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10 of the USA’s most beautiful and inspiring libraries

May 17, 2024 • 7 min read

Across the country, masterpieces of civic architecture like Baltimore’s George Peabody Library enlighten and inspire © Andrea Izzotti / Shutterstock

Libraries represent a shared culture and the universality of learning. Around the world, they provide vital and vibrant spaces for communities to gather, debate, discuss – and maybe even read a bit. 

We’ve compiled a list of 10 outstanding libraries across the USA that you’ll surely want to, um, check out soon.

Europe’s most beautiful libraries

1. Iowa State Law Library, Des Moines, Iowa

Inside the grand, gold-domed State Capitol of Iowa is this Victorian fantasy of a library. Spiral staircases join multiple stories lined with wrought-iron railings on one side, with ceiling-high shelves of the books on the other. On the ground, mosaic tiles depict flowers and classical patterns; light pours in from the ceiling through panels of stained glass above. While the 100,000 volumes are available for specialized legal researchers, general visitors are most welcome to stop and take in the space.

2. Phillips Exeter Academy Library, Exeter, New Hampshire

The campus of storied preparatory school Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire rivals what you’ll find at elite universities: think lush lawns, Georgian red-brick buildings and white clock towers. But one building stands out: the Class of 1945 Library , a mini masterpiece by seminal architect Louis Kahn. What looks like a giant brick cube from the outside has at its core a soaring atrium faced with Kahn’s signature concrete. (Kahn was famously able to bring out the expressive qualities of this most workaday of materials.) Kahn’s design pushes the study carrels and book-storage areas to the rim of the building, allowing for the atrium, with its dramatic circular openings, to dominate the design. An illuminating feat indeed.

Planning tip: The library is open to outside visitors – but only a few days each year, when school is not in session. Check Philips Exeter’s website for the full list of days.

3. New York Public Library, New York City, New York

The crown jewel of a 92-branch network, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library is the epitome of beaux-arts grandeur, and an icon of New York City . Famously guarded by two stone lions, Patience and Fortitude, the building’s marble facade and exterior steps lead to a temple-like atrium. At the top of the steps, check in with a librarian at the Bill Blass Public Catalog Room, then head to the extraordinary Rose Main Reading Room – the length of two city blocks, with painted murals on the ceiling and tiered chandeliers – for an afternoon of research or writing. The best part? This palace of reading is completely open to the general public. Edification awaits.

Planning tip: Before or after visiting the library, count on taking a break in adjacent Bryant Park , surrounded by Midtown ’s skyscrapers. This once-grungy eyesore has become one of New York City’s most elegant green spaces.

Relax in one (or many) of New York City’s best parks

4. Geisel Library at University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California

In the tony La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego , this futuristic-looking building is named for generous donors Audrey and Theodor Geisel – the latter better known as Dr Seuss. It’s not just the beautifully brutalist look of the Geisel Library that turns heads: the building is situated at the head of a canyon near the center of the sunny UCSD campus. In the tower, floors four through eight house much of the Library’s collection and study space, while floors one and two have service desks and staff work areas. The library hosts special events such as educational talks, performances, films and exhibitions. 

Detour: A short distance from the UCSD campus, the Salk Institute is an architectural masterpiece by Louis Kahn. Its perfectly composed sequence of research buildings draws the eye down a central court, to the dunes and Pacific Ocean just beyond.

The best hikes in beautiful San Diego

5. Seattle Public Library, Seattle, Washington

What looks like a spaceship in the heart of downtown Seattle is in fact the repository for more than 1 million books. Designed by architectural superstar Rem Koolhaas, the tour-de-force Seattle Central Library ingeniously turns the traditional layouts of libraries upside down. Rather than relegating books to underground “stacks,” the “Books Spiral” features an uninterrupted procession of nonfiction titles – organized by the Dewey Decimal System, of course – that ascends up several stories. On the 10th floor, the soaring main reading room is awash with light that pours in through glass cross-hatched by a steel exoskeleton.

