53rd Street Library

Aside from the masses of people, it’s a simply beautiful place and it’s a public library. Those two things alone are worth preserving for eternity and make it a “can’t miss” when in NYC.

Great use of limited space for a NYPL branch. It's location across the street from MoMA makes it a great place to visit before a trip to the museum, especially if you have kids in tow. The youth section is on the lowest level. Loks of reading nooks and places to study or do some work.

Nice library not too far from the main one. It's pretty small, but very modern and the atmosphere is homey.

I got a digital NYPL card earlier during the pandemic and was in the city this past week for a conference. Having heard that NY residents can convert their digital cards to physical cards, I stopped in and got mine. The librarian at the front desk was very helpful and the space was inviting. I wish I had more time to browse, but I highly recommend people visit and patronize their library.

The best library in Manhattan. Honestly, I've been to 7 libraries in New-York. This is the best combination of price and quality. I work on my laptop, developing websites, doing Internet Marketing and Social Digital. A quiet and peaceful place to work is important to me, so if you work remotely or on Part Time)) This is a Good choice. Here you can work quietly, pick up an interesting book and then go out into the Bustling City. I recommend visiting, Respect.

A very interesting experience at the New York Public Library. The library is beautiful, well-equipped, and the service is serious and meticulous, which is essential in a bustling and crowded city like New York. There were a few people sleeping in the library and were reminded by staff for snoring loudly and disturbing others. I appreciate this. This is a public library, so you can just walk in without needing to ask or get permission from anyone, even though there is a very big and tall security guard at the entrance, which might make you feel a bit hesitant if you're not used to the concept of public libraries in the U.S. and are unsure if you are allowed to enter.

Excellent branch library in a beautifully designed, purpose built space. Top notch facilities with a great children’s space on a dedicated floor. Ample seating and workspaces. Casual seating steps where food and beverages are allowed - quite rare for a library - in the signature architectural design element. Diverse and compelling circulating collection. Friendly and resourceful staff. Among the best branch libraries in the city.

I arrived 15 minutes before closing and they wouldn’t let me browse for a book. There were still plenty of other visitors in the library AND I assured them I would be out before closing but they refused to let me pick out a book. 58th st location is much friendlier and encouraging of visitors.

I am not gonna lie, I was not familiar with the NYPL's game. Each location is very unique and well maintained it caught me so off guard. It has become one of my favorite parts of NYC to be honest. This location is definately no different. Right across from MOMA, near peak 5th avenue and the Rockefeller Center, it is very accessible for plenty of tourist. As a student, it is always lovely to find new places to sit down and get work done across NYC, and walking into this location, I was unsure what to expect. When you first enter its a narrow ally-way with books to your right and left. But turning the corner leads you to this stunning staircase that is surprisingly a nice comfortable place to pause, rest, and enjoy your day during a peak NYC day. With some-what reliable wifi, you can sit down and fet some work done. There are several selection of books, although I heard people do complain that this location lacks in this department compared to other libraries across NYC. There are group desk and private desk, super nice and friendly staff, and clean bathrooms. Love this well maintained library. Sometimes baby sitters would bring toddlers here during lunch, and I would find several babies for some reason, which would catch me off-guard. Overall, super impress with NYPL, several seating areas to get work done, and sometimes reliable wifi. Several outlets too. My only two request is better wifi, and longer hours.

This was an accidental wonderful discovery. We were parked in the garage nearby and they were not able to retrieve our car for like an hour or two so we decided to walk around the area to see if there's someplace to wait. Found the library and we decided to head inside. We went downstairs to their children's section and my son was able to play, read, and interact with the other kids there. The two hours of waiting went by fast. My son didn't get bored and I was able to start a new book. Win win for the both of us.

Pre-pandemic, I used to come here and read whenever I needed to vacate the apartment for a couple of hours. I always liked the serenity of the place. I usually check out books through NYPL's Libby app so I don't visit the place that much any more. However, I had to renew my library card recently as I got the dreaded error message when I tried to check out an e-Book. Side note: I had luckily renewed my Brooklyn Library card recently so was able to get the book there...crisis averted! Anyway, I stopped by on my way home from work to renew my card and the friendly guy at the front desk was able to get me back on track in no time. I'm glad to have this library in the neighborhood.

