NYC 's New York Public Library - New York City |
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| 42nd Street and 5th Avenue |
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Everyone is welcomed at this Library, and you don't even need a library card!...Now why might that be? The reason is that none of the books within are available for use outside of the library. 'But then again, everyone is welcomed at all of NYC's Public Library Branches, of course you'll need the card to check out/borrow any books. Constructed in 1911, this library building today contains over 6 million
books, 12 million periodicals and almost three million pictures. These
numbers are just part of the 40 million items contained within the NY
Public Library (NYPL) system. The entire system itself is considered to
be the largest branch system in the world. To think that only 100 years
ago there was no real public library in NYC. This particular site is one
of 85 branch libraries located throughout NYC with almost 13 million users
and 2.5 million card holders. Within the building are several exhibition areas and galleries. The exhibitions
are free to the public, as are the 1 hour tours. Among the exhibition halls and galleries are the following: The great lions which guard either side of the entrance to the library are part of what makes this site a National Historic Landmark. Actually trademarked by the Library (look at the library's logo), these lions have had a number of nicknames. Originally, they were called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox, and later as Lord Astor and Lady Lenox (named after the founders of the NYPL). Since the 1930s they've been known at Patience and Fortitude. Before visiting for some serious research at this site, be sure to call ahead of time about the hours of operation for any specific department and the availability thereof. To learn a little more about the site location's history, check out the Bryant Park Page on this site. Some other numbers available are: Humanities and Social Sciences Library Getting there by Subway: B, D, F, Q, 7 take you there directly; 4, 5, 6 leave you close by |
