Jefferson Market Library

Highly recommend this historic fully functioning library that feels like a history museum. It's rich with artifacts and even the smells of yesteryear when it was a courthouse, police court and holding area for prisoners. The stained glass windows let's the bright sun shine through. Despite the age of the building, patrons are kept comfortable with warm heating and other facilities. I look forward to spending more time here. They should give tours, to give live to the history, culture, architecture and richness of this branch. So glad I finally visited. The information sheet is quite interesting - puts Ragtime in context. Kudos to New York Public Library for yet another branch very well done. Free for the public to enjoy.

It's pretty and warm with a clean restroom, but they for sure need more seating. It's set up like they're still socially distancing on the second floor. They can definitely fit more sofa chairs, at least one more long table, or invest in many floor pillows, some more benches. Literally anything. The middle area can afford more seating. If it's a capacity thing, just ignore my review, but if it's not, please take a trip to a furniture outlet. Literally even 20 more seats on this floor would make a world of difference

Moderately sized church styled building converted into a library with a garden attached in the back. The cellar has many artworks, antiques, and statues. Meanwhile, the second floor has colored glass windows and a nook with views over to the flowers from the garden

A quiet quaint library 📚 close to 9th st Path station, well situated in the student area of NYU. New Yorkers recognize this building as the one where a giant spider dangles during Halloween parade and marks as the starting point for the parade. A lot of history to this beautiful NY building which apparently was a court building at some point. Statues and arches on the lower level give it an old feel while the huge high ceiling on upper level give a modern feel along with the spiral staircase with mosaic windows making it look rustic. Would love to see what these mosaic look like during the day. The lower level had the feel of olden era with elderly folks quietly browsing newspapers and the upper level was more hip with suitably younger crowds. Both appealed to me. The staff here was very pleasant and friendly. Would love to visit again. ❤️👍

This doesn’t look like a library on the outside or inside. It’s like this beautiful European-esque gem. The winding staircase with the stain glass windows are mesmerizing. It’s not a huge space, but there seemed to be enough open areas that I easily found a place to relax and do some quiet reading. So happy I popped in here!

really fun and quaint vibes, but such limited seating! The staff fuss too much over blocking the bookshelves; they should fuss more about providing seating for people who are using the library in any way. Theres no space to read or do work given the mere 20 something seats they have available in the main room

This library is my favorite NYC library and I have visited about 30 across Manhattan, BK and Queens. This one has incredible history and amazing character. It used to be a court house and housed prisoners downstairs. Someone told me once that back in the day female prisoners would holler out at passersby because the window only just barely looked out onto the street (the main portion is in the basement- see photo below ). I found that story quite interesting! The building itself is spectacular with a spiral staircase and stained glass windows. What an absolute privilege it must be to work here and spend ones time in this sanctuary. The workers are kind and a joy to interact with. And every visitor is respectful so it’s quiet- a perfect place to peruse and ponder. They have a great selection of books and DVD’s. They even have an Archaeology section! You’ll come for the architecture but stay for the idyllic New York moment this tranquil piece of history offers.

Very quaint public library converted from a former church. Go inside for few minutes to admire the stained glass even if you’re not borrowing books.

I love a building with a quirky history, and the Jefferson Market Library certainly has a colorful past. It was originally a courthouse, with a civil court on the second floor (now the Adult section), a police court on the first floor (now the Childrens section), and a jailhouse/holding cell in the basement (now the Reference Room). Post renovations, there is an elevator available for those who are unable to climb the steps of the spiral staircase of the firewatcher's tower and new communal tables with outlets in the Adult Reading Room. The wallpaper up top features signatures of actual patrons of the library, including that of Scarlett Johansson (or so I'm told). My only complaint is that there is one bathroom for the entire building and it's located all the way in the basement. You will need to ask a librarian for a key to enter, though in my experience there's usually already a line so people just pass the key to the next person.

An amazing, peaceful library. I would visit here pretty often to do work when I'm taking a break from my appointments or need to wait in between appointments. There's always seating available on upstairs. It's spacious and clean and there are outlets available for use. The decor and architecture of the building is beautiful as well. There's always individuals coming to take photos of the interior design and architecture of the library. The restroom is downstairs in the basement. They also have a children's space on the first floor and a computer space in the basement. Tl;dr - quiet and perfect place to get work done, computers downstairs, study tables upstairs, children space first floor

A male employee took so long in the one bathroom i thought they were taking a shower. Then after he came out he invited the woman behind me to cut in front of me even though I alerted him (and her) I was bleeding. I waited my turn and didn't want to bleed everywhere but he didn't care.