New York Public Library doesn't always have every book at every location. They do let you reserve a book and pick it up at your local branch. I stop here and check out their offerings. If they have what I'm looking for I can return it at my branch uptown. This branch is in a neighborhood that I used to spend a lot of time. The patrons are diverse rather than like the neighborhood libraries uptown. I see tourists, students, office workers and some locals. If check out lines are busy you have to be patient. I often find it a convenient location to use the restroom! I downloaded NYPL App to my phone. You may want to check it out. Here's some books, controversial, favorites of mine and more. Knowledge is Power.

I got a digital NYPL card earlier during the pandemic and was in the city this past week for a conference. Having heard that NY residents can convert their digital cards to physical cards, I stopped in and got mine. The librarian at the front desk was very helpful and the space was inviting. I wish I had more time to browse, but I highly recommend people visit and patronize their library.

Beautiful and quiet library. Has a sit down area like a set of stairs to just sit and relax. I saw some people secretly eating there but it was still nice Came here to my first NYPL to get the limited edition Spiderman library card and it was quick and easy Close to rockefellercenter!

Definitely worth a stop. We were walking the streets between gatherings and wandered in. Beautiful, just beautiful. We didn't look for reading material but there was plenty!

This library is overall a great place to get work done. Lots of different seating options (large step area, comfy chairs, group desks, private desks). WiFi can be a bit fussy if you have a VPN. Can usually find a spot to work and the staff are friendly. Clean bathrooms and facilities.

So happy that they are finally open for pick up and drop off. Been going to the new one on 40th. Still can't use bathroom or walk around down stairs. It's only been two weeks now. I guess they are still setting up for temp scanning. Welcome back

Fantastic children's section! I took my 9 month old on a weekday in December and was delighted by the space. The children's room is enclosed so it's only small kids, meaning kids have more space to room around and try things out. Great toys--gear magnets, animal figurines, blocks, etc. We've been trying out various NYPL branches and I think this is the best one for kids that we've encountered.

I was highly disappointed when I came for the baby book reading and I was told unless I have a baby I couldn't come in. I mainly just came sub serve the baby book reading session, because I own a not-for-profit in one of the parts of the not-for-profit is literacy. I felt my request to ask during the session was immediately dismiss, even though I am a New York City Retired Board of Education. I hope they consider changing their policy when it comes to their baby reading sessions. This was my first encounter with the 53rd St. library in New York City, and it was a very disappointing one. I hope when I reach out again it would be a more positive experience.

This is my home library, as it is the closest from my workplace. It's brand new and has interesting building structure. I'm always in and out quickly since I'm usually here to pick up books on hold, but it has comfortable seating throughout the library and nice to sit and hang out once in a while. It's also great that you're allowed to bring food here AND that they don't have security going through your bags for unchecked books. Seriously, I don't understand why some branches have to do it - do people really sneak out books without checking them out? The library doesn't even charge for checking out books!! Anyhow, one concern is that the library sometimes gets loud because people tend to bring in kids in strollers and hang out for lunch. But it must be hard to get around the city with strollers and maybe it's a good thing that the library offers a convenient spot for people like that to stay and rest. The library would also be better if it had better lighting around the reading area. The tables for study space has plenty of good lighting, but I think they should have brighter lights near the couches in the middle floor, since it's dark and kind of hard to read.

