Reviews of New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (Tourist Attraction)

Patricia Gardner

Very impressed with the collection. The building is so beautiful. Great place for some quiet time.

A & C

If you’re visiting NYC and want to see old architecture for free, this is highly recommended. Easy to walk to from Grand Central, and you’re welcome to browse freely. For Winnie the Pooh fans - there’s a display of the original stuffed animals that belonged to the real Christopher Robin. If you’re a fan or your kids love Winnie the Pooh, this is a must do!

Luis Tim

If you are in new york like me than don't miss to visit the New York Public Library. This place is full of historical architecture that you can see free of cost. Here you will also see a bulk of books with peaceful ambiance.

Comikajr Kadu

Still retains its charm. Excellent place to escape the hectic street scene in midtown Manhattan, sit down and enjoy reading.

Vegas Vickie905

The man checking bags when you walk in is exceptionally rude to white people, and exceptionally kind to colored. A very polite white man approached him with his bag. People were trying to pass behind him so he took a step closer to that table next to the man to let people by and make it easier for the man to check his bag. The seated man VERY rudely told him he's refusing to help him if he's going to stand there, and said he's going to help others instead. He was very polite to anyone of color, VERY rude to white people. If the races were reversed this would be ALL over the news. Even better, since he wouldn't check the man's bag, who knows what was inside? Clearly the security here isn't very safe.

Reflections of a simple mind

New York Public Library- established in 1895, where literature and architecture is equally celebrated. This non profit library is privately managed and is the second largest public library in the United States. Make sure to get some sovereign before leaving the library. Must see.

John Wagner

Absolutely beautiful ❤️ I needed more time to view but I'll get it on my next visit

damon peters

Amazing treasure. Lots of folks just drop in and take a photo, but their archives are amazing and the periodicals room is so vast. Bryant Park our the back door is so beautiful. One of the best public spaces in the city.

Collin Meehan

This is the New York Public Library. The two lively stone lions welcome the library. The library's reading room rose main reading room is worthy of appreciation. It is like a movie scene, quiet and beautiful, how many New Yorkers read here. The ceiling murals are lifelike and a great place to read.

Becky Hart

I have saw pictures of this library and viewed it on movies but nothing does it justice than to see it in person. It cost nothing to visit so its perfect for someone visiting on any budget. They do check your bags on the way in and out but …

Jacksman

The Library is a beautiful building that everyone should stop in and enjoy. The reading room is iconic and the archive exhibits beautiful and education. Crowds are manageable and aren’t so overwhelming that you can’t enjoy the space. There is some light construction going on, but it doesn’t effect access. Make the stop!

Sarah Ismail

Came here in 2017, we loved this building- it really is a brilliant institution- the staff were so super friendly, especially an elderly gentleman called Richard. Was disappointed that the Rose main reading room is shut until 2017 due to restoration work but will definitely be returning!

Bridget Y

Beautiful building and free to enter, so would absolutely recommend checking out the building if ever around. Do not do the free tour. It is unfortunately boring and will make you sad. I have done great free tours in the city, but this one isn't really worth the time

Rodrigo Bravo

Deep in the bustling metropolis of NYC is a building that towers over Bryant Park and provides a stark contrast to the hyperactivity a few blocks away at Times Square. The New York Public Library offers a sanctuary to those who may feel overwhelmed, beleaguered, even fatigued from the constant light switch stuck at "ON" that is the Big Apple. The library features one of the largest quiet reading rooms I have ever seen. I wasn't even brave enough to snap a pic fearing that it would create unwanted noise. Its impressive. For the crowd adverse, they offer even more intimate reading rooms which provide a much needed separation (and Wifi) from the crowds. The featured exhibits are impressive. The original Winnie the Pooh collection is notable. Some people write that its awkward to go without kids but I don't think it's so. Its directly behind Bryant Park; with various food options, this is a fantastic afternoon adventure and worth the trip. Tip: You can take a book to the patio and enjoy a read by the park.