I was curious by looking at the building outside, what kind of place is it? The building was originally built as the Third Judicial District Courthouse from 1874 to 1877 and was designed by architect Frederick Clarke Withers of the firm of Vaux and Withers. The library has 3 levels: basement, ground floor and second floor. I love the style of architecture so much, looks mysterious and classic. The library represents history of Historic Greenwich Village Landmark very well with books, map and pictures.

Beautiful children's section--nice little playing space flanked by child-height bookshelf/bench/ledges which was very inviting for my 10 month old to stand and sidestep around. One shortcoming of this library branch is that there are too few bathrooms!

Libraries are awesome houses! I feel a sort of reverence whenever I'm there, sort of like being in Church. New York Public Library/Jefferson Market Library is no exception. The December 2017 (or was it Jan2018?) of my visit they were enjoying their 50th! Hastag....#JML50 (November 27, 1967) My pictures and videos told my beautiful (if not slightly skewed) story here. See my pictures and videos. Especially check out my 'catwalk' video. It was truly a few hours well spent. I WILL be back. The End.

This library is shaped like a church and honestly I didn't even know it was a library until my friend mentioned that there is one across the PATH station. She described it as being shaped like a church and I was shocked. Took too many puzzle pieces for me to realize it was a library. The architecture is phenomenal and walking up and down the winding stairs really gives it a medieval feel. The inside feels very quiet and any noises will echo. I'm glad the times I've been here, the other guests were very respectful and kept conversations down to a minimum. Unfortunately as many people mentioned, there are no public restrooms. Also this location isn't accessible with the large steps out front but the inside has signs showing upcoming renovations that will make it accessible.

beautiful architecture but rude staff especially security guard just makes for an unwelcoming environment, i love the overall building but the people employed within in it are unnecessarily rude

On one hand, this library is cool because it's in an old church. Also it's a library and we should be grateful that these still exist. On the other hand, there are NO public bathrooms. And really, that just sucks for both kiddos and adults. The book selection is also not extensive compared to other branches. So really I only recommend this location if you're picking up books on hold (assuming it exists at this location unlike the public restrooms obviously).

My favorite NYPL. Coolest history, gorgeous building, decent upkeep, tons of space to work, and most importantly: lotssss of books. When I need a quiet space to work or read, this is my spot. Gorgeous architecture and it's a beautiful, well lit space. Helpful employees and volunteers willing to point you in the right direction. I love to sit and soak up the history of this building; you'll never want to leave.

I used to live right across from this library, and every day would gaze at the glorious spire and architecture that so resembled a church. For some, this place is a house of worship for books, for others, it's a refuge of calm and even shelter. I don't hang out here, I just got straight for the Fiction section, which is always immaculately organized. But that's before I climb the winding stone stairs to the top floor of this gorgeous building. An elegant place to find your next book. 5 stars!!!!

This location is currently under renovation and not open. Otherwise the library is in a beautiful historic building in a prime location.

Upsides: Better hours than many branches (8pm Mon-Thurs and 1-5pm Sunday) Downsides: The staff. They have a bathroom for the staff, but they don't allow general public to use it. One staff member does but he's the only one. The others will claim there's no bathroom available and to "try a cafe". Really? Horrible customer service. Advice: It can be crowded during weekends... so come early to reserve a spot with a power plug. 2nd floor long table has good power plugs... basement has limited power plugs. Note: Rating relative to other NYPL

Not the biggest of the NYPL branches, but I'd lay you odds that it's the prettiest. As you ascend the stained glass-lined spiral staircase that leads to the circulation desk, you feel as if you've entered some hybrid world of "Harry Potter" and "Beauty and the Beast." Don't miss the chance to climb to the top of the tower, which they offer once a year during Open House NY. It's worth the wait! The views of the Village are really stunning, and they store the large spider puppet for the annual Halloween parade up there, too. Plus, Librarian Frank who manages this branch is hands down the jewel in the crown of the NYPL - warm and welcoming to everyone and a huge ambassador for both the library and the neighborhood. I simply adore this place - to the point where I now still place my holds here for a reason to drop by, even after having sadly moved out of the neighborhood.

