new york public library virtual tour

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New York Public Library :: 360° Virtual Tour

360° virtual tour of the new york public library.

The New York Public Library was the largest marble building ever built in the U.S. when it opened in 1911, using 530,000 cubic feet of marble.

The Main Reading Room is a majestic public space, measuring seventy-eight feet by two hundred and ninety-seven feet — roughly the length of two city blocks — and weaving together Old World architectural elegance with modern technology. The award-wining restoration of this room was completed in 1998.

Here, patrons can read or study at long oak tables lit by elegant bronze lamps, beneath fifty-two foot tall ceilings decorated by dramatic murals of vibrant skies and billowing clouds

The walls in the McGraw Rotunda are decorated with murals depicting the evolution of the printed word. Here, you can see Moses bringing the tablets down from the mountain. Another depicts the Gutenberg Press. Visitors can view one of the rare Gutenberg Bibles in the Edna Barnes Solomon Exhibition Room adjoining the rotunda.

Astor Hall , at the entrance, with its unique stone vault above an awesome white marble interior, sets the tone for the architectural delights that lie in store for the visitor. Sumptuous light brackets, elaborately decorated ceilings, the great gallery extending along the north-south axis of the building on the first floor, the window bays, the doorways, the great stairways, all combine to lift the human spirit and dignify man’s achievements. The elaborately decorated Main Reading Room, almost two city blocks in length, located at the top of the building for light and quiet, is a fitting climax to all that the architects wished to achieve.

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Hidden Secrets of the New York Public Library

Released on 09/27/2018

(lively classical music)

(smooth jazz music)

[Keith] We're on 5th Avenue and 41st Street,

facing the facade of the New York Public Library.

[Judith] Which, when it was built,

was the largest marble structure ever done

in the country, which was appropriate for New York,

which was becoming one of the most important cities

in the world and the city leaders realized

that we needed a great library.

[Keith] The lions, Patience and Fortitude, and Patience is

on the left as you face the building, Fortitude

on the right, were designed by Edward Clark Potter.

Carved by the Piccirilli brothers, they were named,

so the story goes, by Mayor LaGuardia

because he felt patience and fortitude

were the qualities that New Yorkers needed

to get through the Great Depression.

(soft jazz music)

[Paul] If you look up, you have these sculptures

by Paul Wayland Bartlett, which are allegorical sculptures,

so they stand in for the various fields

that would be represented by the collections

of the library, so you have, going from left to right,

History, Romance, Poetry, Religion, Drama, and Philosophy.

[Keith] New York Public Library was a consolidation

of other libraries, notably the Astor Library,

the Lenox Library, New York Free Circulating Library,

and you can see those names on the facade.

[Paul] So one of the things that's interesting

about the exterior here, the whole building is raised

up on this terrace, setting the building on a terrace

or within a sort of landscape setting comes

out of a villa and sort of palace tradition of Europe.

And one of the most interesting things is

that it actually spans two full blocks along 5th Avenue.

[Judith] When it opened on May 23rd, 1911,

there were a million books there,

more than 50,000 people visited on the very first day.

[Keith] As you go in, we're honoring the Astor family

for their support, naming the hall Astor Hall.

[Judith] Your feeling of walking

into this space is going into an area of majesty.

[Keith] As you walk in, you do not see staircases

in front of you, the staircases are on either side,

so you stop and you look around, and then you proceed

to where you want to go, you're not just running

through the main hall, and this is intentional.

When the building opened in 1911,

it was the largest marble-clad structure

in the United States, it's about four acres worth of marble.

[Judith] It's all of beautiful white Vermont marble,

with very delicate graining, which gives it some texture.

[Keith] I should note that the designs

of all the decoration in the building are done

by Carrère and Hastings, who were the architects

of the building, much of it by Thomas Hastings himself.

[Paul] We're looking at these lamp standards,

the four of them that sort of frame the center of the room.

It starts to give us a glimpse of the richness

of the decoration on the interior, every surface,

every room, every aspect of the building is enriched

with all sorts of decorative work.

This was a huge collaborative project

with lots of especially immigrant craftsmen

from Europe to make every detail in this building

enriched and a sort of visual treat for the visitor.

[Keith] We're coming up to some busts that were added

about 20 years after the building opened,

this is Thomas Hastings, and on the other stair landing,

you'll see also Carrère's bust, they of course

didn't include their busts in the original design,

but they were added to honor them

for what a great structure they built.

[Paul] So these stairs lead you up to the second level,

and there's a clear progression all the way

through the building, continuing up to the next level,

there are these long corridors and gallery spaces

that are today used for special exhibitions.

[Judith] Looking down on the lobby,

you can again see what an impressive entrance this is.

The top of each of the three doorways

is capped with a classical pediment.

[Paul] So the classical tradition in architecture was

part of American architecture from the very beginning,

we can think of Jefferson and his design

for Monticello, his own home, and there was a sense

in which the architects thought this was a timeless style,

it went beyond any particular period,

and it was a way to indicate the formality,

the importance, the publicness, of civic architecture.

[Keith] Now, as we ascend the staircase

up to the McGraw Rotunda on the third floor,

it's really rather stunning.

[Judith] Certainly, the most impressive in terms

of decorative impact, the ceiling vault is carried

over the cornice at the north and south ends, so that you

can reveal the windows and bring in natural light.

This room is wood up to the cornice,

everything else is plaster and painted.

[Keith] The mural program in here is the history

of the written word, you have a depiction of Moses,

a scribe copying text, you can see here is Gutenberg,

he invents, of course, movable type in metal in Europe.

And that's Ottmar Mergenthaler, who invented

the Linotype machine, which was very important

to publishing, and helping New York

become the publishing capital of North America.

The way the building is designed,

you would ascend the staircase as we did,

and then head into the catalog room,

if we all remember card catalogs, find in the card catalog

what you're looking for, and order it.

[Judith] We should look at the beautiful woodwork

on the pedestals of the desks,

the desks are of Renaissance styled oak.

[Keith] In the past, all of these walls were covered

with card catalogs, and your call slip would be sent

via a pneumatic tube system to the old stacks,

which are below the Rose Main Reading Room.

The library started cataloging electronically in 1971.

So as you enter the Rose Main Reading Room,

there is a quote by John Milton,

we have a tremendous collection of Milton,

really, on a worldwide scale, in the library,

so it's appropriate you would see this

as you enter the Rose Main Reading Room.

