There are a lot of great things about NYC. We’ve got the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and Coney Island. We have Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway. If that isn’t enough, we have the ballet, the opera, museums for days and any type of food at any hour. All of these are great. They are a part of the complex, chaotic patchwork that makes New York so…well, New York. But, in my humble option, one of the most iconic, forever helpful, and amazing things about New York City is its libraries.
Now, unless you are a toddler in love with dinosaur picture books, an anti-social teen who escapes life into a fantasy anime world, or an elderly member hitting the social scene, you might not give much thought to the libraries. In fact, there’s a chance you aren’t even going to finish this article because you don’t think libraries are for you. Well, think again.
New York City doesn’t just have one of the greatest libraries in the world; it has THREE!
These are The New York Public Library, The Brooklyn Library, and the Queens Library. Each of these libraries are individual systems. However, any NYC resident, regardless of the borough, is eligible for a card at any or all of them. Having one of these magic cards (or all three, gotta catch them all) gives you access to millions of books, journals, audio-books, and films. The Queens Library alone boasts of over 23 million books and resources circulating in 2010.
There is a library within walking distance of most places in the city. You’ve probably walked by one a thousand times and never realized the remarkable world just waiting for you.
The library card is a magic ticket. Not only does it grant you access to endless knowledge, but it can also get reduced admission or free admittance to many iconic NYC attractions. You can use the card to download a Culture Pass and hit the pavement for your next outing. Be a tourist for a day thanks to the library.
HISTORY
The first reason to be impressed is the physical beauty of the libraries. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, also known as the 5th Ave Library, is a monument to 19th-century architecture. Located on the corner of Bryant Park, the twin stone lions stand guard at the gates, though when dressed in a wreath at Christmas time or a mask during COVID, they are more cute than intimidating. Inside the 5th Ave Branch is even more spectacular. The marble floor and ceilings sweep above you, the hushed tones of visitors are echoing off the walls. The Rose Room, (the research area,) is decedent and glorious. Any visitor will find themselves lost in the vintage atmosphere — the cloud painting above transporting them through a portal to heaven.
The Brooklyn Central Library at Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park is marvelous in its own right. The massive gold gilded pillars and gate are nothing short of a Gilgamesh-Esque vista. As you climb the long series of steps, it and the mythological figures on it tower above you. Inside is more modern than the 5th Ave library and holds a sense of serenity amidst the bustling roundabout outside.
NO LATE FEES
My favorite is the libraries got rid of late fees. It used to be, as is a standard in most cities and states that when you forget to return your books because you didn’t pack them on the way to work and happy hour lasted too long, or you were too lazy to go out on Sunday, you had to pay a fine. However, in 2021 the libraries abolished late fees. New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx said fines are “an antiquated, ineffective way to encourage patrons to return their books; for those who can afford the fines, they are barely an incentive” (NPR). I couldn’t agree more. Mr. Marx, thank you for your service. Now, what I save in late fees goes to my parking tickets.
EMPLOYMENT
All three libraries offer employment and career services. The computers and wifi are free for members to use, and if you don’t have access to either at home, they can help you find work. In addition, the libraries offer resume workshops, interview prep, coaching, and career fairs. These are just a few valuable tools and services when looking for a new job or career change. Many of these services can be utilized online or over a video call.
Brooklyn Library Career Services
New York Library Career Services
Queens Library Career Services
On top of helping you become the balling job candidate that you are, these libraries also help you with your own business. Small business services are set up to help you figure out the paperwork, proposals, business plans, and coaching.
EVENTS
All three-library systems host events year-round. The libraries held many of these in person, pre-Pandemic, and those are returning. But, now, there are also options for virtual events as well. Pick what you will, and you will likely find an event at one of the libraries. Do you like cooking? Are you a writer searching for a group, or do you want to join a book club? Are you a gamer, learning a new language, like to listen to speakers, or have little ones? From toddlers to seniors, the library has something that will interest you. A few years ago, the Brooklyn Library hosted a huge “People’s Ball”, with a band, a fashion show, and special guests. I attended it and felt hella fancy, and it cost nothing to go.
EXHIBITS
The other absolutely amazing part of the libraries is the preservation. They are full of old and rare books, manuscripts, drawings, and musical scores that you can view on request. The 5th Ave Library has a whole exhibit called Treasures. It is a free showcase of the marvels the library holds. They have the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals, Shakespeare folios, a Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence, a Guttenberg Bible, and rare photos of prominent musicians and other influential people. Next time your friend visits and wants to do something that doesn’t cost anything to make up for the $20 cocktails, take them here.
ESCAPE THE TEMPS
The last point worth noting with the extreme weather of NYC, is the libraries function as heating and cooling places. In the winter and summer, you can escape the temperatures by slipping into a library for a little while. The best part is you aren’t required to buy an overpriced coffee to stay. (Unless you go to the New Mid Town Branch which has a rooftop and a cafe.)
If you don’t have a library card to one of the borough branches, I pity you because you are truly missing out on one of the 8th wonders of the world.