This library comes from a long history... Originally built as Third Judicial District Courthouse from 1874 to 1877; later a women's detention jail dated 1930s to the 1960s, where the black wrought iron spiral stairs leading to the lower level depicts a dingy dungeon, which later became a greenery market hence the name--Jefferson Market. I LOVE the Victorian Gothic style architecture of cut stone faces and flowers, pinnacles, spiral stairs, high arch doorways, stained glass windows and fire watch tower's balcony. I am enamored with Gothic architecture for the period, the beauty, the grandeur, the pinnacles, and the relief stone sculpture. I came here to briefly seek the free internet usage as my smart phone battery was near death in search for bar/restaurant within a selected vicinity. Library patrons are mostly elderly for this location and the sidewalk has a strong foul stench of human feces upon the walkway leading to the steps inside. Fifteen minute of free Internet usage time is the limit where a ticket is needed to be furnished with a pass code for operation. Library staff are available upon patron's request for inquiries at hand. This library is also equipped with a Microfiche machine for data pre-computerized dated of extensive research. Sadly, New York Public Library - Jefferson Market's facade and indoor structure has greatly dilapidated from its former glory days depicting a grandeur medieval castle into near nothing. Nota bene: No facilities exist at this Jefferson Market NY Public Library branch.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of living in a castle when they were a kid - you should totally do visit the Jefferson Market Lib. Why? Because, in order to get upstairs to the main collection, you have to climb the stairs of a tower. Like a 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair' type of tower. Ok, maybe that's a slight exaggeration...but seriously, it's a tower! And it has huge stone steps, gorgeous stained glass windows and lanterns hanging down to light your way. It's an absolutely beauuuutiful library with its old charm and nooks for reading/studying. And there was plenty to look at. New releases, large stacks of DVDs, etc etc etc. Any negatives? Unfortunately... 1) The signage is poor. I found no directional signage telling me to go upstairs to the main collection. Couldn't find any signs for a restroom or elevator either. 2) I stood in line and was ignored by the ladies at the front desk for several minutes. One was showing the other a website or something on the computer. Neither noticed a person standing with a handful of books? Once they did notice me I didn't even get a "Hi" or "how are you today?" Ugh, rude library staffers.

No real change since I reviewed this library in 2012, though I'm boosting it to five stars as a way of lamenting that it is going to be largely and for a time totally closed closed for a year or two beginning in April! That is sad, especially for the senior citizens from the neighborhood who hang out here. I believe the renovation will result in rest rooms being installed. As I previously noted, very few libraries have them and the lack of same is not a reason to downgrade this banch.

No bathrooms, your responsibility to know ahead of time - This is a great library, no question. But why is there no bathroom? These are children and they have small bladders, it's just not realistic. Kids are allowed to eat and drink here, which means they're going to need the facilities. What's worse, the security guard only offers, "it's been on our website for years," a reminder that it's the responsibility of the parent to research and be prepared. Instead, I took my kid down the street to a quiet coffee shop and did homework for a couple hours just fine. The NYPL has suffered cuts and closures in the last 10 years+, if they want more support it would help if they provided better service in every way they can.

The 3rd floor was closed, although it was supposed to be open all afternoon. No restrooms...laughable. Very disappointing.

When asked what are most iconic buildings in New York are, we usually remember the obvious, the big structures and names. But there are also icons that overlooked sometimes. One of the most beautiful buildings in New York, Jefferson Market Library never cease to amaze me. Walking down 6th, you see it in all its Gothic beauty, but if you turn here from Greenwich & W 10th, Jefferson Market Garden awards you with softer lines and views of the Clock Tower. Inspired by German Castle, and originally built as courthouse in 1880s, it been a community library since 1967. Rare books, photographs and exhibitions can be found here. The interior is no less impressive, with vaulted ceilings, spiral staircase and most amazing stained glass windows... Oasis of beauty and calm in the middle of crazy NY life. (You do not need a library card to walk around and admire the architecture, btw)

Walking in here is kind of like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie. With all that stained glass, spiral stairs, and intricate carved sayings in script wrapped around the walls. Sadly, the similarities stop short of buxom blond babes speaking with faux German accents, and brawny scholars with whips. Instead, this library system has a duality to it. Offering a pretty solid online catalog and account management system that's easy to use and effective, as well as an efficient self-checkout, it's weird to me how limited the selection of materials is. Case in point: for a series of novels I'd started reading back in DC, NYPL carried books one and three, but -not- book two. Explain the logic of that to me. On another note, while placing holds and picking up materials is straightforward enough, it seems like the huge population of New York combined with the limited resources of the library system result in often weeks-long waits for popular reads. Still, trips to Jefferson Market are always a pleasure, if for nothing else other than feeling like I'm steeping myself in history. And walking out with a great book.

