Public Libraries in New York County, New York

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📚 County library guide

Public Libraries in New York County, New York

New York County (Manhattan) is served by the New York Public Library — a 53-location system spanning Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and one of the largest public library systems in the United States.

💡 Looking for a specific service in New York County? libraries with study rooms · printing, copying & fax · a Library of Things.

📚 About New York Public Library

New York Public Library (NYPL) is the public library system serving Manhattan (New York County), the Bronx, and Staten Island. Founded in 1895 through the consolidation of the Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations, it is one of the largest and most visited public libraries in the world. The system operates 53 branch locations in those three boroughs, anchored by its landmarked flagship, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street — a 1911 Beaux-Arts masterpiece designed by Carrere & Hastings.

NYPL's Manhattan branches range from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, a rebuilt 2021 mid-Manhattan circulating hub, to neighborhood branches like Jefferson Market (housed in a Victorian Gothic former courthouse), Hamilton Grange, and the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is a world-renowned research division of NYPL and a National Historic Landmark.

📱 Free digital access with your card

A free NYPL card unlocks ebooks and audiobooks through Libby, plus unlimited no-waitlist titles on hoopla and films on Kanopy. Card holders also gain access to NOVELny — New York State's free statewide bundle of research databases, journals, and learning tools provided by the New York State Library, usable from home with your card number.

New York County library branches — 14 verified

Each branch below is verified on its official page with address, hours and services. Browse the full New York directory for more.

Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingNew York, NY1911 Beaux-Arts flagship on Fifth Ave & 42nd St →Stavros Niarchos Foundation LibraryNew York, NYRebuilt 2021 mid-Manhattan circulating hub →Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureNew York, NYWorld-renowned Harlem research center & National Historic Landmark →New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsNew York, NYLincoln Center — performing arts research collection →Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book LibraryNew York, NYSpecialized accessible-media branch serving visually impaired →Jefferson Market LibraryNew York, NYLandmark Victorian Gothic building, Greenwich Village →Hamilton Grange LibraryNew York, NYHamilton Heights neighborhood branch →Harry Belafonte 115th Street LibraryNew York, NYHarlem neighborhood branch →Countee Cullen LibraryNew York, NYHarlem neighborhood branch →53rd Street LibraryNew York, NYMidtown neighborhood branch →Mulberry Street LibraryNew York, NYLittle Italy / SoHo neighborhood branch →Ottendorfer LibraryNew York, NY1884 East Village branch — one of NYC's oldest library buildings →Seward Park LibraryNew York, NYLower East Side neighborhood branch →Tompkins Square LibraryNew York, NYEast Village neighborhood branch →

❓ Frequently asked questions

How many public libraries are in New York County (Manhattan)?

The New York Public Library operates 53 locations across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. This page lists the Manhattan (New York County) branches we have individually verified; the full NYPL system also includes Bronx and Staten Island locations.

Where is the main library in Manhattan?

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street is NYPL's flagship — a Beaux-Arts landmark opened in 1911, known for its famous lion sculptures “Patience” and “Fortitude.” The rebuilt Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) on 53rd Street is the main circulating branch in mid-Manhattan.

Who can get a free New York Public Library card?

A card is free to anyone who lives, works, goes to school, or pays property taxes in New York State. Out-of-state visitors may also be eligible. Cards can be obtained at any branch with a photo ID, or started online instantly.

Does the New York Public Library have ebooks and audiobooks?

Yes. A free NYPL card gives you ebooks and audiobooks on Libby, no-waitlist titles on hoopla, films on Kanopy, and access to NOVELny research databases — all usable from home.

Is the New York Public Library the same as the Brooklyn Public Library or Queens Public Library?

No. New York Public Library covers Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Brooklyn and Queens each have their own independent systems: Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library.

Last verified September 2026 from official library sources. Hours & services can change — confirm on each branch’s page. By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com