The 11 best beaches in Seattle

6. Library of Congress, Washington, DC

The largest library in the world, this peerless institution contains over 173 million items including books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts. And it’s all housed in a building that does the collection justice. The Great Hall of its main Jefferson Building is done up in stained glass, marble and mosaics of mythical characters. Nearby, treasures from the collection are on display, including a recreation of Thomas Jefferson’s own library, an exhibition of handwritten music by George and Ira Gershwin, and other temporary presentations. You can also enjoy a view of the spectacular Main Reading Room, with its curved research desks arranged in a circle around the reference desk.

Take a stroll around DC’s best neighborhoods

7. George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland

Behind a grand if forgettable beaux-arts facade is an astonishing atrium (or “Stack Room”) lined with five stories of ornamental cast-iron balconies – as well as some 300,000 books. This 1878 masterpiece, in Baltimore ’s leafy Mt Vernon neighborhood, was a gift from a Boston philanthropist and today forms part of the Johns Hopkins University system. While nonexpert visitors can’t access the specialized book collection, just a few minutes looking up in the Stack Room is enough to transport you to a higher level of learning.

8. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This ornate building makes the list to spotlight the man who did more for public libraries in the USA than anyone else. Scottish-born industrialist Andrew Carnegie made his massive fortune from the steel mills of Pittsburgh . At the peak of his career, the self-made mogul turned to philanthropy, eventually giving away billions (in today’s dollars) toward research institutions, music, the cause of world peace and – above all – libraries. Around the world, over 2500 “ Carnegie libraries ” sprang up, of which almost 1800 were in his adopted homeland. And they were grand indeed.

The 1895 main branch of the Pittsburgh library system – known, naturally, as the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – features the architectural hallmarks of the best civic buildings of its time: marble stairs leading to a beaux-art facade, and a main reading room with a barrel-vaulted, coffered ceiling. Whether you’re researching your next book or just skimming the paper, reading becomes an elevated experience here.

Detour: The main branch is in the same complex as the wonderful Carnegie Museums . Round out your reading by taking in some dinosaur fossils or contemporary paintings afterward.

9. Provincetown Public Library, Provincetown, Massachusetts

It’s a sight out of a New England tourist brochure: the white clapboard church, smack in the center of town. But this building, on Commercial St in Provincetown , is today a different kind of temple – one to learning, for the 1860 ecclesiastical building became the town’s main public library in 2005. This delightful story of architectural repurposing has yet another twist. For a period of time, the former church housed a local-history museum, with a half-size replica of the town’s famed race-winning schooner Rose Dorothea as its centerpiece. The replica proved too big to remove when the library-conversion work got underway – which means the readers today peruse the stacks next to the hulking hull of a historic vessel. It doesn’t get more New England than this.

Detour: Books followed by ice cream is always a brilliant idea. From the library, walk a short distance down Commercial St to the Nut House to get a few scoops from  Cambridge -based cult favorite Toscanini’s.

Top 14 things to do in Provincetown, from LGBTIQ+ tea parties to strolls among the dunes

10. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University, New Haven

Built in 1963, this extraordinary work of architecture befits its collection of rare manuscripts, which includes a Gutenberg Bible; manuscripts by Dickens and Goethe; maps from the Middle Ages; and many other treasures. The centerpiece of the building – whose exhibition hall on the ground floor and mezzanine is open to the public – is a tower of book stacks containing the priceless collection. Enclosing the structure is a curtain of panels made of thinly cut translucent marble. By day, the panels filter sunlight into the building, protecting the collection; after dark, the building subtly glows from within.

Detour: Long a foodie favorite, New Haven pizza (or “apizza”) shouldn’t be missed. Three legendary joints each have their fierce partisans: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana , Modern Apizza and Sally’s Apizza .

New Haven is pizza heaven

This article was first published Aug 6, 2019 and updated May 17, 2024.

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Author Visits

An author or illustrator visit can be a great way to connect children - and their families - with the magic of books and reading.

• ALSC's Guide to Arranging an Author Visit Includes tips and resources to help ensure a successful visit.
• ALA's division, the Association for Library Service to Children, has prepared this guide specifically on author visits for children: Tips from the Maureen Hayes Award Selection Committee on planning an author or illustrator appearance

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• School Visit

Plan a visit with the Hoboken Public Library! 