Ok so this is a beautiful historical looking library. All types of people from all walks of life. Amaaaazing books on shelves. Just a nice comfortable clean environment overall, and quite organized. Only problem - NO FREAKING BATHROOMS!! Just for kids. Very sad. I don't get how everyone else was sitting there with no anxiety of where they will go if they have to. Come on, it's west village, not Compton. I was shocked. I immediately regretted drinking my coffee and water- you can't even hydrate while you study. I was hoping to stay and read a full book until close out. I had to move to a restaurant and just work there. It's a human need. Very disappointed and I'm not going back. I need to have a restroom!!!

Nice looking old style library. The spiral stairs to go up seems to go on forever when you walk up. Seating area is pretty small, and when there is a seat, it might be taken by a homeless guy. Only came in because I had a book I needed to return and I was in the area. But don't see myself coming here because of the small selection of books and dvds.

I use here for kids. It's not great place, but I like here. Children library is first floor. The worker doing good job. They not going to allow without kids adult. They are always talk to them and seems very strict. We are appreciate for children safety.

Absolutely beautiful old church. It has a cool staircase and a few floors. I got my library card here. It was free. From what I hear there are no public bathrooms. And not much seating for those who want to sit and read.

This is my favorite library it feels like hogwarts and all the staff is amazing. They have every book you could ever ask for don't forget to ask the staff for suggestions and make sure to go up and downstairs just to take in the architecture. It also has a wonderful history.

I used to love this library and frequented it often when my little was younger. The librarians are knowledgeable and in general, helpful with tracking down books. But when I did come here with the kid, I didn't bring a huge stroller because guess what? The library is small and not conducive to such an apparatus. But apparently thinking of others is too much to ask of those who frequent this library. Really, the self-entitlement of the patrons is astounding and makes the children's section of the library unusable at times. The parents and nannies choose to use the children's section as a romper room/playground of sorts rather than a library and the staff allows this. Kids step on books, run through playing chase, bring down entire shelves, etc. scream, yet no one seems to question this behavior. Is this normal? Am I missing something? And for the love , do not venture here on a Tuesday morning because you will not be able to access books in the children's section. Why? Because the moms and nannies block entire bookshelves with strollers and then take up residence in front of the remaining shelves. And when you ask the librarians to assist with the problem, you will be stared at as if you are asking for a miracle of sorts and told there is nothing to be done as it's a public space. Wait, so I'm here to actually use the library for its intended purpose, checking out books, and yet I can't and there's nothing to be done? Nope. Let's be clear librarians and staff. You can do something. You just choose not to. Glad to know the librarians are siding with the neighborhood's self-entitled jerks and not promoting courtesy and literacy. Time for a new library.

While the building on the outside is beautiful can you explain how a place that is a New York City Cooling Center would like you to leave your home to enjoy the air conditioning but not have a restroom for adults? I've been in several locations of the NYPL BPL and QPL and while some do have a children's bathroom they also have one for adults It is outrageous..

PSA: THERE ARE NO BATHROOMS HERE. I came here during my work space quest and luckily found a seat at around 4pm on a weekday at the lone, but large, communal quiet table on the 2nd floor. Seats maybe 24 people around that area and another 10 in a separate group discussion area. Outlets are plentiful and the wifi is great! People watching. Who comes here? - iPad-browsing, Almond Joy lovers (we're talking an entire pack of "fun-sized" ones in 10 minutes) - Loud e-mail senders. You know that Apple Mail whoosh sound? Maybe hearing it provides a sense of accomplishment or something. - Children. Their section takes up a good chunk of the library. Space: The building is indeed beautiful and historic. You can't help but feel like you're part of something important as you gaze up into the stained glass windows. Then you remember your earthly needs, pack up quickly, and rush down the circular, somewhat creepy stairs to find a bathroom outside.

Pretty from the outside, but not a great place for actual public library use. The people who work here are beyond rude, even for public employees. There is one bathroom for children, but none for adults, even if they are having a meeting there. You would think they'd allow such a thing for guests/clients, but no, they don't budge on that. People cannot be in the children's section unless a child is with them, even to look at the books or wait for an event that is in the next room. Too many rules, very bad vibes, visit the garden and keep walking.