This place is MY JAM. -They've got a huge screen with stadium style seating for your movie watch/lunch eating enjoyment. (Pro tip: bring Bluetooth headphones to participate in the movie/tv show watching) -Tons of seating along with some more closed off desk space so you can work and do yo thang. -3 floors of books. (With elevators to access all the floors) -Lots of computers to rent or work at. -A play space for babies to run around on the bottom level (it's closed off and the spaces are all lined with padding to keep the tots from breaking their heads). -Clean bathrooms. Seriously, a necessity. -Lovely staff. -Self checkout. -Barstool seating next to all the brand new releases overlooking the movie area (you can't eat there but you can use your computer, read, etc). The design of this NYPL is cool and modern, it will help you beat the heat on the hot, sticky summer days AND it's directly across the street from the MOMA so stop through there when you're finished. Note: lots of baby sitters bring their tiny tots here around lunch and they usually stay around until it's baby's nap time so things can get a little loud depending on where you are in the library between 12-2p. (Usually 6-10 nanny/baby duos during lunch).

I can't believe I have resorted to posting a yelp review of this library as an outlet for how annoyed I feel about the fact that this library is a daily toddler play area for up to twenty caregivers and their young children/infants. They line up outside by 10:30am and by the time the library is open, they are all down the block with their strollers. I believe that a library should be a sanctuary for reading and studying, so the study area should be respected. I hope that the management will keep the children restricted to an area away from the study tables and quiet reading space in the future because at this point I will not be returning to read here. All I got was a headache and some annoyance. Other than this huge problem, this library is super new, modern, and wonderful in terms of both space and book selection. Furthermore, amazingly clean bathrooms and space! (Rare for NYC libraries)

Beautiful library and very friendly staff! I usually go to the Lincoln center library but after seeing this space, I may change allegiance.

This branch of the NYPL, far and away my favorite, takes some cues from MOMA and its design store across the street and also seems like it's from another city (Scandinavian)... or the future. The employees are polite and efficient, and there is ample space for reading/working/quiet contemplation.

The best part about this library are the people who work the checkout line. They're so friendly and helpful and often let me know if they loved the title I'm checking out. I primarily use this branch to pick up my reserves on my lunch break. The rest of the library is more of a study-hall. There are quite a few nappers, hopefully the library, city or other organization can provide some outreach to those in need at this location. The other downside are the hours. Sometimes it's difficult to get to the library on my lunch break and they're only open until 6pm so if I don't leave work early I don't make it.

When I think of a library I think of going straight to the library computer in search for the book I need and perusing the endless aisles until I find it. Well, this library does not have aisles nor endless choices of books. There are computers... What this place is, is that it's more of a study hall. You can prop up on the tables and get work done. That's pretty much it. It's very modern, new, & spacious for the city. Great spot if that's what you're looking for. Not great if you're trying to do research or needing literature resources. The bottom floor you'll find the kids/teen area & the restrooms.

When I first started working in this area, the one thing i missed was having a library within walking distance. I finally paid this location a visit and I'm in love. The space is lofty and sparkly! The selection is impressive and the staff are awesome. There are a lot of events for locals like Adult Coloring! and Stitching. I hear you can eat here but it would be weird for me since libraries are special. The ampitheatre is a great place to sit and escape! I'm in love.

I adore the 53rd library. Sometimes they put on a movie or three for you to watch on the big screen. The huge window looking towards MoMA is refreshing. The security people are pleasant. The librarians are really helpful - one of them helped me look for a book all around the library and when we couldn't find it, she said she would contact me personally when they locate it. You can have a light snack like a sandwich or even a burrito on the stairs (and they have outlets too). The downstairs area with the computers, personal study cubicles, and chairs is quiet dim. It's not the best place to read for a long time. But it is important to note that this is a hub for kids from hours 11:30am - 2pm. And then some. There's a special children's room on the basement floor, where the screams, cries, giggles and everything else echo up to the study/reading area. There's a room next to the bathroom that hosts toddler-focused events like singing around noon and you end up singing "row row row your boat" alongside while reading about China's environmental challenges. The open area with the stairs is a children's amusement park. The library is heavily geared towards the kids that they tolerate the running, stomping, screaming pop other people's focus. Additionally, when the kids are having fun, the mothers/baby sitters are also into chatting among themselves. You feel confused at what the function of a library is and maybe you should have brought a cheese plate instead of a cold sandwich because you need something to calm you down and you have difficulty even processing your confusion because there's chaos surround-sound. You are hopeful that the security or librarian would point out the obvious "please, this is a library," but that hope disappears after first 10 minutes of the concert of cacophony. Besides that, this is a clean, modern library with helpful and friendly staff with sufficient amount of reading materials.