Villiage Lions

This is the biggest and the oldest library in Manhattan to date. There are as many as five stories to the building, three of which you would be able to have access to for your regular studies. Additionally oh, they do have In/ Out Security for bag checks & other miscellaneous items. You can get your library cards here as well as purchase gift shop items on the first floor. There is an additional Library across the street but it is currently being renovated. There are many entrances into the library data which are heavily monitored. Recommend, definitely. Proceed with caution.

Mr Dave

Will never forget our visit and cherish the memories, the place is magnificent, as is the architecture, and discovered a fascinating book

Mimi Wahinee

Great building. I suggest to, at least, walk in and check out the lobby. Good spot for a bathroom break, they have free public restrooms! If you're walking in the city, that's should be an easy stop for you since it’s in Midtown. Worth checking out one of their reading rooms. You could charge your phone while enjoying a little break.

Liza Harold

I have been here a couple of times now. It has everything that a student and an adult research would need. It is quiet and spacious. Really perfect for studying. The have a wide range of books for each floor of the building. I highly recommend this place to people who loves reading!

Lucais Horsley

This is one of several research libraries in NYC. Entry is free and you can explore at your leisure or plan ahead and arrive early enough to do a docent led, one hour tour. There are so many treasures- the architecture of the building, the …

Sarah Brockington

Beautiful building and worth taking a look inside. Great place to take the kids. The children's area had a lot of different activities for them to engage in. The real Winnie the Pooh was the highlight for our visit.

Abbas Dundar

Go and see how civilization accumulated. Great site. Look every detail in the building. Fantastic.

Matthew Sweet

A beautiful space thats free and open to the public. Definitely worth taking a stroll through.

Alvo von Cossel

Nice enough place, but I felt it wasn't really suitable for tourists, even though it pretends to be. I bet it's amazing to work and study here, and the book selection seems huge. Just that it seems hardly worth visiting as a tourist.

Marzieh Jafary

Great library with WIFI, restrooms are open to public, large rooms for studying, computer lab on the 3rd floor and a gift shop. With NY ID, you can get library card and use the resources as much as you like! They also offer free ESL classes and so many more activities.

Joseph949

Nice and quiet (it's a library) and I didn't get mugged on the way in. Be sure to look up.

Arthur Murden

me and my wife came across this lovely building when having a look around on this our first visit to New York I hope we revisit some time so we can have a better look at this beautiful Library

ERROL SHAKES

Nice building but it lacking interest it's historic but even going through security could be more modern

Claudine Smith

If you're looking for a place that is quiet and perfect place for reading , this is the exact place you need to visit! I've been here many times for my researches and homework that needs to be answered by reading some books. The books they have here is very informative and it would really help you with your research. Each floor as well has something to see that would excite you being a book worm. I would love to recommend this place for learning.

Chris Andrew

This is a must-experience when you're in New York. Plan time to spend some time while here. Reflect, create, chill, recoup....this is a great place for some respite and inspiration. Be sure to check out the Rose Reading room. Visitors to …

Zeliha

not only book, but there is a particularly huge painting depicting a blind Milton dictating Paradise lost to his daughters. That by itself is worth a look. And of course, it is a library. There are also special exhibits, always worth a look. Must see for all library lovers.

Jerry Preston

All books were really awesome. I often visits here to read some interesting stuff. The place was very positive and the arrangements of seating were also good. Their collection was amazing. The reading room was well maintained and clean.

Joe Tuikkanen

Beautiful building with remarkable frescoes and long halls. Also the library has books for lending and helpful staff to guide you.

Simon Landman

Super impressive building with long and distinguished history. This is a great place to visit and a must see for those interested in architecture and history. For tourists, there’s a lot of beautiful floors and marble pillars, great photo opportunities, old paintings, and just very cool long old halls. For those more initiated (which I am not), there’s lots of history here, and thousands and thousands of books. It’s a functioning library too, so you can ask the librarians for help researching things. They have extensive records and statistic books there. Either way, an amazing place to visit. Can see it in about 30 minutes if you’re in a rush.

