THE NEW YORK SOCIETY LIBRARY
Founded 1754


NYSL: Front Hall Clock NYSL: Second Floor

ABOUT THE LIBRARY:

The New York Society Library, the oldest in the city, was founded in 1754 by the New York Society, a civic-minded group formed in the belief that the availability of books would help the city to prosper. A subscription library, it now contains nearly three hundred thousand volumes -- the result of the tastes of its members over almost the last quarter millennium.

Although this is primarily a library for the general reader, it has considerable potential for research. Holdings may be searched using either the Library's card catalogs or its catalog. Members may borrow books and have the use of several reading and study rooms on the upper floors; they can also browse in the stacks. Non-members are invited without charge to use the ground floor for reading and reference.

The Library is a not-for-profit corporation supported by its membership fees, by income from its endowment (built largely from bequests), and by contributions, which are tax-deductible.

 

NYSL: Entrance Hall NYSL: Exhibition Gallery

LIBRARY HOURS:

Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM to 7 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM to 7 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday: CLOSED*
Sunday: CLOSED*

The library will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.

*Weekend hours resume in September.

All areas except the Circulation Room
close 15 minutes prior to building closing time.

 


The New York Society Library
53 East 79th Street • New York, NY 10075
(212) 288-6900