I think New York certainly ranks as one of the world’s greatest cities, and I have visited Manhattan on a number of occasions to attend library conferences. Alas, I have never actually been to the NYPL. Something about NYC is simply overwhelming for me, and I actually get a bit claustrophobic when I am walking down those streets and must crane my neck waaaay up to see the sky.
But someday I WILL get over to see the New York Public Library. The Reading Room is probably the most famous of the rooms in the library:
Although the Reading Room is the most famous, I rather prefer the Map Room, with its slightly warmer feeling:
The ceiling is a masterpiece of gilded splendor, but I think the wood around the gorgeous windows and the close proximity to books impart a warm feeling despite all the opulence. Even in this era when many people come to the library and use nothing but their laptop or other online resources, studies have shown that most library patrons want to be in close proximity to books. I know from over fifteen years of observation in libraries that many patrons come for a quiet place to study or do other online research….but they almost always gravitate to tables that are near windows or books. The NYPL Map Room has both going for it.
Photos are courtesy of GK Trammrunner and Diliff