Our Youth Services Team would love to plan a visit with your class, pre-school, or daycare!  You and your students can visit the Library, or we can come to you!

Children as young as preschoolers can enjoy story times, activities, and kid-friendly library orientations. Older students can learn about the library’s resources, learn how to find and access research materials, make library cards, and check out books. 

Where do you want your visit to take place?

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If your class is doing a specific project or exploring a certain topic, our librarians can assist in finding books for your class to read and check out. 

If you would like to register your students for library cards, please share this form with them so we can have the student’s card ready for your visit:

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If you have students who have library cards, please remind them to bring their cards on the day of your visit!

We are looking forward to seeing you and your students! Please book your visit with us below.

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All Cleveland Public Library locations are closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

Tour Cleveland Public Library

I like the fact that, as a tour guide, I can share my enthusiasm for what this institution is all about. The accumulated knowledge of thousands of men and women—their thoughts, ideas, dreams, and passions—can be found here in the Library. With a free library card, you have the opportunity to access that knowledge. You’re studying with the masters here. This is your library—make use of it. Joseph Parnell, Retired Library Assistant and 44-year veteran of Cleveland Public Library

Discover all that Cleveland Public Library has to offer by taking a free tour of the downtown Main Library campus. Learn about the Library’s history, art, and architecture; tour our cutting-edge TechCentral department ; explore our chess sets and miniature books in Special Collections ; take in breathtaking city views on the tenth floor of the Louis Stokes Wing; tour our Photograph and Maps collections; and much more.

Tours are limited to groups of 5-15 guests (18 years and older). Smaller groups may tour the Library on their own with the help of our Self-Guided Tour pamphlet , and larger groups may contact the Library for more information. If you would like to arrange a tour for children under 18, or if you’re scheduling a tour on behalf of a school or youth organization, please visit our Schedule a Visit to Youth Services page.

Most tours last between 90 minutes and two hours and are led by trained, knowledgeable employees. The downtown Main Library campus encompasses two large buildings: the Louis Stokes Wing (525 Superior Avenue) and the historic Main Library (325 Superior Avenue). These buildings are connected via an underground passage. Please allow approximately two hours if you hope to tour both buildings of our downtown campus. Shorter tours are available, but such tours will focus on a limited number of departments. All guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and expect a fair amount of walking. Cleveland Public Library is ADA-accessible; please make a note on your reservation request if any members of your party have mobility issues and/or require assistance.

Tour reservations should be made at least one month in advance. The downtown Main Library campus is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Please note that tours are based on staff availability.

If you have additional questions, please call The Main Library Office at (216) 623-3420 or email [email protected].

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Class visits & tours.

Waukesha Public Library welcomes classes and groups of all ages to learn more about the facilities and many resources the library has to offer. The entire library has recently been updated with the first floor Adult collections, Reference area and the Teen Zone completed in 2005. The new children's area on the second floor was officially opened in March 2010. This beautiful setting for children and parents includes sun splashed window seats, updated computer stations and 321 Alphabet Square , an interactive play space designed for youngest children to develop pre-reading skills. This bright and spacious building is the perfect place to browse, read, chat, and checkout books, movies, music and more! Call to schedule your tour of this vibrant community space.

Group leaders and teachers may make special requests as to the type of information that they would like presented. Most visits will last 30 to 40 minutes and consist of some of the following:

• Library Instruction
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• Tours of the children's and/or Teen and/or Adult areas
• Demonstration of print or non-print resources

Following the tour, classes are free to browse for books, conduct research and check out materials. Tours should be scheduled as far in advance as possible; a minimum of one week notice is requested. Tours will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Scheduling is dependant on staff and meeting space availability. An adult staff member should accompany and remain with the class or group throughout the tour. Leaders are asked to remind children of proper library behavior before the visit.

For classes to receive library cards and check out materials the day of their tour, card applications should be signed by parent or guardian and returned to the library a minimum of 10 working days before the visit. Teachers and leaders will want to allow extra time in their schedule for students to select and check out materials.