This is hands-down the best NYPL branch. I love love the modern layout of the library, with its expansive glass walls. I love how spacious the library is and how there's a huge slope of sitting area where natural light passes from overhead. Plus, the bathrooms are clean and the librarians are super friendly! True, there isn't an expansive array of books to choose from, but in this day and age, you can order books from other branches and pick up from your branch of choice. What most libraries lack, and what this library does so well, is provide the perfect setup of space, light, and ambience for reading and studying.

Very Chic, new and fun. I love that there are MULTIPLE PLUGS cause that's was a serious need. Cozy and a good place to rest your mind and get your work done, just before your preparation. Would recommend to being your own laptop or tablet. There is A LOT of space on the first and second floor. Oh and it's great place for group projects. . .only if your group are the quiet hard working type.

This is a nice library. People working there are super friendly. Though it is not that fancy as the one on the 42th street(or 45th street), it is warm, clean and a nice place to go when you need a library.

As both an avid reader and a city worker, the New York public library is an incredible system, with its wide branch footprint which is always a stone's throw away. However, working in smack dab in the middle of midtown Manhattan, the only real option was the 40th Street branch, a glum and dismal building with interiors to match. That's why I was overjoyed when the 53rd street library opened up. Even on a stand-alone basis, this branch is absolutely amazing, with friendly librarians, a central location and a up to date selection of books. Given that this branch was recently reopened, it has a very modern and sleek architecture. Additionally, on the way down to the books section of the library, there is a huge TV that the library uses for showing movies and talks.

If you want to take a nice nap, or bring or bring a babies that cries. Come to this library. I remember a time when ppl had shame and have consideration for their neighbors. But today we are so focused on ourselves and being selfish. Libraries are for reading and peace and quiet. The management that runs this place doesnt see that. They want to please all and by that they please none

I came here for the first time today and absolutely love this library! I wouldn't say that it's the best library to go to if you are looking to borrow books as their selection is very, very slim but if you need somewhere to study that it quiet and has wifi, AC, clean (and modern looking) toilets, the 53rd st library would be an awesome choice. They have plenty of outlets and tiny cubicles where you can have some privacy to study. The staff is quite friendly here and I saw people eating in certain sections of the library so it must be allowed. I wouldn't suggest eating lunch but a snack is fine. Definitely will come here more often in the future to study and get some work done!

Such a great place' Food is FABULOUS Service so responsive and cordial This is going to become anTREASURE To NYC and central manhattan Such a pleasant spot and such positive ENERGY This place is here to stay ‼‼

I love this big ol library and its amazing architecture!!! A must see for the tourist and a place to hang and get lost in a novel for the local....

A beautiful New York institution. Absolutely beautiful architecture. Everyone who visits needs to walk the great halls of this place and if you're a local then you need to spend some time exploring this wonderful place and get a library card!

Stop by the other day. Heard that it just reopened one month ago. So awesome! The teen room and kids room look pretty enough. Surreal as a NYPL.

A beautiful new space squeezed into a busy midtown block - recommended for midtown office workers. My top draw was the convenience as I work nearby and was walking down to the Schwartzman building to handle my NYPL business. I was pleasantly surprised to find a bright and airy space with all the same (and more) amenities of your typical library branch. The interesting feature is this large stepped auditorium almost that dominates the entry. I'm interested to see how this space is utilized in the future--hopefully for more than just a cheap place to sit down for haggard midtown visitors. The staff seemed more energerized than a typical branch. It may be attributed to the relative age of the location, the excitement of all the new technology and furnishings or they brought the A team to the new site. No matter the cause, I have been pleased with every staff encounter at the branch.