[Judith] The most famous room

in the library is the Rose Main Reading Room.

[Paul] You can see the similar architectural articulation

to the previous catalog room with the giant arches

and the very large windows, so there's lots

of natural light, but again, you're up

on the third floor, so you're removed

from the noise and busyness of the city below.

And so it was meant to be a sort of retreat for scholars,

a place to really focus on one's work.

[Judith] The Landmarks Preservation Commission

has the option of choosing individual spaces to designate.

It was rather shocking to the architectural

and design community that the Rose Reading Room

was not designated originally, but the whole process

of landmarking ends up being a balance

between updating facilities, and keeping historic landmarks

as they were so that people can appreciate them.

[Paul] As you look up, you see these beautiful ceilings,

it's the morning sky, designed by James Wall Finn.

[Judith] This is one of the largest rooms

in the country without a dome or columns,

or steel-reinforced walls to support the ceiling.

In that sense, it's something of an engineering achievement.

It's just about the size of a football

field, almost two blocks long.

[Paul] Right beneath this room are the seven layers

of cast iron and steel stacks, and the reason

why it can be so long without any interior supports is

that all of the structural support is

beneath it in the metal stacks.

[Keith] At the end of the North Hall, Room 328,

is the Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room,

that contains the Rare Books and Manuscripts Division.

This is reserved strictly for researchers.

Anyone is welcome to do research

in the New York Public Library,

this is what makes us unique in the world.

These are archival collections, the rarest pieces we have.

This is a Gutenberg Bible, from the year 1455,

from James Lenox's collection, it was the first one

to come to the New World, by today's estimates,

it's worth nearly $100 million.

The research collections alone contain 45 million items,

so there's going to be something that you're interested in.

All the books you see in the Rose Main Reading Room are

general reference, and they're browsable,

there are nearly 27,000 of these reference books,

dictionaries, encyclopedias, gazetteers,

things of this nature, and very commonly read books,

you know, complete Shakespeare.

The room is divided down the center

by an enclosure for where the librarians work.

[Judith] When you request a book from one of the areas

where the books are not on the shelves,

you fill out a slip, your slip is transferred downstairs

to the stacks, someone retrieves it, brings it back up,

it's brought back up in an automated trolley,

and you retrieve your book from the library desk.

[Keith] The library's collection is so big

that what we keep on site are the newest

and oldest pieces, and the most requested pieces.

To be able to hold more material on site,

the library built a state-of-the-art storage center

beneath Bryant Park that can hold

about four million cataloged items.

[Paul] Stretches all the way under the park,

essentially out to the fountain, which is on 6th Avenue.

And then there's this long conveyor belt that transports

books and manuscripts into the building itself.

[Judith] What's interesting about these kind

of stacks is they can be very close together

when you're not using them, and because you can move them,

you can open up the space for access.

[Keith] In our storage below, things are stored

by size, everything is bar coded, they are marked,

and they are kept as compact as possible.

There are a number of media downstairs as well,

there is microfilm, there are manuscripts

and books, there are all kinds of things.

So if you're out in the park on the grass,

or if you're skating in Bryant Park in the winter,

just know that there are librarians

downstairs working, delivering materials

to the other reading rooms in the building.

The third floor has a number of special collections,

and these are supervised reading areas

for specific topics, the Pforzheimer Collection

we're looking at now, it's all about Shelley

and his circle, Mary Wollstonecraft, Lord Byron,

Percy Bysshe Shelley, et cetera, the English romantics.

The contents of the room are from Pforzheimer's own library

in his home, like the book here, by Mary Wollstonecraft,

The Vindication of the Rights of Woman,

the most influential work of early feminist philosophy.

(lively jazz music)

As you enter the Berg Collection Room

from the third floor corridor, if you go straight ahead,

you'll see two paintings of the brothers themselves,

Henry and Albert, they were both a physician and surgeon,

they'd been collecting books all their lives,

and their holdings are remarkable.

Like this incredible Shakespeare first folio of 1623.

In the corner is a writing table

that once belonged to Charles Dickens,

and the chair, the legend is that Mayor LaGuardia sat

in the chair when the room opened, and broke the caning,

and it had to be (snickering) recaned almost immediately,

so no sitting allowed in that particular chair.

Now let's head down to the first floor.

We're entering the Milstein Division in U.S. History,

it's local history, and this is a tremendous place

to do genealogical research, we have a lot of access

to the city's vital records, vital records being

birth and death and marriage records, census materials,

passenger ship lists, city directories,

there are tremendous things here if you have any interest

in New York history, or genealogy, the holdings are amazing.

[Paul] The stacks were created by the Snead Company,

they were using cast iron and steel

to create a self-sustaining structure.

The way they designed the shelves,

they were able to put more into less space,

they essentially invented a new way

of storing huge amounts of books

for this particular library, and it was

essentially fireproof because it was metal.

Not completely, as we would expect today,

but much more so than the wooden bookcases

that had been in use in libraries in the 19th century,

so you can imagine what a problem that creates.

[Keith] Heading down to the ground floor,

the way the building was originally built,

the ground floor had its own entrance from 42nd Street.

This is where you came into originally a lending library,

to the children's library, and the Bartos Forum.

So here the Bartos Forum, gorgeous room,

this is cast iron, the beautiful yellow marbles

on the wall are Italian, this is as it was when it opened,

around the side and the middle were more bookshelves

because it was a lending library once.

[Judith] This is a 30-foot high glass dome ceiling.

This is a very large space used for lectures,

the series of library lectures,

which are very popular, almost invariably sold out,

it's also rented for special events.

Each area of the library has its own identity,

and there is a gradual ascendance from the lower levels

to the upper level, which is consistent

with the idea of classical architecture.

[Paul] This was down below, it's a little bit

less exalted of a entry to get into this room,

and I think they also felt freer, then,

to sort of experiment by using these new materials,

and create something of a different experience in this room.

[Keith] So as you head to the children's room,

one of the real highlights from the collection is

the original Winnie-the-Pooh and friends.

These plush toys, or stuffed animals,

belonged to Christopher Robin Milne,

Winnie was a gift for his first birthday,

and he's named after a bear, in fact,

from the London Zoo, who the zookeepers named Winnie

because he was from Winnipeg, Canada.

And then along with the collection, you have Tigger,

and Eeyore, and Kanga, and Piglet.