Registration

Children's groups and classes sixth grade and younger may schedule their visits with the Children's Department by calling 262 524-3692, and adult groups and classes seventh grade and up may arrange their visits with the Information Services Department at 262 524-3682.

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Special Collections is located at the Central Library in Copley Square, at 700 Boylston Street in Boston.

Inside the library, we are located on the 4th floor of the Boylston Street Building.

Take the Glass Elevator near the Boylston entrance to "3U."

The library is conveniently located near many public transit stations, including the Copley station of the Green Line, the Back Bay station of the Orange Line and Commuter Rail, and bus lines 9, 10, 55, 39, 504, 57, 553, and 501. Use the MBTA Trip Planner for more information on traveling by transit.

Bicycle racks are available near the library at the corner of Blagden Street and Dartmouth Street, and along the west side of the Boylston Street Building on Exeter Street. A Bluebikes station is located on the corner of Dartmouth Street and Boylston Street.

Limited street parking is available in the Back Bay neighborhood. Nearby hotels and shopping centers in Copley Square also offer paid garage parking.

The Central Library has points of interest in two buildings. There are three public floors in the McKim Building, and four public floors in Boylston Street Building. Every floor is reachable by elevator if you are not able to use the stairs. The Dartmouth Street (McKim Building) and Boylston Street (Boylston Street Building) entrances are both accessible. If you need assistance or have any questions about accessibility while exploring the building, please email [email protected] or call 617.859.2216 .

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Take a tour, heaven & earth: the blue maps of china, special collections open house: asian american and pacific…, special collections open house: lgbtqia+ pride, special collections open house: summer fun, special collections open house: conservation showcase, special collections open house: hispanic heritage month, currently on display.

This Just In highlights a selection of recent acquisitions that have found their place within BPL’s collections and illuminate the dynamic nature of creativity and the narratives that shape our world. Between 2019 and 2023, Special Collections and the Leventhal Map & Education Center made over 200 acquisitions through donations and purchases. Richly diverse in their origins and focus, each acquisition enhances public understanding of our past and current cultural lives.

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An architectural and historical jewel, the Central Library is the community gathering place for learning, reading, exploring, connection, and contemplation. It opened its doors to the public on October 3rd, 1898, and for more than 120 years, has remained the city’s most welcoming destination for cultural and scholarly enrichment.

Showcasing detailed craftsmanship, ornate decoration, and fascinating special features, the must-see Central Library is now designated a historic landmark by the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by Milwaukee architects Ferry and Clas with a combination of French and Italian Renaissance styles, the building reflects both the Louvre Museum in Paris and the library of the University of Leipzig, Germany.

Several additions over the past century helped make up the square-block building that stands at 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue today. The most recent addition to the building was completed in 1957 and included the grand staircase, two additional stories above and four levels below ground. A recently added feature to the building’s exterior is the breathtaking green roof featuring green infrastructure, an observation deck, native landscaping, solar panels, and a spectacular view of downtown.

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16 Toronto attractions you can visit for free with your library card in 2024

Y ou can enjoy more than just books with your library card. The Toronto Public Library has a program called tpl:map which allows you to explore some incredible Toronto attractions for free .

You can use your adult library card to book a free pass to a range of participating landmarks, museums and more across the city on the tpl:map website . All you need to do is reserve your date from available venues, download or print your pass before visiting and enjoy the amazing experiences Toronto has to offer.

Passes become available online the first day of each month for the following month. You can book one pass per attraction per calendar year and cardholders can only have one active reservation at a time.

The CN Tower will soon be added to the list of participating spots, with passes available starting May 16.

Here are 16 incredible Toronto attractions you can explore with your library card.

Art Gallery of Ontario

www.instagram.com

Price: Free

Address: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Fancy seeing some art? You can head to the AGO for free with your tpl:map pass.

The gallery features a large collection of works by the Group of Seven as well as an African art gallery and contemporary pieces.

The pass allows two people admission during regular hours. Ontario residents who are 24 and younger can enjoy free admission year-round without a pass.

