Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)

At the corner of 40th and Fifth Avenue (catty-corner to its parent) sits the very handsome, newly renovated Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (part of NYPL).  They want you back!.  Not only is the interior of this building state-of-the art, bright, vibrant and exciting, it is just plain cool!

For years this branch of the NYPL (formerly known as the Mid-Manhattan Library) languished in what I remember as a rather drab, poorly lit, boring space, which in later years became somewhat of a safe place for the homeless, especially on bad weather days.  I want the homeless to have good, safe places to hang out when they can’t be in their shelter, but this was a total turnoff for me every time I visited.  So after a while I stopped going.  I don’t know the whole history, but homeless or not the interior was tired and needed upgrading.

With support from both New York City and a $55 million gift from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation toward the full cost of $200 million, the NYPL was able to gut renovate what was originally an early 1900’s department store and turn it into NYPL’s largest lending library.  At a time when libraries around the country are shrinking, the SNFL went big and bold making the lending library not only a “must see,” but a statement of optimisim for the future. 

More than a library, it is a true learning center and it’s all FREE.  Every day you can select from thousands of books and an assortment of classes covering a range of topics tailored to all ages.  Need to learn about using a computer?  Want to figure out social media?  Thinking about learning how to knit?  You’ll be amazed with the array of classes from which to choose and how you do it—in person or online. 

If you’re on your scooter and you need a breather from the craziness outside, go here. First, it is worth seeing.  It’s beautiful!  Secondly, the entire building is EASILY accessible.  Thirdly, SNFL offers an array of services such as the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center (21,000 sq.ft), the Pasculano Learning Center (20,000 sq.ft.) and a Children and Teen Center that includes reading nooks for special needs children, computers and a podcasting studio!  If you’re traveling with children, they will enjoy the break. 

There are lots of tables and chairs, long counters and benches and plenty of outlets for your electrical needs on every floor and Wi-Fi. You just have to remember it is a library so speak softly.  All the restrooms on every floor are large and easily accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices. 

Everyone is welcome and there is plenty of security and staff up and about if you need help with anything.

Not shown here, but upstairs on the 7th floor you’ll find Amy’s Cafe hosted by Amy’s Bread, a well-known and much enjoyed local restauranteur.  Open all year round with additional seating provided on their rooftop terrace during good weather.  It is a lovely respite from the chaos of the city streets below, and it gives you a different perspective of the nearby buildings with their own architectural details.

To learn more about SNFL, click here:

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)

Credit for this outstanding design has to go to the architectural firms Mecanoo and New York City’s own Beyer, Blinder, Belle historic preservationists credited for the renovation of Grand Central and Ellis Island among many others.

Location:

455 Fifth Avenue (40th and Fifth)

New York, NY  10016

212 340-0863

Hours:

Monday to Friday               8 AM to 9 PM

Saturday and Sunday      10 AM to 6 PM

Getting there by Public Transportation:

Subway:

Any train that goes into Grand Central—

Nos. 4, 5 & 6 subway line

No. 7

Shuttle train from Times Square

Metro North

Long Island Railroad (soon to open in GC)

Bus:

Crosstown M42 stops at Fifth Avenue in both directions

Downtown on Fifth Avenue: M1, 2, 3, 4, the M55 and Q32 buses stop in front of the Main Library

Uptown on Madison Avenue: M1, 2, 3, 4 and Q32 stop on Madison between 39th and 41st. It is an easy walk/ride from there.