Location: New York City
Top Things to do in New York City
What to do and see in New York City, New York (NY): The Best Libraries
Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City
1. Webster Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. The Morgan Library & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,027 reviews
Just a short walk from Grand Central and Penn Station, the Morgan is a major exhibition venue for fine art, literature, and music, one of New York's great historic sites, and a wonderful place to dine, shop, and attend a concert or film.
Reviewed By XSki007 - New Jersey, United States
We are all very fortunate that J.P. Morgan created such an extensive art and rare book collection is such a fabulous home - and it has been preserved for all of us to enjoy it. The buildings are truly a work of art onto themselves. I recommend taking the free head set as you walk through the premises, wherein you will learn a great deal about the man and all of this art work.
3. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
National research library dedicated to documenting the experiences of peoples of African descent throughout the world.
Reviewed By solotravellerfemale - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Schomburg is bang opposite 135 St Station so easy to get to. I am soo happy that I visited it. Langton Hughes' ashes are buried on the ground floor with a mosaic of the rivers to depict his most famous poem. Very, very informative museum above and one can't help feel so proud of the contribution of African Americans yet sad and angry that this is not celebrated acknowledged and taught enough. Every racist white American should visit it... might help him see the people he despises in a new light There are clean washrooms and water fountains which are blessings. The staff is friendly, informed and willing to help. The gift shop has a great array of books by black authors(Yay!), tee shirts, bags and a few souvenirs that were too expensive in mho.
4. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By MarkB208 - Peabody, United States
If you have an hour to spend take a look at this exhibit at the NYPL Performing Arts library. Everything is there, from a replica of Hal Prince's office (door and all), to letters, photos, telegrams, ledgers, posters, not to mention set and costume designs from many of the shows he produced. Fiddler, West Side Story, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd...it's all there. You get such a sense of his genius, even if you don't stop and read every word. Plus, you don't spend a dime.
5. Poets House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
A house of poetry overlooking the Hudson River—a library, literary center, event space & locus of poetic inspiration, free and open to all members of the public.
6. New York Society Library
7. Library Way
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By dese2 - Auburn, United States
How excited to see the many litarary quotes on the way to the main library; Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. As we were heading to the library I noticed the bronze plaques imbedded in the sidewalk. I stopped to read the quotes. Each one is from a famous book. Fortunately the quotes are attributed so no guess work involved. What a delightful experience. Approach the library from the east, walk along 41 St. you will see the series of plaques. According to the library web site -- Library Walk: A celebration of the world’s great literature, brought to you by the Grand Central Partnership and the New York Public Library. Sculptor: Gregg LeFevre. 1998. Al the quotes can be found on the library web page.
8. New York Public Library - Bloomingdale Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By MarkB208 - Peabody, United States
As someone who has been to the city and walked by the NYPL on 5th Avenue hundreds of times, this was finally the time I went inside and took a tour! I'm so glad that I did. The library building is magnificent. The docent gave us a lot of very interesting details, including the fact that the library was built on what was formerly the Croton Reservoir -- you can even see some of the base of the reservoir wall! Although the tours can't go into most of the rooms, just hearing about the collections housed there is awe-inspiring. I know that I'll go back and visit again.
9. Jefferson Market Library
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
10. National Archives at New York City
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
The National Archives at New York City includes holdings from Federal records from New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