Nice branch of the New York Public Library to come to do some light work. There is free wifi and plenty of seating but not all of them have power outlets to plug in if your laptop if it runs out of juice. A few problems though with this branch. There are way too many moms with strollers and their kids here during the early afternoon hours just hanging out. They don't read or check out books. Also, bums camp out in the second-floor men's bathroom with the lights off. Be careful. If you're a guy and have to use the bathroom, you're better off going to the basement bathrooms.

Really impossible to work here. Group singing from the kids wafting up to the 2nd floor where people are trying to study and work! I have professional strength earplugs in and that is not enough. Troupes of kids stomping through the carrel area to get to the bathroom. I love this library. It's beautiful but terrible design. I love that the kids are here...though it is more like a childcare center....but the space must be redesigned so there noise is enclosed. Awful during the day and useless for readers, studiers, workers.

In a phrase - too many kids. There's a basement area for teens and kids, i don't understand why they don't go down there since adults can't. But they make a bunch of noise in the theatre area, I mean I like kids but time and place... I advise them to change this because it defeats he purpose of a 'quiet library'. At least create a divider between the theatre and the study/library area. at least. Also I know they're trying to gear towards e-books, because there's aren't a lot of physical book selections (no aisles), but err... it's supposed to be a library...? This just becomes a BYOL study hub. 2 stars because the bathrooms are awesome and the librarians are helpful and nice, and there are outlets everywhere. FYI - desk computer limit is 45min

Love this library so much! The librarians are so sweet and helpful, especially the young adult/children's librarians. The librarians have given me some great book suggestions. The space is very modern. There have a great variety of books. The holds are easily accessible. I often come here during the school year to get work done. I am able to get so much work and reading done here. They also have a lot of fun events such as adult coloring or movies. The location is extremely ideal. I usually come here at least once a week. It's my favorite NYPL location.

I love this place. Wow. This is always the moment when I am thankful to everyone who finances and builds libraries and keeps them afloat. This place is such a beautiful piece of architecture. Sitting on the stairs in this huge space is totally calming. It's a bizarre feeling when you walk out to the busy streets after you have been a while in the calmness of the library. Noise does bother less

It has a beautiful layout, and would be a great place to get work done (carrels, pretty good temperature control, spacious) but unfortunately, like everyhalfway decent library in this town, it's overrun by the under-4 crowd. Drool, Maclerens, and wails outnumber the books here. It's a step above the bettwe Starbucks, but you are better off going to one of the public research libraries or a remote cafe. Conclusion: It's worth a visit, but not a real stay, unless you like your libraries to be like the political atmosphere right now: Circusy. Edit: Was going to give it 2-stars but then a grade-schooler sprinted by me. This

Nice library, pretty new and not hard to find. Clean and quiet. Love the interior and calming relaxing atmosphere. No smell and clean. Nice staffs and helpful too. Very close to the orange trains. If you need the 6 train or some other buses it's still walkable but much further. Orange trains are just right down the street.

I really like this place to study. Really do. Especially since I don't find a lot of place in Midtown where I can actually sit and study. The interior looks really cool and sometimes I wish I can just sit there for hours reading something off the shelf instead of studying, although unfortunately I can't. The place is clean. Fast wifi and easy to connect to - I think I never have any problem connecting to the Wifi. However sometimes I feel like the room can get really cold. Furthermore what kind of sets me off a bit is some of the staffs. I don't know why but particularly one day I was at the library and there are seem to be people making a lot of noise. A person was talking loudly on the phone, another was laughing seriously loud. it was quite disturbing but the staff didn't do anything about it. Then I know they close at 6 (they shout it 20 minutes before) and I was the last one to pack but I was already packing and was just zipping my bag and it wasn't 6 yet, like 5 mins to 6PM and one of the staffs came up to me asking why am I still there and I need to leave already. I told him I'm really just leaving. I mean they let people get loud in the library but can't wait to shoo someone away was perhaps the most upsetting part

Went there for a school trip and lovely environment and staff. Some people clearly make a job out of bogarting the technology and have like six devices attracted to outlets, which is absurd. Otherwise, a beautiful space, but get there early for a good spot.