The gallery also offers free admission on Wednesday nights.

AGO website

Toronto Zoo

Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can see adorable animals for free with tpl:map. The Zoo is open year-round and is home to over 3,000 animals.

The cardholder and group of a maximum of two adults and two children ages 3 to 12 can get free general admission during regular public hours.

Toronto Zoo website

Toronto Railway Museum

Address: 255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can learn all about Toronto's railway heritage at this spot. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum is home to exhibits, educational programs, publications and more.

The pass allows a total of two adults and three children ages 13 and under to enjoy free general admission during regular public hours.

Toronto Railway Museum website

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Address: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Take a trip back in time at this historic village which features 40 heritage buildings, 50,000 artifacts and more.

From costumed educators to animals and workshops, you can get a little taste of what life was like in the region during the 1860s.

The pass grants free admission for the cardholder and three others and is not valid for special events.

Black Creek Pioneer Village website

Textile Museum of Canada

Address: 55 Centre Ave., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can check out the only museum in Canada with programs and exhibits entirely dedicated to textiles.

The cardholder and group of maximum four visitors, including the cardholder, can get free general admission during regular public hours.

Textile Museum website

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Address: 288 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can see this popular attraction for free by booking a reservation with your library card. The aquarium is home to 10 galleries featuring 20,000 aquatic animals from all around the world.

The cardholder and group of maximum four visitors can enjoy free general admission during regular public hours. The pass is not valid for special events or exhibitions.

Ripley's website

Gardiner Museum

Address: 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can spend a day exploring an "internationally-renowned collection of ceramics, including pottery from the Ancient Americas, Chinese and Japanese Porcelain, and contemporary Canadian ceramics," according to the museum's website .

The pass allows the cardholder and group of maximum two adults and three children ages 13 and under to explore the museum for free during regular public hours.

Gardiner Museum website

Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: 158 Sterling Rd., #100, Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: According to the Toronto Public Library, you can head to this museum to check out "rotating exhibitions by Canadian and international artists and engaging programming for art lovers of all ages."

The museum is situated on the first three floors of the historic Auto BLDG. and is known for its stunning architecture.

The cardholder and group of maximum two adults and four youth 18 and under can enjoy free admission during regular hours.

MOCA website

When: Passes being released May 16, 2024

Address: 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can soon visit this iconic Toronto landmark for free! The CN Tower will be available to access with tpl:map soon, with passes being released on May 16, 2024 at 2 p.m.

The 553.33 metre tower is an "award-winning entertainment experience and a must see in Toronto," according to the Toronto Public Library .

You can enjoy 360-degree views from the Main Observation Level or take a look at the city below on the glass floor.

The cardholder and group of maximum four visitors are entitled to free general admission during regular public hours.

CN Tower website

Aga Khan Museum

Address: 77 Wynford Dr., North York, ON

Why You Need To Go: According to the Toronto Public Library, the Aga Khan Museum is "North America's first and only museum dedicated to the arts and culture of the Muslim world."

You can enjoy the collection of manuscripts, paintings, ceramics and more as well as film screenings, lectures and other events.

The cardholder and group (maximum 2 adults and 4 children ages 17 and under) are entitled to free general admission during regular public hours.

Aga Khan Museum website

Ontario Science Centre

Address: 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON

Why You Need To Go: With immersive exhibits and unique attractions based on science and technology, this museum always makes for a fun day trip.

It's also home to Ontario's only IMAX Dome theatre.

The pass grants free admission to the cardholder and group of maximum two adults and two children ages 17 and under during regular hours.

Ontario Science Centre website

Royal Conservatory of Music

Address: 273 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: The cardholder and one guest can enjoy free admission to a musical performance at the Royal Conservatory.

The building is home to "one of the world’s finest concert halls, Koerner Hall," according to the Toronto Public Library website.

Royal Conservatory of Music website

Bata Shoe Museum

Address: 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can "step" into some fun at this museum which is totally dedicated to footwear. The attraction features an international collection of 15,000 shoes and related artefacts spanning 4,500 years of history.

You can explore the four rotating galleries and see all sorts of heels, sneakers, boots and more.

