Jefferson Market Library
🏢 The New York Public Library · New York, New York
Jefferson Market Library
A soaring Victorian Gothic courthouse turned community library, Jefferson Market has anchored Greenwich Village since 1967 — its clock tower bell striking hourly and its stained-glass windows inviting readers into one of New York City's most architecturally breathtaking public spaces.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 425 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 243-4334
Website: nypl.org
Plus Code: 87G8P2M2+R8 (New York, NY)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Jefferson Market Library
The Jefferson Market Library occupies a National Historic Landmark that began life as the Third Judicial District Courthouse, built between 1874 and 1877 to designs by architect Frederick Clarke Withers of the firm Vaux & Withers — the same partnership that shaped Central Park. The High Victorian Gothic structure, clad in polychrome brick, black stone, and variegated slate, was voted the fifth most beautiful building in America by a panel of architects in 1885. After the courts departed in 1945 the building faced demolition; a community campaign led by preservationist Margot Gayle and poet E. E. Cummings saved it, and in 1967 it opened as a branch of The New York Public Library — one of the earliest adaptive-reuse projects in the United States. Architect Giorgio Cavaglieri transformed the civil courtroom into the sun-drenched Adult Reading Room and the old police court into the Children's Room, while the brick-arched basement became a Reference Room. A sweeping $10 million renovation completed in July 2022 brought full ADA compliance and restored the building's historic fabric, and the cast-iron fire bell known as "Ol' Jeff" — silent for 135 years — was restored and now strikes hourly from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
⭐ What makes this library special
- National Historic Landmark and New York City landmark — the 1877 Victorian Gothic courthouse designed by Frederick Clarke Withers, voted 5th most beautiful US building in 1885
- The New York Collection: a curated archive of 150+ books on New York City history, with particular depth on Greenwich Village, housed in the Reference Room downstairs
- Fully restored "Ol' Jeff" fire bell, silent for 135 years, now strikes every hour from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. as a living reminder of the building's preservation
- Annual tower tours during Open House New York weekend in October — a rare chance to ascend the landmark clock tower
- $10 million ADA-compliant renovation completed July 2022, with repaired stained-glass windows, restored ornamental stonework, and renewed spiral staircases
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
NYPL cardholders at Jefferson Market can stream, download, and research free through New York's shared digital collections:
📚 Services
- Adult Reading Room (former civil courtroom) and Children's Room (former police court)
- Reference Room in the historic brick-arched basement with the New York Collection
- Computer access (reservation-based) and free Wi-Fi
- Fine-free circulating collection (NYPL no longer charges late fines)
- Fully accessible facility following 2022 ADA renovation
🎸 Programs
- Children's programming in the historic Children's Room
- Annual Open House New York tower tours (October)
- Community events and author talks
- NYPL podcast The Librarian Is In, hosted by branch manager Frank Collerius
📍 Nearby Libraries in Manhattan
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Jefferson Market Library building?
The building was constructed in 1874–1877 as the Third Judicial District Courthouse, designed by architect Frederick Clarke Withers in a High Victorian Gothic style. A panel of architects voted it the fifth most beautiful building in America in 1885. After the courts moved out in 1945, the city planned demolition; preservationist Margot Gayle and poet E. E. Cummings led the community campaign that saved it. Architect Giorgio Cavaglieri converted it into a public library branch, which opened in 1967 — one of the first major adaptive-reuse projects in the United States.
Why is the bell in the tower called "Ol' Jeff," and does it still ring?
The cast-iron fire bell in the clock tower earned the nickname "Ol' Jeff" from the firefighters who once used it as an alarm. It fell silent for 135 years after the fire watch ended, but Margot Gayle — the same preservationist who helped save the building from demolition — spearheaded its restoration in 1996. Today "Ol' Jeff" rings every hour from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., audible throughout Greenwich Village.
What is the New York Collection at Jefferson Market Library?
The New York Collection is a curated archive of more than 150 books focused on New York City history, with particular depth on Greenwich Village. It also includes a photograph archive documenting the library and courthouse's own history. The collection is housed in the Reference Room in the building's brick-arched basement.
When is Jefferson Market Library open, and is it open on weekends?
The library is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Monday, Saturday, and Sunday. The branch is fully accessible following its $10 million renovation completed in July 2022.
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