The Library

The New York Public Library is free and open to visitors from around the world!

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, officially the New York Public Library, is the flagship building of the New York Public Library system located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Free to the general public. It was constructed by combining the Tilden Trust and the Astor and Lenox libraries in 1897. At the time it officially opened on May 23, 1911, the Library was the largest marble building ever built in the United States.

How to enter the library

While most know the library is ‘open to the public’, they may not know this library boasts some very unique history. Mayor Fiorello La Guardia nicknamed the Library Lions Patience and Fortitude in the 1930s because he felt New Yorkers needed to possess these qualities in order to survive the Depression. Along with the iconic Lions, the building's ornamentation also includes dolphins, turtles, birds, bees, catfish, dogs, roosters, eagles, rams, swans, snakes, and oxen. Additionally, the Library used 530,000 cubic feet of marble, including exterior marble that is 12 inches thick. I have always felt that the library is my own personal Hogwarts, where I can retreat whenever I want.

Featuring millions of stories and endless possibilities, I definitely recommend stopping by.

Bryant Park

Brant Park is directly adjacent to the New York Public Library. When you search for "Cafes Near Bryant Park in Manhattan", Google returns 2,230,000 results. This is an adventure that I definitely recommend as a 'ten dollar day in Manhattan'. Because the library is free, you can always find a nearby café and enjoy a scone and a coffee with your newly checked out book for right around $10.00.

I have included a map of the surrounding area below!

with love,
from new york

Photos by:
Victoria potter-Lands (@ouilovephotography)

Outfit Details

in order of appearance:

wool beret, zara | Teddy coat, banana republic (similar here) | plaid blazer, Reiss (similar style here), floral scarf (vintage) | trousers, reiss (similar here)

New York Public Library Map & Address:
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018

Located in: Bryant Park - A 1-min walk from Bryant Park -

Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018 - Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM

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