The pass allows a maximum of two adults and four children under 18 to enter the museum during regular public hours.

Bata Shoe Museum website

Royal Ontario Museum

Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can explore Canada's largest museum for free. From dinosaur bones to shimmering gemstones, this museum has so many unique exhibits to check out.

The cardholder and group including a maximum of four visitors are entitled to free general admission during regular public hours.

ROM website

Address: 427 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a unique performance of 17th- to 19th-century instrumental and choral music at this spot.

The cardholder and one guest (an adult or a child aged eight and older) can get free admission to a performance of their choice, depending on availability.

Tafelmusik website

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Address: 60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy an incredible free performance at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with your library card.

The cardholder and one guest can get free admission to one performance of their on offer, depending on availability.

TSO website

Summer Reading Challenge announced by Topeka and Shawnee Public Library

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Special programs are being planned for youngsters and adults alike this summer at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library,

The programs, which will be offered during June and July, will include the Summer Reading Challenge; entertainment; activities; and the The Floor is Lava art exhibit for children.

In addition, the Adventuremobile will venture into the community Mondays through Fridays.

People of all ages are eligible to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

Children ages birth to 17 years old can participate in the Summer Reading Challenge and earn a prize for every two hours of reading, up to 8 hours total.

Adults participating in the Summer Reading Challenge can earn two prizes for reading six books in June and July.

The Summer Reading Challenge launches with a Kickoff Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, in the library parking lot and inside the library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave.

The Kickoff Party will feature the cover band Switch in Time; face-painting; touch-a-truck; games; demonstrations from the McEachron Elementary School Unicycle team.

Presentations also will be made by the Ad Astra Youth Roller Derby; the Great Plains Balloon Club; and My Gym.

Special events will be featured every day in June and July, including the following events on Tuesdays through Fridays:

• Stories & More for 3-to-5 year olds -- 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stories, songs and activities will be included in the programs.
• Fun at One for elementary-age children – 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The event will allow children to “create, play and discover with a cool activity,” organizers said.
• Blockbuster Wednesdays for families -- 10 to 11 a.m., 1 to 2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The event will feature “performers including Cruzline Drumline; Amazing Arthur magic and comedy; Operation Wildlife; Magician Jack Reid; Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo; Dino O’Dell music and storytelling; Mad Science; Balloon Animal Adventures; and the Sugar Free Allstars rock show
• Friday Flicks for families -- 1 tp 3 p.m. Fridays. A different family movie will be shown each Friday.

Another special event will take place from June 1 to Aug. 18, when library will feature the family-friendly art exhibit The Floor is Lava which guides children through a volcano adventure.

With the help of volcanologists, visitors will discover art and other hands-on and play activities to give them the tools to study the library’s very own volcano.

Each week the gallery will have art and craft projects for children.

Find more details at tscpl.org/gallery .

The annual art exhibit for children is made possible in part by The Library Foundation through contributions from the Sabatini Family Foundation.

For more information and to register for the Summer Reading Program, click here .

Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.

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Library's African American History Research Center Hosts 3rd Annual George Floyd Memorial Lecture

In response to the murder of George Floyd, Houston Public Library's African American History Research Center (AAHRC) launched the George Floyd Lecture Series to foster difficult yet crucial conversations about racial equity and social justice.

Join us on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Noon – 2 p.m., for a riveting conversation with guest speaker Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry. Register now or continue reading full media alert .

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You can now get free admission to the CN Tower with a Toronto Public Library Card

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Residents who want to enjoy Toronto's most famous attraction, the CN Tower, now have a new way to do so completely free of charge: with their Toronto Public Library card.

The TPL announced the game-changing addition to its tpl:map program on Tuesday, saying in a press release that as of 2 p.m. Thursday, May 16, anyone with a valid adult library membership can book complimentary passes to the tower through its website.

For those unaware of  tpl:map , it offers cardholders the chance to visit more than a dozen of sites around the city for free, from the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum to Ripley's Aquarium and the Toronto Zoo.