I'm afraid Roo is not with the rest of them, because Roo

was lost on a family picnic, apparently, in the 1930s.

Now, on the first floor, also we have the map room,

the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division.

There are about half million maps in the collection,

another 20,000 atlases, or books devoted to cartography.

Here's a great example of an atlas of the world

by Johannes Blaeu, from the 1660s.

[Judith] When you look at this globe,

most of the visitors, obviously, have pointed

to the location of New York City, and we can see

that that particular spot on the globe is worn down.

[Keith] So, if you look up above the computers

to a large double hemisphere map, on the left hemisphere,

you'll see California as an island,

which is what we know today to be a mistake,

although many people think it's a vision of the future,

if you've followed plate tectonics, this is a mistake

that goes on for a few centuries, unknown why it happened,

but conjecture is an explorer went

up the Gulf of California, perhaps,

and didn't go all the way, and just made the assumption

it was an island, and that became the rule,

and other cartographers copied this.

So we have a number on display

in the Main Reading Room just for fun.

[Paul] As you go through Astor Hall and then turn

either right or left, that main space is

called the South North Gallery.

It's entirely outfitted in marble,

but the marble of the walls are Pentelic marble,

which comes from Greece, and it's the marble

that was used to construct the Parthenon.

[Judith] We see octagonal coffering on the ceiling here,

and decorative ornament in recesses,

to relieve the monotony of walking down a hallway.

[Paul] And then you see lions' heads

throughout the building, it's just a way

of suggesting the power, the stability of the institution,

the idea that the lion is the protector of the building is

a common symbol in these classical buildings.

So this is the gates into the Gottesman Exhibition Hall,

modeled on some 17th century gates at the Louvre in Paris.

[Keith] The ceilings in here are oak, they were designed

by Maurice Grieve, and carved by his studio,

and it's really just a tremendous ceiling.

The Gottesman Hall has always been an exhibition hall,

it's important with a collection this size

to constantly show the public the depth

and the breadth of the collections.

[Paul] So another thing that happens

in this North South Gallery, you can see

the busts along some of these niches,

it's a sort of pantheon of ancient luminaries,

so you have Sophocles and Demosthenes,

and other important Greek and Roman figures.

[Keith] So we're heading down the first floor

corridor toward the south, and we find

room 108, the periodicals room.

[Paul] A very sumptuously decorated interior,

carved wooden ceiling, and then all

along the sides are these more recent images,

I believe they're from the early 1980s by the artist

Richard Haas, and they feature buildings associated

with major publishing enterprises in New York City.

[Keith] So if you look beneath the surface of the tables

throughout the lobby, you'll see

the Seal of the State of New York, and again,

this is part of the original design by Carrère and Hastings.

And then we'll head down to the newest part

of the library, the South Court Building.

[Judith] The challenge of expanding, or adding

onto an old building, is whether to honor the architecture,

or whether to essentially ignore it.

[Keith] Knowing the digital age was coming upon us,

it was very clear the library needed to build something

for the internet, for computers,

so 2002, the South Court Building opens.

The South Court Building was added

by Davis Brody Bond Architects.

[Judith] It's a six-story glass structure

in the southern courtyard of the building,

and in a way, it's rejecting the idea

of honoring the building, except in the materials used.

But it's not visible from the front of the building,

so it doesn't fight with the facade.

[Keith] We have classrooms, where computers are

at every seat, so you can do all kinds

of e-resource training there, and there's an auditorium

that's used for author talks and other public programs,

it's really in use constantly.

This foundation is partially the foundation

of what existed before, and that is the Croton Aqueduct

Distributing Reservoir from Midtown Manhattan,

often also known as the Murray Hill Reservoir.

This was a really key plot in the middle

of the new New York of Midtown, Vanderbilt's train station,

Grand Central, was just a few blocks away,

everyone was coming north, and it was an ideal site.

It's notable that the marble on the floors is

the same marble from Vermont that is used

to build the rest of the building.

If you look up, you can see the exterior of the building

as if you were standing in the original courtyard.

So in the north stair landing,

and you have the other architect, Carrère.

If you're looking toward 5th Avenue,

Carrère and Hastings are in their correct spots,

Carrère on the left, Hastings on the right.

[Paul] A very minor detail to note, but someone

who is particularly interested in classical architecture

would spot this right away, is that in the entablature

along Astor Hall, it actually omits parts

of the entablature called the frieze.

It's this sort of compressed version to create this sense

of heaviness and stability on the interior of the building.

[Keith] So as we exit the building,

and go outside, it's worth looking back

to see some of the details of the building.

[Paul] So you can see the large vases here,

which are on the terrace next to the fountains,

a very Parisian, French element of landscape architecture,

you see these kinds of things,

for instance, at the Parterre at Versailles.

[Judith] Virtually all of the major government buildings

in this country are designed in Beaux-Arts style.

Everything from the White House

to virtually every courthouse and public building

in every major city across America.

This continued until the beginnings of modernism.

[Paul] Part of the foresight of these architects

to raise this building up on a podium

and set it on a terrace was the fact that they knew

no building could ever get so close

that would completely crowd in and block the light.

So even though there are very tall buildings all around it,

it still has enough breathing room that it can be ensured

that it will never be totally blocked off.

[Keith] The flagpole bases are really some

of the great bronze sculptures outside in New York.

Thomas Hastings did the drawings of these,

and they were cast by Tiffany Studios.

The four figures represent Civilization,

Conquest, Discovery, and Navigation.

Four continents are depicted on the four sides,

and you also have the astrological signs of the zodiac

spinning around above, and these are all taken

from classical training that the architects had.

On the northeast corner, you have the cornerstone,

and the date is 1902, and why is it 1902

and the building opened in 1911, well, in fact,

it took nine years to construct this building.

[Judith] When it was finished, the cost

of the building was $9 million,

which would be a lot more in present-day time.

The exterior was finished in 1906,

but it took five more years to do the interiors.

[Paul] You can see here the massiveness of the building,

right, you have these hugely thick walls,

all load-bearing masonry, the outside sheathed in limestone.

They're designed to feel imposing,

important, but also long-lasting,

like this institution will always be here.

[Judith] The main building was renamed in 2008

the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

Schwarzman is the President of The Blackstone Group,

who gave $100 million towards the restoration

of the library, which reopened in 2011,

just in time to celebrate its centennial.

