"NY Public Library & Bryant Park" Top 5 Page for this destination New York Public Library Tip by Christophe_Ons

On the site of the former Croton water reservoir, the beautiful Beaux-Arts building of the New York Public library was built in the beginning of the 20th century, it opened in 1911 and is the world's 7th-largest research library.
The main entrance is on the west side of Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd St, the two impressive stone lions that guard the steps were named "Patience" and "Fortitude" by Fiorello LaGuardia, New York City's mayor in the 30's.
There is an immense reading room on the third floor, the Rose Main Reading Room, which stretches two blocks. It reopened in 1998 after a $ 15 million renovation. Below it are 88 miles / 140km of shelves, holding over seven million volumes. The original library combined the collections of John Jacob Astor and James Lenox, the collection includes Thomas Jefferson's hand written copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Adress : 5th Avenue at 42nd St
Opening hours : Mon & Sat 10am-6pm, Tue & Wed 11am-7:30pm - hours vary and there are also tours available, check web site.

Bryant Park spreads out behind the library, an elegant lawn usually filled in the warm months with lunching office workers; the stage at the head of the park hosts free cultural events throughout the summer, including screenings of classic films and jazz concerts. In spring and fall, world-famous fashion shows take place here. The park used to be a hangout for drug dealers and other undesirables in the 60's - it was closed and renovated in 1989 and is now considered safe (open 7am-9pm).

Address: Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
Directions: Subway :
D,F to 42nd St (at 6th Ave / Bryant Park)
N,Q,R,S,1,2,3,9 to Times Square / 42nd at Broadway St (then walk one block east to Bryant Park)
4,5,6 to Grand Central Terminal (42nd St) (then walk one block west to the library)
7 to 5th Ave / 42nd St
Phone: (212) 869 - 8089
Website: http://www.nypl.org/