New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building - Public library in New York - 476 5th Ave, USA

The iconic big building of the New York public library where only 2 areas are actually open to the public. Didn't even see many books like a library is supposed to have. At least it was free for all that is worth. The room where they had displays of art, famous people stuff, and other interesting items was worth looking at. They make sure you "exit through the gift shop." One reading room on an upper floor was open to the public with art on the walls, which was nice. Overall, it was disappointing since the best parts are closed off to the actual public. If you have all the time in the world, I guess you can make appointments and book tours there, but I certainly did not have that time.

I’ve been living in NY for over the last 3 decades, worked around the corner for over 20 years, and this is the first time I visited New York Public Library. When you are too busy with everyday life, you don’t find beauty until your perspective changes. Architecture of the building from the outside is stunning, but when you go inside you can really appreciate its beauty in every parts of the library. It felt more like a museum. They do many exhibits there. Most of them are free of charge, and line was not long to get in, even for the weekend (maybe the weather was too cold?) Charles Dickens’s mahogany desk and cane chair were displayed. You can learn so much history and architecture. Perfect place to take your kids or just as a casual date spot. Whether you are a New Yorker or a tourist, I highly recommend this place to visit while in midtown.

Very inclusive, positive experience here at the New York Public Library. We didn’t buy tickets however next time we will consider it. Despite it being busy it didn’t take long to get inside, and the building is absolutely iconic and gorgeous. They have done a fantastic job keeping the place in good condition, the art and architecture was absolutely stunning. They had cute little exhibits around the library about different famous artists, my favourite was the one about Dicken’s and they showcased some of his journals, books and even his reading glasses! My family was all captivated by different parts of the library, and overall it was a great experience. Highly suggest for tourists, the location is great and not far from Grand Central station and there is something there for everyone!

This is by far the best place to see in New York. The building alone is enough, but it also has a surprising amount of other things. On the first floor there is a gallery, a cafe, and a bookstore where you can buy books and souvenirs. You will be fascinated by the paintings on the ceiling and the walls, and if you make a reservation, you can hear explanations from a guide and even see some of the closed interior. If you buy a book at a bookstore, you can get a special stamp on the cover. You can also see Virginia Woolf's handwriting and Charles Dickens' desk in the gallery. Elevators and restrooms are open.

The architecture was great. Classic, elegant, and classy. There’s a quite room for study upstairs and the collection was good not only for books but also visual and audio. Great place to spend time for study even work from anywhere mode.

So if your a Ghost Busters Fan or a lover of fine building architecture or just love to read this is a place to visit. The building is huge I side and is a marvel to look at. Please take some time out of your day to come and look around. It's free but I would leave a donation as this helps with the upkeep of this very important Land mark which has been the location of so many iconic american Movies Spider-Man 3 (2007) ... 13 Going on 30 (2004) ... The Day After Tomorrow (2004) ... Maid in Manhattan (2002) ... Spider-Man (2002) ... Finding Forrester (2000) ... The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) ... Quiz Show (1994) Breakfast At Tiffany's

The library actually looks more like a museum than a library. Public are allowed to get inside until the entrance of the research room. There is another photo exhibition about the history of the NYC subway. The building has become a little festive since December, with a beautiful Christmas tree placed at the main door.

Once upon a time this was a fantastic library to visit, but now don’t waste your time. Not sure if it’s because of the holiday season but every other corner is closed off to the public, even the Rose Reading Room. There is mass amounts of people, lines in every door way. New York has lost its charm. If you want it the whole library to be closed off to public then put some signs up at the front door and only let students or New Yorkers in. Disappointing to say the least.