Ultimate guide to New York Public Library

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the world’s leading public library systems and a historic cultural institution. Its main branch, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, located on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan, is renowned for its iconic architecture, vast collections, and public resources. This ultimate guide offers a comprehensive look at the library’s history, architecture, collections, and role in New York City’s cultural and intellectual life.

History of the New York Public Library

• Foundation: The NYPL was founded in 1895 as a consolidation of several smaller institutions, including the Astor and Lenox Libraries, along with the Tilden Trust. Its mission was to create a comprehensive library accessible to the public for free.
• Philanthropy and Funding: The idea of the NYPL was made possible largely due to donations from philanthropists, including John Jacob Astor, James Lenox, and Samuel Tilden. The library’s main building was funded by a $2.4 million donation from the Tilden Trust, and the land was provided by the city of New York.
• Opening of the Main Branch: The main building of the library, now called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, officially opened on May 23, 1911. The library was the largest marble structure in the U.S. at the time and took over 14 years to complete.

Architecture of the New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)

• Architects: The main branch of the NYPL was designed by the architectural firm Carrère and Hastings. The building’s Beaux-Arts design embodies the grandeur of early 20th-century public architecture, emphasizing symmetry, grandeur, and classical elements.
• Exterior: The façade of the library is made of Vermont marble and features Corinthian columns and a grand staircase. Two stone lions, named Patience and Fortitude, flank the entrance. These lions have become symbols of the library and are popular landmarks.
  • Patience and Fortitude: The lions were named in the 1930s by then-Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who believed these were the qualities New Yorkers needed to survive the Great Depression.
• Rose Main Reading Room: One of the most famous features of the library is the Rose Main Reading Room. Stretching nearly two city blocks, this grand reading space features high, elaborately carved ceilings, chandeliers, and large arched windows that flood the room with natural light. It’s one of the largest uncolumned interior spaces in the world.
• Astor Hall: Upon entering the library, visitors are greeted by the majestic Astor Hall, a white marble foyer with a vaulted ceiling and impressive staircases leading to the upper floors.
• Murals and Artwork: The building is decorated with various murals, sculptures, and artworks that reflect the library’s dedication to learning and knowledge.

New York Public Library Collections and Resources

• Extensive Holdings: The NYPL is one of the largest public library systems in the world, with a collection of over 56 million items. This includes books, manuscripts, maps, periodicals, photographs, music scores, and more.
  • Books: The NYPL houses over 20 million books across its branches, with special collections in various fields, from history and literature to science and economics.
  • Manuscripts: The library’s manuscript collection includes rare works from prominent historical figures, such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Charles Dickens.
  • Maps: The Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division contains over 433,000 maps and 20,000 atlases, making it one of the largest map collections in the world.
  • Photography: The library also holds an impressive collection of photographs, including early American photography and works by celebrated photographers such as Lewis Hine.
  • Special Collections: The library is home to numerous special collections, including the Berg Collection of English and American Literature, which contains rare editions and manuscripts from authors like Virginia Woolf, Mark Twain, and T.S. Eliot.
• Digital Collections: In recent years, the NYPL has expanded its digital resources, providing access to e-books, academic papers, and thousands of digitized items from its collections. These resources are accessible through its website for library cardholders.

New York Public Library Branches and the Library System

• Branches: The NYPL operates a system of 92 neighborhood branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Each branch offers public access to books, computers, and various services. Notable branches include:
  • Library for the Performing Arts: Located at Lincoln Center, this branch specializes in materials related to theater, dance, music, and film.
  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: This Harlem-based research library is a leading institution for the study of African-American, African Diaspora, and African history and culture.
  • Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL): SIBL is focused on scientific and technical research as well as business resources and career development tools.
• Access: Any New York resident or person working, studying, or paying property taxes in New York can apply for a free NYPL library card, which grants access to physical and digital resources.

New York Public Library Events and Programs

• Public Events: The NYPL frequently hosts public programs, including author talks, book signings, lectures, and workshops. These events often feature prominent writers, historians, and public intellectuals.
• Exhibitions: The library’s central branch regularly hosts exhibitions featuring rare items from its collections. Past exhibitions have focused on topics ranging from American history to literary treasures, photography, and even film.
• Educational Programs: The NYPL offers educational programs for all ages, including children’s storytimes, after-school homework help, adult literacy classes, and research workshops. These services aim to promote literacy, learning, and lifelong education.
• Summer Reading Program: Each summer, the NYPL organizes a Summer Reading Program for children, teens, and adults to encourage reading and learning during school breaks.
• Digital Innovation: The library has embraced digital learning with initiatives like the NYPL TechConnect program, offering free technology workshops that cover everything from basic computer skills to advanced coding.

Cultural and Social Impact

• Literary and Intellectual Hub: The NYPL has long been a gathering place for scholars, writers, and thinkers. It has been referenced in many novels, including works by E.L. Doctorow and Caleb Carr, and continues to serve as a place for academic and literary research.
• Pop Culture Icon: The NYPL has featured in numerous films and television shows, including Ghostbusters, The Day After Tomorrow, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Its iconic architecture and cultural significance have made it a go-to filming location for scenes set in New York.
• Free Access to Knowledge: One of the library’s core missions is to ensure free access to knowledge for all. Through its extensive collections, free public programs, and digital resources, the NYPL has become a critical resource for millions of New Yorkers.
• Advocacy and Public Service: The NYPL also plays an important role in community advocacy and public service, providing support to underserved communities with resources like job search assistance, ESL classes, and public health information.

New York Public Library Fun Facts and Trivia

• Largest Public Library System in the U.S.: The NYPL is the largest public library system in the U.S. in terms of the size of its collections and the number of branches.
• Ghostbusters Connection: The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building famously appeared in the 1984 film Ghostbusters as the site of an early ghost sighting.
• Special Exhibitions: One of the library’s most famous treasures is the original Winnie-the-Pooh doll, which resides in the Children’s Center.
• Storage Under Bryant Park: Beneath Bryant Park lies a 125,000-square-foot underground storage facility for the library, capable of holding over 4 million volumes.

Visiting the NYPL

• Location: The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is located at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, adjacent to Bryant Park.
• Admission: Admission to the library and its exhibitions is free. Visitors can explore the library’s public spaces, view exhibitions, and attend events without any cost.
• Guided Tours: The library offers free guided tours of the Schwarzman Building, where visitors can learn about its history, architecture, and collections. Self-guided tours are also possible for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
• Hours: Library hours vary by branch and can be found on the NYPL website. The main branch typically operates from morning to evening, Monday through Saturday, with limited hours on Sunday.

New York Public Library Legacy and Influence

• Cultural Landmark: The NYPL is a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its cultural and architectural significance. Its influence as a hub of knowledge, creativity, and community outreach continues to grow.
• Commitment to Public Access: Throughout its history, the NYPL has remained committed to providing free, accessible knowledge to the public. As libraries face challenges in the digital age, the NYPL has expanded its online resources, ensuring that people worldwide can benefit from its vast collections and services.

Conclusion

The New York Public Library is more than just a repository for books; it is a vital cultural institution that embodies New York City’s commitment to learning, research, and public access to knowledge. From its magnificent architecture to its extensive collections and impactful public programs, the NYPL continues to inspire visitors and researchers