[Paul] So the Bryant Park facade of the building is

very different from the front, so you have

this cliff wall, almost, of stone and glass,

and these very narrow, thin strips of window,

and it gives this a sort of modernistic feel

to the back of the building, which was a little bit

controversial at the time, because for some critics,

it felt like it was too much of a difference

from the rest of the building.

So you have the large arched windows,

and then these little pedimented windows.

In fact, these are doorways, it was thought

at the time that there might need to be expansion

of the stacks out towards the park,

and so these doorways were built in to allow that

to happen more naturally if it ever expanded.

[Keith] Because 42nd Street, you know, is,

and Times Square is just a few blocks away,

Grand Central's in the other direction,

the Port Authority Building, visitors

to New York always end up in Midtown,

it's just right in the center of everything,

and yet it's an oasis that's inviting,

the idea of going in and just relaxing,

and reading, it's just so attractive,

and it draws people from all over the world.

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Take a Virtual Tour to Learn All the Secret Details of the New York Public Library

"Your feeling of walking into this space is going into an area of majesty."

Perri Ormont Blumberg is a former senior staff writer for Southern Living's News Team.

For now, as we spend our days and nights at home in wake of the coronavirus outbreak , we're grateful for all of the virtual tour options that have sprouted up online. We've delighted in remotely visiting botanical gardens in the South , Frank Lloyd Wright home in East Hollywood , the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City , and National Parks across the country, to name a few of our favorite virtual experiences. Oh, and have we relished the chance to virtually tour famous museums from Berlin to Seoul from the comfort of our homes .

Now, we're excited to poke around another celebrated cultural institution, the New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in midtown Manhattan. Though we're apart from our friends and family in New York City right now, we're appreciating the chance to explore this iconic public space through our computer screens. Here are our two favorite ways to experience the Beaux-Arts architectural marvel, the cornerstone of which was first laid in 1902:

Architectural Digest's Hidden Details of the New York Public Library

Be sure to plan a Zoom chat with fellow architecture buffs to discuss after this nearly 25-minute tour of New York Public Library's flagship location on Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets. As the description explains, you'll get the opportunity to have noted historians take you through a walking tour of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. "Find out about hidden details of the famed NYC building as these [experts] reveal the history behind the Winnie the Pooh toys, the Rose Main Reading Room, the iconic lion statues Patience and Fortitude, the Stephen A. Schwarzman building, the Milstein Division, the map collection, the book train and more," the video summary offers. "Your feeling of walking into this space is going into an area of majesty," as one narrator of the short documentary, Judith Gura, design historian, author, and lecturer puts it.

New York Public Library 360° Virtual Tour from Sam Rohn 360° Photography

For more views of this breathtaking space, take this unique photographic tour , in which you'll get a chance to see the beautiful ceiling frescoes, impressive marble work, stunning sculptures, and treasured staircases inside the NYPL's Main Branch. We still can't get over the blissful sanctuary that is the Main Reading Room (also pictured above). Oh, how we yearn to read there when it's safe to embark on our next Big Apple vacation.

WATCH: 6 Feel-Good Broadway Musicals to Stream Right Now

Share with us: What has been your favorite virtual cultural experience to embark on amidst quarantine living? We think Architectural Digest 's behind-the-scenes NYPL tour has got to be at the top of our list.

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Piermont Public Library

25 Flywheel Park West, Piermont, NY 10968-1040

25 Flywheel Park West | Piermont, New York 10968 845-359-4595 | Hours

Virtual Tour of the New York Public Library

January 31, 2021 By Piermont Library

On Tuesday, February 9th, New York Public Library docent Joan Marlow Golan on a virtual tour of the iconic building on Fifth Avenue. The tour includes the story of how the beloved Library Lions got their names, a brief description of the building’s Beaux Arts architecture and visits to its most famous rooms. Details and registration on our events calendar.

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201 Pondfield Road ⋅ Bronxville, New York 10708 ⋅ 914-337-7680 ⋅ hours & directions

• Friends of the BPL

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NY Public Library Virtual Tour

Monday, august 10 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | add to google calendar, this is a zoom event.  to register, click here. nypl docent joan marlow golan will take you on a virtual tour of the iconic new york public library’s central research library for the humanities and social sciences on fifth avenue at 42 nd  street. the tour includes the story of how the beloved library lions got their names, a brief description of the building’s beaux arts architecture and its later addition, the south court building,  and visits its most famous rooms. along the way you will learn about some of nypl’s greatest benefactors and most famous patrons, and why it has a “lovebirds’ corner.”, generously sponsored by the friends of the bronxville public library.

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How to Enjoy NYC’s Biggest Cultural Institutions from Home

By Alex Erdekian

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s museums, theaters, tourist attractions, and public libraries have temporarily closed their doors. And New York just isn’t New York without them. But while we’re all inside, closed doors doesn't mean closed operations. From the The Metropolitan Museum of Art to Broadway to the Lincoln Center, where they are shifting their experiences online—leveraging Youtube channels, podcasts, live streams, and digital magazines for your viewing pleasure. Here are just a few of the ways you can keep enjoying the city's art, dance, music, and other live performances when going out on the town is no longer an option.

Exhibits from The Met, MoMA, and More

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Just because you can’t currently visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art more than two million works in person doesn’t mean you must part with them completely. America’s largest museum has 360-degree virtual tours of some its most iconic spaces—the Great Hall, the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, and the Arms and Armour gallery, to name a few. For thought-provoking takes on the museum as a cultural space, watch the online video series The Artist Project , in which 120 artists share their takes, inspiration, and musings of their imaginations in response to the museum’s collection.

On the positive, lots of us have more time to ourselves than usual; what better way to spend it than learning something new? Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers a free online course called What Is Contemporary Art? , which uses more than 70 works of art from 1980 to now, from video games to portraits, to explore this question. Likewise, the BBC podcast “The Way I See It” has 31 episodes in which artists like ballerina Isabella Boylston, writer Roxane Gay, and fashion designer Zac Posen meditate on the museum’s works. MoMA’s digital magazine will continue publishing stories on artists making sense of the virus, stay-at-home movie recommendations, and essays on specific works and artists.

The New York Transit Museum

Subway ridership has dropped precipitously, raising concerns for the future of the transportation upon which so many New Yorkers depend. But it's not the first challenge for our city's transit system; it took a hit both after 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy. The New York Transit Museum 's exhibit Bringing Back the City , available online, chronicles those stories.