I love this library. I really do. I went to the elementary school down the street (P.S. 41, class of '92!) and vividly remember spending afternoons here with my mom. This is where we'd rent videos (like Shari Lewis' "101 Things for Kids to Do" - yeah Lambchop!) every Friday for the weekend (vhs tapes encased in thick plastic), and where I did my research on my big 5-page history report on Queen Victoria (damn, she had so many kids!). I got so much mileage out of my library card - it was probably my most prized possession at the time. I realize how ridiculous the next sentence will sound coming from a 26-year old, but I'll say it anyway because we all know how rapidly times and technology are changing: Back then, a kid could just be a kid. The Jefferson Market Library was (and hopefully still is) everything you'd want in a family-friendly neighborhood library. Every time I re-visit this neighborhood (which is more and more often lately), I get nostalgic for my childhood years. I see how the neighborhood has changed since then - Jefferson Market has expanded, Balducci's is in a completely different location, restaurants and stores are unrecognizable to me - but I'm so glad that JML is still around. I get fearful every now and then that a corporate conglomeration will somehow eat up the NY Public Library system and JML will be turned into a Sephora or Gap, but that day hasn't happened yet. Hopefully this building will be around for another 100 years. Oh, and did I mention how beautiful the tower looks against the backdrop of a perfectly blue and cumulus-clouded sky? ---- Update 7.26.07: The community garden behind the library is such a lovely, idyllic spot! I spent a couple hours there today reading a book, sitting on one of the tucked away benches, shaded by a large and healthy tree. There's even a small pond where many fish swim about, completely unaware that asphalt exists just a few yards away. It's a wonderful, quiet oasis that just about makes me forget I'm in the city. It's yet another reason I love this library so much!

Just about the loudest "library" I have ever been to. It is noisy and smelly. The librarians do nothing about the noise level. People are doing tutoring out loud at tables. Frustrating and ridiculous.

How am I supposed to spend the day studying without using the bathroom??? Also, all the seats upstairs (where there's A/C) were taken so I was stuck in the humid dungeon area. Only plus is that there are outlets on the tables upstairs. I'd stick with a different NYPL in the future.

I want to live in this building. First I need to kick out all the annoying patrons. Then I move in all my stuff. Voila! The staircase curling up while being overlooked by beautiful stain glass windows.... just lovely. I wish this place had big comfy chairs or personal desks, but hey, whatever. A beautiful place to get work done or peruse the shelves.

I would be here or the main location everyday if I lived in NYC. It is a gorgeous library with Masonic mastery demonstrated at every level. The stained glass windows make you wonder how this could have been a court house for women. Come for the location and the atmosphere, stay for the sense of awe it will inspire in your work within its walls.

The wireless is speedy, the seating and electrical outlets ample. The acoustics are nicely dampened and the air is un-dampened, both surprising for this sort of architecture. Why, oh why, is there no Public restroom in this Public library? I could work here all day, except, I drink a lot of tea.

Thank goodness for this peaceful sanctuary and oasis of a library! First off, you feel like you're walking around a castle or church (in fact, it's very likely a converted church) with a spiral, marble staircase. The best feature is the basement, which features Wi-Fi AND a place to plug in -- Internet and electricity, the best of both worlds. Since it's a library, people tend to be quiet and respectful, so it's an excellent place to use a computer without feeling weird since it is a library. You will be in close proximity to others, but it is a public space. At least you don't feel obligated to order drinks or food. Sadly, I must detract a star for the lack of restroom. I understand why many places in Manhattan don't have restrooms, but if you could show a library card to use it that would make sense. Awesome, awesome place!

Since my last review in May, I've changed my mind about this library. I've stopped asking the librarians any questions, which has been a huge boon to my general library experience. What is nice about Jefferson Market Library is that the lines are short and the checkout service is quick. (Again, I think this is because they don't bother to converse with you, or even acknowledge you exist, aside from saying "NEXT!" I guess it's a pretty efficient system, all things considered.) The spiral staircase is an interesting feature here - the steps are just low enough to make you think you could take five at a time, but don't be fooled: the foot-to-step ratio is way off and you will just end up falling all over yourself like a fool. My advice is to take each stair one at a time. (Bonus points if you wear clacky shoes and clack all the way up to the second floor. This building has great acoustics so you will have a super time with it.)

