The New York Public Library
In the heart of the Big Apple, amid the bustle of the city that never sleeps, stands a cultural monument that transcends time: the New York Public Library (NYPL). Founded in 1895, this iconic institution has been a beacon of knowledge, inspiration and community for generations of New Yorkers and its 17 million curious visitors each year.
From its majestic reading rooms to its vibrant educational programs, the library offers an intellectual refuge for all those seeking to learn, explore and grow.
One of the NYPL’s most iconic features is its main building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Library. This imposing building built in neoclassical style houses a vast collection of more than 53 million works ranging from ancient manuscripts to the latest digital publications. Its majestic halls, decorated with frescoes and statues, evoke a feeling of grandeur and solemnity that invites contemplation and study.
But the NYPL goes beyond its physical walls. With the advent of the digital age, the library has expanded its reach through online platforms, offering free access to digital resources, online courses, and remote research services. This initiative has further democratized access to knowledge, allowing people around the world to benefit from the resources of one of the largest libraries on the planet.
In addition to its impressive collection, NYPL is known for its commitment to the community. Through educational programs, workshops, cultural events, and activities for children and adults, the library encourages lifelong learning and civic participation. From literacy classes to talks with world-renowned authors, NYPL offers a range of opportunities to enrich the mind and spirit.
A notable aspect of the NYPL is its commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage. With an extensive collection of historical archives, photographs, maps and rare documents, the library serves as a guardian of the collective memory of New York City and the world at large. Through conservation and digitization programs, NYPL ensures that these relics of the past endure for future generations.
Some of the most curious and fascinating works that can be found in the New York Public Library are:
- Ebstorf’s World Map: A replica of the 13th century medieval map that represents the known world at that time, with curious details that reflect the beliefs and knowledge of the time.
- The Voynich Manuscript: A mysterious illustrated book from the 15th century, written in an unknown language and decorated with strange illustrations of plants, humans, and astronomical symbols. It has not yet been deciphered and remains the subject of debate among cryptographers and historians.
- The Gigas Codex or “Devil’s Bible”: A medieval manuscript from the 13th century, famous for its enormous size and its legend suggesting that it was written in a single night by a monk possessed by the devil. It contains a complete Bible, along with medical texts, exorcist rituals and other works.
- The NYPL “Prohibited Section”: A collection of rare and controversial books that includes editions that were censored, banned, or considered dangerous in their time due to their political, sexual, or religious content.
- The Pop-Up Story Collection: A variety of pop-up books, some of which are true works of art on paper, with three-dimensional scenes that come to life when you open the pages.
- The Leonardo da Vinci Manuscripts: Replicas of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous notebooks, containing sketches, diagrams and notes on a wide range of topics, from human anatomy to flying machines.
- The First Printed Map of New York: A reproduction of the first printed map of New York City, drawn in 1660 by Dutch cartographer Joan Vingboons, showing the city in its early years of development as a Dutch colony.
- The Original Edition of “Alice in Wonderland”: A copy of the first edition of Lewis Carroll’s classic, with original illustrations by John Tenniel and notes by Carroll, offering a unique insight into the creative process behind this masterpiece of children’s literature.
- The Public Restroom Graffiti Collection: A collection of photographs and field notes compiled by urban sociologists and anthropologists, documenting graffiti found in New York public restrooms and offering an intriguing look at popular culture and urban creativity.
For those who want this emblematic site, you should consider some suggestions:
- Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Check their website before attending: The NYPL often hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight specific aspects of its collection, so it is advisable to be aware of current exhibitions and plan your tour accordingly.
- The library offers free guided tours that provide a deeper insight into the institution’s history and treasures. It is suggested that you check the online events calendar to see if guided tours are available during your visit.
- Before visiting the library, it is ideal to explore online digital resources, such as book catalogs and online databases. This will be very useful to get an idea of what the library has to offer and to plan your visit more effectively.
- Take advantage of your visit to the NYPL to explore the surrounding area: Nearby are iconic places such as Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and Times Square.
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