Live Performances from Broadway and Beyond

Broadway has gone dark and closed its curtains for now, but the show goes on (even if that means digitally). With a membership or a seven-day free trial, you can stream musicals like Kinky Boots, Cats, and Miss Saigon on Broadway HD . After the week is up, the service continues for $9 a month. Note that you can also stream Cabaret, Once Upon A Mattress, and Anything Goes for free on Youtube. Or, catch cast members from shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Jagged Little Pill, and Mean Girls belting out tunes at home in a series of online Living Room Concerts .

Lincoln Center

The Chamber Music Society will release and post footage of chamber music concerts from its 50-year archive on its website, which also offers livestreams, playlists, lectures, and interviews. Ditto for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s rich, high quality Youtube profile . Film buffs will love the Film at Lincoln Center's Film Comment Podcast.

Joyce Theater

The Joyce is at the forefront of dance performance in New York City and on the national stage. Their website’s page Bring Dance Home shares video from dance companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Hamburg Ballet, and the LA Dance Company.

Virtually Visit Sights like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty

Central Park

You can now take a virtual stroll of Central Park . The journey begins at 72nd street, takes 30 minutes start to finish, and covers half a mile, passing the Imagine Mosaic at Strawberry Fields, Bow Bridge, and the Alice in Wonderland statue along the way.

Empire State Building

Check out the ever changing kaleidoscope of colors and light that is the New York city skyline via the Empire State Building on its Earthcam . One vantage point features the front of the building itself, while the other looks south.

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Statue of Liberty

If you've been meaning to look up your ancestry via its arrival to Ellis Island, you can browse the passenger databases for your ancestors on the Statue of Liberty website. Or, take the U.S. citizenship test or quiz yourself on Ellis Island facts when you need some brain food.

NYPL, TFF, 92Y

New York Public Library

You can always depend on the library—even from your home. The New York Public Library has broadened its archive offerings to the New York Times 1851-2016 and the Wall Street Journal 1889-present, as well as expanded its number of available ebooks.

Tribeca Film Festival

Tribeca Film Festival is presenting a series of short films on its website, including premieres—of which the organization is releasing a new one daily.

The 92nd Street Y is a beloved historic city hub for all things cultural and intellectual. If you're missing that community right now, head to its website for intro classes on blues guitar and emotional intelligence, to livestreams of performances, as well as reading series.

Live Music at Nowadays

Ridgewood bar Nowadays is livestreaming talks on music and DJ sets nightly from 8 p.m. to midnight.

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Take Virtual Tours of These Stunning Libraries

Some of the most beautiful architecture in the world is found in libraries—which ensure that everyone in their communities can enjoy their amazing spaces. And even if you can’t visit a particular library in person, you may be able to explore its highlights virtually online.

Here are a few of our favorite library video tours:

Library of Parliament (Ottawa, Canada)

This library is so iconic that appears on Canada’s ten-dollar bill. In this video tour , check out the library’s gothic archways, marble statues, and meticulous wood carvings.

Mansueto Library (University of Chicago)

In this 360 ° video , explore the egg-like glass reading room of the University of Chicago’s Mansueto Library—then head deep into its underground storage area to see how robotic arms retrieve requested books.

New York Public Library

The main branch of the New York Public Library—a U.S. National Historic Landmark—is one of the most beloved buildings in NYC. This tour from Architectural Digest takes you through all the hidden details that even New Yorkers tend to miss.

Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.)

This 360 ° video from AARP lets you explore the majestic architecture of the United States Library of Congress—the largest library in the world.

Bodleian Library (University of Oxford)

You may recognize the 400-year-old Bodleian Library from the Harry Potter movie series; take a closer look with this 360° video from The Telegraph .

Seattle Public Library

The glass and steel Seattle Central Library is a stunning example of postmodern architecture. This video tour explores the building’s design highlights as well as showcasing the library’s services and programs.

Subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter for more highlights from the world’s coolest libraries.

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Get Lost in the Stacks of These Stunning Libraries You Can Virtually Tour

Scent of old books not included.

There's nothing better than getting lost in a stack of books—bonus if it's amidst impressive architecture. Given that it’s currently National Library Week, there is no better time to visit (albeit virtually) some of the most impressive libraries in the world. Below, House Beautiful has rounded up a list of virtual tours of libraries in places like England, Austria, New York, Massachusetts, Mexico, Portugal, and Prague, and we cannot wait to bask in the joy that these magnificent libraries have to offer. Happy library hopping, bibliophiles!

The New York Public Library, New York, New York

The New York Public Library’s Main Branch is located in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 42nd Street, and its grand entrance would not be complete without its two iconic marble lion statues—known as Patience and Fortitude—overlooking the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan. In 2016, the Rose Reading Room underwent an extensive renovation, restoring the space (including the ceiling frescoes) to its original glory.

The Library at Clarence House, London, England

Clarence House has a long history of royal residents. Prince Charles and Camila currently live there, and before that, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother called Clarence House home for nearly 50 years, from 1953 to 2002.

The Austrian National Library, Vienna, Austria

As both the largest Baroque library in Europe and the biggest library in all of Austria, the Austrian National Library has over 12,000,000 items in its collections, and its remarkable architecture is a feast for the eyes.

Clementinum Library, Prague, Czech Republic

In 1722, the Clementinum (or Klementinum, as it is known in Czech) Library opened to the public, and its Baroque interior has remained the same since then. The library was originally part of a Jesuit university, hence why many of the 20,000 books on its shelves are focused on theology.

The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, New York

If you’re a book lover in need of a visit to one of Manhattan’s most opulent libraries, look no further. This virtual tour offers an awe-inspiring glimpse of the former library of J. P. Morgan, in what is now The Morgan Library & Museum.

The Stone Library at the Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, Massachusetts

The Stone Library, which was built in 1870, is believed to be the first ever presidential library, and it is home to upwards of 14,000 books in a total of 12 different languages. It was created as a place to keep the books and papers of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Charles Francis Adams, and Henry and Brooks Adams.

Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa Library, Mexico City, Mexico

The former home of Mexican art collector and historian Guillermo Tovar de Teresa is now a historic house museum, complete with a timeless library that has a marble fireplace and a magnificent gold French clock sitting atop.