The collection here is by no means as comprehensive as the bigger Central libraries, but this is one of my favorite spots to stop by on the weekends to pick up any and all books I put on reserve through NYPL. Being that I have a precocious little cousin, they have an ideal children's section with a very accommodating staff, even if they are a little low on resources. They also have a nice selection of books for purchase as low as three for a dollar. I like to walk up the winding staircase to get both a feeling of vertigo and "it's time for lunch." There's no Quasimodo up in the tower, despite the protests of children otherwise. Also, as with most NYPL branches, free wireless for your laptop/iPod touches.

I went there today pertaining to my reason for calling three days ago, and the two young women working at the main desk were quite sullen. I insisted that the materials I was looking for were in stock, as per my phone call - and one of them finally deigned to go in the back and look (naturally I was right).

Supporting the NYPL is a no brainer, especially with gorgeously restored and maintained buildings such as Jefferson market. The spiral staircase is fitting for your ascension to the main floor. I like the large print and fiction section here. It's big, but other libraries tend to have more classics on hand than this branch. No wifi. GREAT children's selection. Best part: the attached garden outside. Bring your books to a bench in the park on a nice day and you'll see why there's no place quite like the west village.

I love to come to this library if only to pretend I'm the Lady of the Manor as I ascend and descend the marble spiral stairs. Everything is on a smaller scale here, from the DVD selection to the craft and cooking, to the downstairs computer and reference center. It's like a small library inside a mini-castle, with a somewhat claustrophobic ambience during busy hours. Jefferson Market does not yet have electronic checkout and the line can get long for returns and take out, but does make up for clutter and smallness with charm. Jefferson Market also has the book swap..the first Saturday of the month, bring your books to sway and take what you want . What a great way to get rid of your old books by making sure they end up with people who will cherish them! This library is so quaint I wish NYPL would take advantage and host fundraising events during the night here.

Walking up a winding staircase, beautiful stained glass surrounding you, it almost feels like you're walking up the tower of a castle - not a library. In fact, it's so much like walking through a castle tower that I occasionally sing songs from Disney movies while leaping and dancing up the stairs, just to feel like I'm taking advantage of the scenery. Please don't judge me. Aesthetics and my personal antics aside, the Jefferson Market branch of the NYPL is well-stocked with books, DVDs and CDs of various genres and viewpoints, and the staff here is consistently friendly and helpful. As Kevin L. pointed out, I've noticed that some book series are incomplete and some television box sets are additionally missing volumes. This one pain notwithstanding, Jefferson Market is fantastic. Dance up the stairs the next time you go. Seriously - it makes the whole experience so much better.

Beautiful Historic Building with even more stunning gardens. It's free and a great place to study or just just enjoy the fountains and flowers.

I've actually found this library to be very clean and well maintained every time I've been there - weekends and weeknights. It really feels like being in a mini castle, and there are even windows in the basement. Most of the computers and outlets are in the basement, there's a kid's room on the first floor, and the top floor is extremely well lit by sunlight, with comfy chairs and a meeting area for group study. The meeting area does fill up quickly, and it's hard to snag a seat unless you're early. Also, no bathroom.

This is my local library and I go there all the time. It's wonderful for many reasons: -- the great building (quirky shape, tall clocktower, beautiful stained glass windows) -- the lovely garden maintained by a group of volunteers -- the many free events -- it's location on a triangle between 6th Ave, 10th St & Greenwich Ave It's true that currently there are no public bathrooms, but that is temporary and caused by the renovation of the building. There used to be bathrooms and there will be again--and soon, I was told today by a guy behind the counter.

Beautiful building. The children's section is on the ground floor. Up the endless spiral stairs are the literature, fiction, young adult, etc. sections. Downstairs is the computer area. The library has some great free events on offer. I'm currently taking a three day course on the human brain hosted by a scientist from Rockefeller University. The lecture is held in a lovely room adjacent to the children's section. Although the book selection may seem small, I'm always able to find something when browsing. But, if I want something specific, I can just go online and request it and they deliver my requested item to me at my preferred library for free. Great system!

Incredible place to bring the kiddos. The library is just beautiful and you get the feeling you're inside a castle. They have fun crafts and story time for kids after school! Highly recommend.

Beautiful building I came in here to get a NYPL card so I can use their eLibrary feature and download eBooks to my iPad. The service was speedy and the the building was clean and magical!

Gorgeous garden, open to the public. Now that I think of it, I'm surprised that no one has reviewed this before. Hard to imagine Citarella's or Balducci's near the PRISON. I can not only imagine the women's prison, I used to hear the women calling down to men in the streets.