The inclusion of the CN Tower on this list is huge, saving patrons and their guests the usual $14 (for children) to $43 (for adults) fee each for timed general admission up the iconic 553 m high structure.

Passes will be subject to availability and will grant a TPL member and a group, for a maximum of four people, free general admission during regular public hours. Passes will not include special attractions and will need to be reserved online in advance.

"Like the CN Tower, Toronto Public Library is an iconic institution that connects our community. That's why we're so proud to partner with the library and to join the tpl:map service," a representative from CN Tower said of the new collaboration.

"This is one of the many ways we are working to make our experience more accessible and inclusive, and we hope many Torontonians will take advantage of this program to come and celebrate with us."

JHVEPhoto /Shutterstock

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The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures

Join us for The New York Public Library's first-ever permanent exhibition highlighting our world-renowned research collections.

Español (Spanish)  | 中文 (Chinese)

For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library has collected, preserved, and made accessible the world’s knowledge. Now, for the first time, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures showcases some of the most extraordinary items from the 56 million in our collections, inspiring and empowering visitors to discover, learn, and create new knowledge—today and in the years ahead.

The treasures in this exhibition tell the stories of people, places, and moments spanning 4,000 years—from the emergence of the written word through to the present day. Visitors will encounter manuscripts, artworks, letters, still and moving images, recordings, and more that bring vividly to life voices of the past. While the Library’s collections have always been available for public use, the Polonsky Exhibition builds on our 125-year legacy by offering a unique opportunity to make new connections and expand our understanding of the world and each other—so that together we can shape a better future.

Plan your visit  to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building and explore the free Treasures Audio Guide .

For exhibition hours, see Stephen A. Schwarzman Building hours . Please be prepared for a short wait between lining up and entering the show, especially during busy times such as weekend afternoons.

Free 45-minute tours of the Polonsky Exhibition take place Monday to Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 PM.

The Fate of Frankenstein: Audio Guide

Delve into some of the Library's most remarkable holdings relating to author Mary Shelley and her gothic masterpiece,  Frankenstein,  with an all-new audio guide. Our host, the award-winning author and screenwriter Neil Gaiman, introduces a team of experts who shed light on key objects on view in  The Fate of Frankenstein,  a special display within the Polonsky Exhibition.

Explore the Exhibition Online

Dig deeper into the themes explored in the Polonsky Exhibition and discover more information about the wide array of objects on display, including the remarkable collections from which they are drawn.

Access the Digital Guide on Bloomberg Connects

Explore the full exhibition, accompanying audio guide, specialized tours, outgoing items, newest additions, and more about the Library on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Acceda a la guía digital en Bloomberg Connects

Explore la exhibición completa, la audioguía que la acompaña, los recorridos especializados, los tomos y materiales salientes, las adiciones más recientes y más sobre la Biblioteca en Bloomberg Connects, la aplicación gratuita de arte y cultura.

在 Bloomberg Connects 上访问数字导览

在免费的艺术和文化应用 Bloomberg Connects 上探索全部展览、随附的音频导览、特别导览、外出展品、新展品以及图书馆的更多精彩内容。

LIVE from NYPL

LIVE from NYPL, the Library’s premier cultural series, offers special events exploring the objects, ideas, and themes that animate the Polonsky Exhibition.

• Birds of New York: Audubon in the City
• Climate Change: The Case for Hope and Healing with Katharine Hayhoe and Tia Nelson
• Words that Move Me with Merriam-Webster
• Annotating  Mrs. Dalloway : Merve Emre with James Wood

Plan Your Visit

Get the most out of your visit to the Polonsky Exhibition and the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, and find out what you need to know about what to bring with you, how to find us, accessibility, and more!

• Español (Spanish)
• 中文 (Chinese)

Exhibition Accessibility: Accommodations & Resources

The New York Public Library strives to ensure that everyone has access to the full range of information, services, and programs offered at the Library. 

• Large print and braille label text as well as tactile objects related to the exhibition are available at the Visitor Center.
• ASL-interpreted, verbal description, and touch tours can be arranged with two weeks’ advance notice. Contact [email protected] .
• Sensory-friendly family days (soft rest areas, limited background noise, activities with educators) are available every three months.
• Benches are located throughout the exhibition for visitors to use.
• We welcome all wheelchairs and mobility devices.