The Library at the Mafra National Palace, Mafra, Portugal

Most libraries aren’t located in a palace, nor do they contain 36,000 books that are anywhere from 200 to 700 years old, but the Library at the Mafra National Palace does. If you need us, we’ll be virtually wandering the halls of this Rococo-style library that is unlike anything we have seen before.

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A Virtual tour with New York Public Library docent Joan Marlow Golan

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NYPL docent Joan Marlow Golan will take you on a virtual tour of the iconic New York Public Library’s Central Research Library for the Humanities and Social Sciences on Fifth Avenue at 42 nd  Street. The tour includes the story of how the beloved Library Lions got their names, a brief description of the building’s Beaux Arts architecture and modern South Court addition, and visits to its most famous rooms Along the way, you will learn about some of NYPL’s greatest benefactors and most famous patrons, and why it has a “lovebirds’ corner.

Registrants will receive an email with the Zoom link the day of the event.  

We look forward to seeing you!

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10 Virtual Library Tours You Can Enjoy From Your Couch

There are few things in life better than a library, and fortunately there are a ton of epic libraries around the world for us all to enjoy! But what do you do if you can’t visit all the cool libraries around the world? Not to worry! There are plenty of marvelous virtual library tours to help you enjoy these libraries from the comfort of your own couch!

Of course, if you have the chance to visit these in person then that is absolutely amazing…but for now, enjoy a virtual glimpse into some of the most beautiful libraries on the planet!

1. The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library (also known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building) is a landmark in New York City. It’s an impressive marble structure when viewed from the outside, but the inside is equally as gorgeous!

Luckily, we have the opportunity to explore inside with this virtual tour . There are three areas you can choose to view, and you simply click and drag around to see whatever side of the room you want to. While nothing compares to being in a library in person, taking a library virtual tour like this one is an excellent way to explore from the comfort of your home!

2. The Klementinum Library

If you want to take a virtual library tour of one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, then you need to take a look at the Klementinum Library. This library is the National Library of the Czech Republic and the interior will blow you away!

You can visit many different rooms in the Klementinum on this virtual library tour , including the reading rooms and the three Baroque Library halls. The Baroque Libraries are by far the most incredible library spaces I’ve ever seen (I’ve actually been here in person!) so you will definitely want to take a look at them. And during your virtual tour, you will also want to make sure you look at the ceilings as they are beyond incredible!

After you take a look at this library, I’m sure you’ll agree that you could literally spend hours just exploring this one library online! It’s simply dazzling in all its beauty.

3. Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria was one of the largest and most important libraries of the ancient world, but was unfortunately destroyed (first in a partial accidental burning by Julius Caesar and then later probably fully destroyed by Aurelian). While this is a horrible tragedy, there is actually a new Library of Alexandria in Egypt that officially opened in 2002.

This new library (also known as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina) is a commemoration of the original Library of Alexandria as well as an attempt to rekindle the brilliance of that original library. If you’re interested, you can explore the huge main reading room and see what it looks like today! This may be a modern library, but it is still quite impressive and aesthetically pleasing.

4. Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library

Harvard University’s Widener Library is home to over 3.5 million books and is at the center of the Harvard Library system. This impressive library was constructed as a memorial for Harry Elkins Widener—a Harvard graduate, book collector, and bibliophile—who died during the sinking of the Titanic.

The Widener Library is a beautiful place, and it is also one of the most interactive library tours online . You can drag the mouse up and down and around to see 360° views, as well as clicking on the white circles on the floor to “walk around” the rooms. There are two different floors and many, many rooms to explore (using the controls in the lower left corner)…so go ahead and start exploring now! It’s a fun and interactive way to experience this phenomenal library.

5. George Peabody Library

The George Peabody Library in Maryland is a stunning sight to see! This research library first opened in 1878 and is part of Johns Hopkins University, but it makes its collections open to the public so anyone can use this library.

Luckily for those of us who don’t live in Maryland, we can view the extraordinary interior online . As you click around, you really do start to get a sense just how imposing and awesome this library would be to see in real life!

6. Divinity School at the Bodleian Library

Oxford doesn’t allow much photography in their actual libraries, but you can explore the Divinity School online , which is a part of the Bodleian Library complex and was used as the infirmary in the Harry Potter films .

This gorgeous room was built between 1427-1483, and when you take a look at this building online you’ll especially want to notice the intricate and elaborate vaulted ceiling. And if after you explore you find yourself wanting to see inside the libraries where students still study today, then you can also check out this video tour to see inside the Radcliffe Camera and Duke Humfrey’s Library (my favorite study spots while I was at Oxford University!)

7. Admont Abbey Library

When you’re looking for amazing virtual library tours online, the Admont Abbey Library should definitely be on your list to see! This Austrian library is the largest monastic library in the world, at around 230 feet long and 46 feet wide. In all, it contains around 70,000 volumes in this one library room!

While all the other library tours on this list are free, Admont’s online library tour does require you to pay a minimal fee (under $2). But it’s worth it to virtually explore the awe-inspiring room with its magnificent bookshelves and stunning frescoes. It’s like a glimpse into heaven!

8. Library of Parliament

The Library of Parliament in Ottawa, Canada is every library-lover’s dream! Equally breathtaking from the outside and the inside, this is the type of library everyone needs to see at least once in their life (if only virtually!).

As you explore this library virtually , be sure to take in all the intricate details…from the perfectly geometric bookshelf organization, to the fancy lights hanging from the ceiling! One could only dream of reading here… *sigh*

9. The Morgan Library

Another amazing library in New York City that you can view online is the Morgan Library. This library was originally built in 1906 to house financier Pierpont Morgan’s private collection of illuminated, historical, and literary manuscripts and books, but it is now a research library with an ever-expanding collection.

As you take a look inside this library , you’ll find there’s a ton to see. From the huge fireplace, to the stained glass on the windows, to the elaborate ceiling (which you can learn about here )—it’s definitely a little like playing I spy in this remarkable room!

10. King’s College Library

King’s College Library at Cambridge University is another swoon-worthy library you’ll long to read in. This library has been around since the college’s founding in 1441, and today it preserves many significant rare books and manuscripts.

As you take a virtual tour of this library , you’ll have the chance to peek into several different rooms (using the “navigate the library” button on the top left). You can also click on the question marks that pop up throughout the rooms to learn some fun facts about this library. And be sure to peek out the window in the Munby Room—can you imagine reading with that view?! What a dream!

If you are looking for more libraries to view virtually, you can also find plenty of video tours of libraries on sites like YouTube. What is your favorite library? And is it available to view online?

