Practical Information
Updated: Jan 9, 2026Visit Duration
Minimum1.3 days
Recommended2.5 days
Entrance Fee
FreeFree. Tours free at 11 AM and 2 PM
Best Time to Visit
Library is open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (some days until 6:00 PM). Free tours usually at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Especially cozy in winter. Come before 11:00 AM for empty reading room photos.
How to Get There
Subway: B, D, F, M lines to Bryant Park or 7 to 5th Ave. The building is located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, right by Bryant Park.
What to Expect
The Rose Main Reading Room is two football fields long with 52-foot painted ceilings. Free building tours daily. Exhibitions of rare books and manuscripts. You can simply drop in to sit and work — Wi-Fi is free.
Best Photo Spot
Stone lions Patience and Fortitude at entrance — NYC symbols. Rose Reading Room with arched windows. Marble staircase in Astor Hall. Building view from Bryant Park.
Working Hours
Updated: Jan 9, 2026Monday10:00 — 18:00
Tuesday10:00 — 20:00
Wednesday10:00 — 20:00
Thursday10:00 — 18:00
Friday10:00 — 18:00
Saturday10:00 — 18:00
Sunday13:00 — 17:00
Note
Main building Stephen A. Schwarzman. Sunday 1-5 PM
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faq.subtitle New York Public Library
No library card is needed to visit the building and look around. A card is only required if you want to borrow books or use computers. Cards are available to New York State residents.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting New York Public Library
After the library, check out Bryant Park behind the building — it has free Wi-Fi, tables, and great skyscraper views.
Reviews
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
1°
1°54%11 м/с
Today
5°-1°
5°-1°Tomorrow8°-1°
8°-1°Wed
6°3°
6°3°Thu5°-6°
5°-6°Fri
0°-7°
0°-7°Sat4°0°
4°0°Sun3°-4°
3°-4°4°
-3°Jan
5°
-2°Feb
10°
2°Mar
16°
7°Apr
22°
12°May
27°
18°Jun
30°
21°Jul
29°
21°Aug
25°
17°Sep
18°
11°Oct
13°
6°Nov
6°
0°Dec
What else to see
Interesting places nearby