To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] .

To learn more about the accessibility of NYPL websites and mobile applications, see our Web & Mobile Accessibility Policy .

Special Thanks:

• Victor Chu, Director— Sky Tech One
• Justin Namon, FPV Drone Pilot
• Rob McEnaney, FPV Drone Technician

Audio Guide in English

Discover highlights of the Polonsky Exhibition with the free Treasures Audio Guide, accessible onsite or from anywhere on mobile devices. Don’t forget your headphones! The audio guide in English is hosted by actress, playwright, and Library Lion Anna Deavere Smith .

All audio guides can be accessed via your mobile device. Visitors on site are welcome to connect to our free Wi-Fi service (“AudioGuide_Treasures”) in Gottesman Hall.

Audio Guide in English with Verbal Descriptions

The Treasures Audio Guide with verbal descriptions contains full image descriptions of every item on the audio tour, followed by interpretive commentary hosted by actress, playwright, and Library Lion Anna Deavere Smith . A complete transcription of every stop is also included in the guide.

Audioguía en español

Descubra los aspectos más destacados de la exhibición Polonsky con la audioguía gratuita Treasures, a la que podrá acceder in situ o desde cualquier lugar a través de dispositivos móviles. ¡No olvide sus auriculares! La audioguía en español es presentada por el novelista, periodista y productor de radio  Daniel Alarcón .

在展览现场或随时随地在移动设备上利用免费的宝藏展音频导览探索展览的亮点。不要忘记佩戴耳机！普通话音频导览由电影制作人 赵婷 担任讲解员。

Learning with the Library's Treasures

Plan a class field trip to the Polonsky Exhibition for a free guided tour of some of our greatest treasures. Students will be introduced to the history of The New York Public Library and some of the most extraordinary items from the millions in our vast collections.

Discover all the programs that NYPL’s Center for Educators and Schools offers through the Polonsky Exhibition, including free class field trips, special access to items in our collections, and much more.

Exhibition Tours

Free 45-minute tours of the Polonsky Exhibition will take place Monday to Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 PM. Please note:

• Tours are limited to the first 15 people who sign up.
• Registration will be available at the exhibition entrance, where the tour convenes, 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.

In the Spotlight: Exhibition Highlights

Explore treasures with library experts.

Listen to expert Library staff discuss some of the extraordinary items in the Polonsky Exhibition and the collections that house them in our new video series.

Shop the Library

Celebrate the Library’s vast collections with a variety of books and gifts inspired by the Polonsky Exhibition. All purchases help support the important work of the Library. 

Bring the Exhibition Home

This beautifully illustrated companion volume showcases the breadth and depth of the Library’s collections, and gives visitors from around the world an opportunity to take home and enjoy these extraordinary items for years to come.

Research at the Library

With our expansive historic collections, expert librarians, and a variety of fellowships and learning opportunities available, The New York Public Library is an invaluable resource for writers, scholars, students, and creators worldwide.

Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

The New York Public Library’s flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is renowned for its extraordinary historical collections and its commitment to providing free and equal access to its resources.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts houses one of the world's most extensive research collections in the fields of theater, film, dance, music, and recorded sound, as well as a wide array of circulating and reference materials.

Get a Library Card

Sign up for a library card for free online today! Access everything the Library has to offer, from free one-on-one online tutoring to e-books, with your library card.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our free e-newsletters to be the first to know about event registration, new library services, and more!

Support the Library

Our collections, programs, and resources are made freely available to New Yorkers thanks to contributions from supporters like you. Become a member today and enjoy exclusive benefits, including special access to the Polonsky Exhibition, behind-the-scenes access to our collections, and more.

For any questions about visiting the Polonsky Exhibition, please call 917-ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975) or email us: [email protected].

Please note that due to limited space, strollers are not permitted in the exhibition. Please inquire with staff on site about solutions for storing your stroller or with any additional concerns. This does not apply to mobility aids used by people with disabilities.

Select photography by Robert Kato.