Peter Martinez

An absolute necessity visit for book darlings and aficionados of lovely engineering. Each floor has something to see; my most loved was the first Winnie the Pooh soft toys on the lower level.My most loved room obviously is the Rose Reading.The blessing shop additionally offers some fun and one of a kind things.

dave pelton

Free entrance into the New York Library makes this a must do part of your time here. Amazing history of the building is on view and of course it is a working library so keep the noise down! Wonderful ceiling art adds to the beautiful architecture of this iconic structure. Well worth a visit.

amelia lee

The New York Public Library is located right next to Bryant Park and is a beautiful and striking building. As a native New Yorker, it’s been on my bucket list to visit for a long time. I finally got to do it this past week and was blown away by how amazingly preserved and well kept it was. The architecture is gorgeous. I was in awe of the wall to wall marble, giant pillars, wood paneling, tiffany lamps, stately furniture, gorgeous frescoes, and historical paintings. This place is just so impressive. The New York Public Library is still a functioning library and many people come here for the library services. You can book an audio tour and learn about the building on your own. Everyone is welcome to browse freely. The reading rooms are great spots if you’re looking for a quiet place to read and you can charge your phone while you’re at it. There’s a computer lab on the 3rd floor, free Wifi and restrooms are open to the public. There’s also a small café on the main floor but there are MANY food options around the neighborhood. Did you know that this library is the second biggest library in the US and that you can visit three out of the five floors of this library? I cannot wait to go back for another visit as there is so much more to explore in this beautiful building. Also, I am now adding the NYPL in my roster of places to bring family and friends who visit NYC.

Bowen Wang

On the first floor, there's a gift shop selling really nice tote bag made of incredibly soft leather. When I visited the library, I hesitated and didn't buy it. But now I really regret that I missed the chance. I keep thinking about the tote bag every time I talk about NY. I don't know if there's the chance that someone who see this comment and is planning to visit the library may be so kind to check the brand for me and comment below?

Susana Duarte

Beautiful place with a lot to see. The staff is very helpful and professional. You can sit quietly reading a book, journal or just chill in one of the rooms.

Munira Mahmud

Lionel pincus map division curator was not courteous or professional which discouraged us from exploring the library any further. My children were quiet and not touching anything but this tall white bearded male curator with glasses told us …

Anne Fernandena

Such a beautiful library! We took the audio tour and learned so much about the library and the different rooms. It was great to learn about and see the cool architecture. We took pictures with "patience and fortitude" lions. We were here right at 10 a.m. so it wasn't crowded at all. We came back past at night and it was beautiful in the evening as well.

Andrea Vrazhalska

One of my favourite places in town. Highly recommend the tour around the library there is lots of history and lots to learn.

Steve Myers

Amazing Place to sit in silence and reading! You'll love this place at the moment you walked into. I surely can say you haven't seen anything like this place before. one of the coolest building in the city.

Elena Soroka

Easy access, fast security check. Wonderful quiet place.

ARMYAna M Rios

I would like to know if the Key of the City is being supervised. I suggest, you should add an additional camera to monitor, where fanatics doesn’t try to still it. I like visiting this Library, it is much different with exploration of history and wonders.

A H

Love it! Beautiful and wonderful. Second time I've looked in at the library and it was wonderful both times.

Sara Boyer

I do genealogy and good amount of my family is from New York. The public library has amazing staff that are helpful and knowledgeable. The space is a beautiful work of architecture and they have a really cool exhibits from time to time. Stunning place to visit.

Cole Yancey

Very cool stop! I would highly recommend at least walking in and checking out the lobby. This is one of the coolest buildings in the city. Also, of you're walking in the city and need a bathroom break they have free public restrooms! Definitely check out some of the reading rooms as well.

Joey Gibson

Saw the JD Salinger exhibition. Included his original manuscript with pencil edits for Catcher in the Rye, family photos and personal correspondence. Very cool and these items are being displayed for the 1st time! No phones, jackets, coats …