This library has emerged from its chrysalis in brilliant glory. The feel is spacious, modern with a clean Scandinavian feel and yet comfortable, with blond wood accented by dark grey. Lighting is bright, but far removed from the washed out fluorescent glow of cheaply lit corporate offices. There is ample seating, from huge round grey cushions to more structured chairs. The newest addition is an auditorium, just left as you enter, a many tiered space that looks onto a huge flat screen, currently projecting images from NYC. From the outside glass window looking in, it would be interesting enough to entice any tourist to wander in. From the inside, it's a nice place to take a reprieve as you rest your feet and read a book. Grey, movable, felt chair pads are provided. This library, formerly, Donnell, still provides books, dvds etc. But if you are a fan of Pooh-Bear, note that Pooh and friends have found a permanent home at the main branch at 42nd Street. This clean, beautiful library is well worth a visit for anyone--those who want books and other materials, those who want to relax awhile, and even those who simply want to admire the architecture and design.

I like it out there!! It's really nice and there are tons of books!!! And the people working there are so pleasant.

One day, while looking for a place to study close to my boyfriend's workplace, I stumbled upon this gem. I believe this is newly renovated and it is by far, the most architecturally pleasing library I've ever been to. You'll have to go down the steps to reach books but as you're walking down, that stairwell could be used as a place for reading and groupwork - albeit there isn't an actual table. But the open space provides a perfect place to converse and try to get work done. They have two floors downstairs - the main one being the second level one. It houses many tables with outlets and one long table with lights. It also homes several private cubies for you to do independent work - in which I did. The lowest level also had the cleanest bathroom I've ever seen for a library. The second level bathroom isn't dirty but more people come and go so it wasn't as pristine. This quickly became my new home as I was studying for my boards - but I do miss going there to study. If you're close by and need a place to study, should definitely drop by!

This is my favorite library simply because it's super close to my work and it's a great place to have some quiet time amidst a hectic city. The service is amazing. The reading chairs downstairs are really comfortable. The design of this library is also very beautiful!

I really like the layout, design, and location of this library, but some areas get so loud - particularly around the bank of desktop computers along the back wall. If you need to get serious work done, make sure you bring noise-canceling headphones.

This is hands down my favorite place to write in Manhattan. (I'm obviously a writer.) It's quiet, clean and has a great decor. (Yes, decor is one of my writing requirements. lol) It's technically underground but doesn't feel like it. Probably because you get downstairs by walking down a huge auditorium with huge windows. You can also sit and eat there if you are in the area and need a quick place to snack. Otherwise, I've never had problem finding a seat. There's lots of seating yet it doesn't feel crowded. There's ample plugs so you don't need to bring your own extension cord or power strip (Writers know exactly what I'm talking about). And it's easy to get on the wifi. My only complaint are the hours, They vary by day and sometimes it's not easy to get here after work to write before they close. It can also get hard to get cell service too.

put my head down just to take a break, and was asked to put my head up. sooner or later I caught two guards talking behind my back i get that you are doing your job, but don't talk behind other people worst experience i've ever had

Very comfortable climate, modern, harmonious cool atmosphere. My favorite library to go to...a wide variation of seating. Many places to work, read, or charge up you phone. Very clean, polite and helpful staff. My go to place-

What a beautiful place! I stopped in a few days ago to get my NYPL card and the staff were all so friendly and helpful. It reminded me of school librarians during read-a-thon week in elementary school. They genuinely wanted to help! I got my card with no issues (thanks to library staff for being flexible and allowing me to show you electronic copies of bills. who keeps paper bills these days?). Once I got my card, I wandered to the auditorium space. It's breathtaking. I sat with another library lover and watched rhythmic gymnastics (olympics) on the wall of screens while also watching traffic on 53 pass by. It was amazing! The space is such a respite from the garbage milk and exhaust smoke outside. Away from the auditorium is a full library, with plenty of space for laptop users, magazine browsers, storytime lovers and book lovers. It's very modern but it doesn't feel cold. And I like the variety of places to read and relax. It's such a beautiful space in that neighborhood and the staff are all so kind and helpful. I'd go there daily if I could.