a welcoming and quiet atmosphere with plenty of seating. The library offers a wide selection of books, movies, magazines, and newspapers along with clean, well-maintained bathrooms.
Good to know
The library offers free wifi for all visitors.
The computer room has plenty of available computers for public use.
There is an hour limit on the computers, which may affect research.
Renovated space feels modern and spacious with quiet reading areas. Atmosphere stays clean and efficient, supporting focused study and community programs.
Security guards control access to the restroom by handing out a bathroom key. The bathrooms are clean and well kept with accessible facilities available.
Renovations create a more spacious and elevating atmosphere. Staff and programs add to a welcoming vibe. The kids book selection stands out as extensive and engaging.
Good to know
You need to ask for the key to access the bathrooms, which can be confusing.
The public restroom is accessible, but you need to be granted access by the security guard.
The kids book selection is excellent.
Three-level public library offers a quiet atmosphere with a cozy kids' floor dedicated exclusively to children. It attracts a diverse crowd, often becoming crowded during visits. The collection includes international books and modern app-based services for easy book management.
Bathrooms sit in the basement, keeping them out of the main areas. They stay quiet and are relatively clean.
A large collection of books in different languages fills the shelves, including works by Faulkner and Virginia Woolf. The library offers wheelchair accessibility, helpful staff, and programs like an early Saturday film screening.
Good to know
The library is conveniently located near the 71st Street subway station.
Visitors can check out books and obtain a library card on the first floor.
The kids section and programming are available on the second floor.
Massive building with modern architecture and large rooftop terrace offers quiet upper floors and spacious kids and teen areas. Outdoor rooftop space provides views of city landmarks and a cafe for meals. Free WiFi and clean facilities support remote work and community programs.
Restrooms stay clean and well-stocked with plenty of toilet paper and soap. Staff respond quickly to requests, keeping the facilities tidy and organized.
Spacious seating and organized layout make it easy to work or read. The rooftop area offers a unique spot to relax. Staff provide smooth library card services and support community events.
Good to know
Admission to the library is free.
The library opens early and stays open until 2100 most nights.
The rooftop is free to access.
Children's area offers books, games, and 3D printer in a clean, cozy environment. Atmosphere stays relaxed with minimal noise, though occasional loud calls occur. Space feels small but welcoming, with limited power outlets and shared seating.
Bathrooms stay clean and well-maintained. Access to the adult floor restroom can be restricted, especially if it's out of order or for changing purposes.
Clean and well kept, this library offers a children's area that appeals to babies and kids. The programming is strong, and getting or renewing a library card happens quickly and without hassle.
Good to know
The establishment will be closed for 2 weeks according to the sign on the door.
Printing is only 20 cents.
The second floor is for children and teens only.