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Take Virtual Tours of These Spectacular Libraries

I don’t go in and out quickly, either. I’ll often linger, perhaps read or get some work done, look through interesting magazines, pick up a movie, that sort of thing.

As much as I travel, I visit libraries everywhere and can likely tell you about the libraries in destinations I frequent. I enjoy architecture in general and find library design and architecture fascinating. Does a space seem welcoming and inviting? Is the library design historical or ultra modern, perhaps?

I’m not a fan of all libraries I’ve been in. Some strike me as cold and unwelcoming with too few places to sit. Some can be functional with no personality. I’d go, but wouldn’t stay. Not a place I’d want to get lost in the stacks, as a librarian might say.

If you haven’t yet been in person to these libraries, visit them virtually and see if they are impressive enough and worthy of a visit next time you’re in their home city.

Impressive Libraries Virtual Tours

The New York Public Library, New York, New York

No doubt when in New York City you’ll have a long lists of places to visit. And that’s if you can drag yourself away from the pizza and lobster rolls. Do make sure, though, to add visiting the New York Public Library’s Main Branch on your must-see list. Its location in midtown Manhattan means no matter what’s on your sites to see agenda, you’ll be nearby.

New York Library research room

Image: Wikipedia

The library is in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 42nd Street. At some point either in person or perhaps in a film you’ve seen the entrance. You’re greeted by Patience and Fortitude, two marble lion statues.

Is this lion Patience or Fortitude?

Image: Flickr

The Rose Reading Room underwent an extensive renovation in 2016. The Rose Room, including the ceiling frescoes, was fully restored.

VIRTUAL TOUR

The Library at Clarence House, London, England

Much like New York City, one visits London with a long list of historical places to enjoy. Not to mention taking in some theater, a trip to Marks & Spencer Foodhall or my personal favorite, visiting 165 Eaton Place.  For library enthusiasts though, Clarence House is worth a visit. It has a long history of royal residents. Nowadays, Prince Charles and Camila live there. Prior to that, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, called Clarence House home for nearly 50 years, from 1953 to 2002.

The Austrian National Library, Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city of such impressive architecture, you don’t know where to look next. The opera house, amazing. Going inside the church to hear the Vienna Boys Choir, wow. The Austrian National Library is like being in both a library and museum, a doubly special experience. The Austrian National Library is the largest Baroque library in Europe. It is also the biggest library in all of Austria. The library houses over 12,000,000 items in its collections. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the architecture alone would make it worth the visit.

Clementinum Library, Prague, Czech Republic

In centuries past, Baroque architecture was the style for so many European city buildings. This library, as with the one in Vienna, is another example of Baroque. In 1722, the Clementinum (or Klementinum, as it is known in Czech) Library opened to the public. Nothing about the interior has changed! The library was originally part of a Jesuit university. This explains why when you visit you’ll notice that much of its collection is theological books. And don’t forget to look up during your visit. The ceilings in this library are stunning.

The Stone Library at the Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, Massachusetts

Historical themed libraries and presidential libraries are nothing new. Built in 1870, the Stone Library is thought to be the first ever presidential library. It houses 14,000 books in a total of 12 different languages. Given its name you won’t be surprised to learn it is the home of the books and papers of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Charles Francis Adams, and Henry and Brooks Adams.

Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa Library, Mexico City, Mexico

I had plans to be in Mexico City which got canceled due to the pandemic, so this is one library I’ve yet to visit. Not all libraries are huge in size or collections. Libraries that specialize their collections or are housed in houses or smaller buildings are worth a visit, too. The former home of Mexican art collector and historian Guillermo Tovar de Teresa has been transformed into a historic house museum. The library has a marble fireplace that’s adorned with a gold French clock. I love the floor and the relative simplicity of the library that overlooks the garden.

The Library at the Mafra National Palace, Mafra, Portugal

Mafra is a municipality near Sintra in the region of Lisbon. It is mostly known for the Mafra National Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most libraries are not houses in palaces. Most libraries do not house 36,000 books that are from 200 to 700 years old. But that’s exactly what you’ll find at the library at the Mafra National Palace. It’s both a beautiful and impressive library.

Five Other Impressive Libraries

Unfortunately, I don’t have libraries virtual tours to point you to for these choices. They are however, to me, well worth visiting when you’re in their home cities.

Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is one of my favorite urban libraries in the states. I’ve lived in Boston, so maybe that’s why it’s so special to me. It’s one of the most frequented libraries in the world. It opened in 1895. It was the first municipal library in the United States. This was the first library to loan books and other material to the public. Those are two pretty important claims to fame. According to a general survey, this library has a collection of 6.1 million books.

Folger Shakespeare Library

Folger Shakespeare Library opened in 1932 in Washington DC.  The library is known for having the largest collection of the printed works of Shakespeare. This library offers advanced programs, Shakespeare education, poems, plays and lectures.

National Szechenyi Library

If you haven’t been to Budapest, you’re missing a wonderfully historic destination. My favorite place to explore is the Szabo Marzipan Museum. And just a short distance away when you’ve had your fill of marzipan is the National Szechenyi Library.   The Hungarian aristocrat Count Ferenc Széchényi established the library in 1802. Széchényi traveled the world buying Hungarian books. He assembled and donated them to the nation. They opened the public library in Pest the following year.

In 1808, the Hungarian National Assembly created the Hungarian National Museum. The museum collected the historical, archaeological and natural relics of Hungary. The Museum merged with the Library. For the last 200 years it has existed as a national depository for written, printed and objective relics of the Hungarian past.

In 1846, the Hungarian National Museum moved into its new building. It was not until 1949 that the Library became a separate entity with its current name. In 1985, the library moved to its new home at the Buda Castle Palace.

Royal Danish Library, Copenhagen, Denmark

The Royal Danish Library gets 1.4 million visitors a year. If you like libraries with fantastic modern architecture, this is your place. In January of 2017, Denmark’s State and University Library and the Royal Library merged into the Royal Danish Library. As an aside, I also liked the neighborhood libraries in Copenhagen. Any city that has kept its neighborhood libraries open is a winner in my book! I found Copenhagen’s libraries well-designed and relaxing spaces. Some of the libraries even had good caffeinated vibes.

Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

Image:Wikipedia

No matter where you stay while in Dublin , Trinity College is nearby. It’s a gorgeous, impressive library. The Trinity College Library is the largest library in Ireland. Over a million people a year visit the library. Why? Many visitors come to see the Book of Kells: a gorgeous 9th century illuminated manuscript. It is among Ireland’s greatest treasures. There’s also the famous Long Room, which you just have to experience for yourself.

Final Thoughts

When you think about it, the idea of a library is unique. Libraries virtual tours are even more unique. Public libraries operate on trust. Members of the community borrow books for free. They can even keep them for long periods of time. They offer many other perks, too. Even when libraries are not open for sharing with the public, as in the case of some of the libraries I’ve mentioned, they still are amazing places of art, history, architecture, and culture.

Which libraries have impressed you the most, and why? Know of libraries virtual tours to add to the collection?

The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Shelli Stein

Shelli Stein is a travel writer, personal development coach , and story teller. She has come to realize writing as a way of sharing travel experiences brings her a lot of pleasure! Her areas of expertise are: all things  Southwest Airlines ,  hotel reviews , and what to do, see, and eat in destinations around the world. She sees travel as an adventure, trying to somehow get inside and experience a different way of life, a different cultural heritage. Maybe she can  show you something  you’ve never seen.  Inspire you with new ideas  for your next vacation. Attempt to  put a smile on your face . Help you learn from her mistakes . Or challenge your  assumptions about the world . She lives life with humor, gratitude, and humility and always sees the coffee cup as half full!

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The NYPL just opened a new virtual branch

All shared book recommendations will add to the library's new virtual "bookshelf."

The New York Public Library is making very good use of the Internet these days. 

The system just debuted a new "virtual branch" that folks can access on Instagram that will give rise to an online "bookshelf" of sorts. Once inside the custom designed interactive augmented reality effect (which you can access via Instagram Reels—more on that below), you'll be able to share your book recommendations with the general public (and get their tips as well!). 

Here's how to make use of the tool: open Instagram Reels, search for "NYPL" in the effects library and find yourself inside the virtual branch. Select a specific spot to use as your background and record yourself advising folks on what to read this summer. 

Check out some other people's recommendations by looking through the hashtag #NYPLSummerBookshelf right here . 

Celebrities and New York personalities are also joining in on the fun. Actress Rachel Bloom, for example, used the tool to suggest fans read The Mutual Friend by Carter Bays. Author Min Jin Lee, on the other hand, recommends YA novel How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino. Even the library's famous lion mascot, Patience, shared his thoughts, specifically citing Elena Ferrante's T he Lying Life of Adults as the "pawfect beach read." (If you can't get enough of him, check out this hilarious video of Patience at the beach—the cutest thing you'll see today.)

Expect children's book author and influencer Eva Chen to present her picks in the near future as well.

Needless to say, suggested books will be available to take out at NYPL branches around town. 

The new program is actually part of the system's Summer at the Library initiative, which aims to offer New York kids and their families "a series of free programs, challenges and book giveaways to entertain, spark a lifelong love of reading and learning," according to an official press release. 

Just last month, in connection to the seasonal program, the NYPL actually gave away 500,000 books for free—for keeps ! 

The city's impeccable library system never fails to surprise us in new and exciting ways.

• Anna Rahmanan

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Private Virtual Tour of Iconic New York | Live Virtual Zoom NYC Tour | Virtual Private Tours

Iconic new york.

Live Virtual Tour of Midtown Manhattan

Experience Iconic Landmarks of New York City

Looking for an iconic New York experience? Times Square, Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, and views of the Empire State Building and the Chrystler Building. Discover the history behind some of New York's most iconic landmarks.

Live Virtual Zoom Tour

We know so many of you have had to cancel trips to NYC due to Covid-19. So let us bring NYC to you! Your guide will be live, on the street in real time answering your questions and sharing our cities rich history and culture. Come alone or share this experience with your friends, family or co-workers.

Real New York Tours is a small, family run business that has been in operation since 2007. We love our city and love sharing it with you. We have toured thousands of visitors over the years and always strive to create memories that will last a lifetime. Most of our guides have been with us since day one and are fun, knowledgeable, and know how to tell a great story.

Pricing & Details

• 60 Minute Private Virtual Tour
• One to five people or groups of people in different households connecting to the tour using 1 to 5 computers, tablets or phones
• Six to thirty people or groups of people in different households connecting to the tour using 6 to 30 computers, tablets or phones
• Thirty one to ninety people or groups of people connecting to the tour using 31 to 90 computers, tablets or phones
• For groups larger than 90 please email for pricing.
• Recommended start time between 10am and 7pm Eastern Standard Time.
• This tour uses Zoom Video Conferencing. Don’t worry! We will email you directions and no need to create an account.
• A whole family can enjoy the tour from a single computer.
• If you want to enjoy the tour with friends or family from another household, just select the number of connected devices. 
• If you need to cancel or reschedule for any reason, please do so within 48 hours

Experience NYC up close!

Iconic new york itinerary.

Online: U.S.Citizenship Virtual Study Group

Please join the 53rd Street Library for our Virtual Citizenship Study Group.

The online citizenship study group is a place where you can study for the Naturalization Test with others who are also preparing for the exam, using materials from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other resources, as well as playing informative games to help you learn all you'll need to know for the citizenship test. 

To participate in this program, please register with your email address.  A link for our Google Meet will be sent to you approximately one day before the program. 

This program is limited to 12 participants

• Audience: Adults

Careers, Jobs, Small Business Seminars, Online: Virtual Consultations with Business Librarians

Upcoming dates

• Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Thursday, April 18, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Friday, April 19, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Monday, April 22, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Thursday, April 25, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Friday, April 26, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Monday, April 29, 2024, 12 - 5 PM
• Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 12 - 5 PM

Have a question for your business projects that requires research? 

Whether you are looking at starting a business or growing your existing one, doing research is a "mission-critical" part of being in business. 

The Business Center’s Librarians can help!

Our Librarians are available for 30-min video consultations on weekdays between 12-5 PM.

The Library’s world-class Thomas Yoseloff Business Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) features electronic resources, comprehensive print materials, and in-person help for patrons interested in:

• Small business resources
• Business and financial research
• Personal finance and investing

This consultation is completely free and tailored to your needs. Yet, to make sure we can help you and make the most out of our time together, please focus on ONE QUESTION you would like for us to answer --and be as explicit as possible-- so that we can prepare ahead of time.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK THE NEXT AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT