Jefferson Market Library | Manhattan, NY

Highly recommend this historic fully functioning library that feels like a history museum. It's rich with artifacts and even the smells of yesteryear when it was a courthouse, police court and holding area for prisoners. The stained glass windows let's the bright sun shine through. Despite the age of the building, patrons are kept comfortable with warm heating and other facilities. I look forward to spending more time here. They should give tours, to give live to the history, culture, architecture and richness of this branch. So glad I finally visited. The information sheet is quite interesting - puts Ragtime in context. Kudos to New York Public Library for yet another branch very well done. Free for the public to enjoy.

Posted on: December 27, 2025

It is a prime example of adaptive reuse, transforming places previously used as courts and detention centers into beautiful gardens and libraries. The high ceiling, arched stairs, and antique interior are impressive to viewers. However, it's too small for library functions, making it difficult to find a seat. It seems that having many tourists due to its aesthetic function causes inconvenience to actual users. Nevertheless, the demolition of the women's detention center site and the creation of a garden, and the beautiful building are worth visiting at least once. Subway accessibility is also good.

Posted on: April 11, 2026

A quiet quaint library 📚 close to 9th st Path station, well situated in the student area of NYU. New Yorkers recognize this building as the one where a giant spider dangles during Halloween parade and marks as the starting point for the parade. A lot of history to this beautiful NY building which apparently was a court building at some point. Statues and arches on the lower level give it an old feel while the huge high ceiling on upper level give a modern feel along with the spiral staircase with mosaic windows making it look rustic. Would love to see what these mosaic look like during the day. The lower level had the feel of olden era with elderly folks quietly browsing newspapers and the upper level was more hip with suitably younger crowds. Both appealed to me. The staff here was very pleasant and friendly. Would love to visit again. ❤️👍

Posted on: February 26, 2025

Moderately sized church styled building converted into a library with a garden attached in the back. The cellar has many artworks, antiques, and statues. Meanwhile, the second floor has colored glass windows and a nook with views over to the flowers from the garden

Posted on: August 23, 2025

This doesn’t look like a library on the outside or inside. It’s like this beautiful European-esque gem. The winding staircase with the stain glass windows are mesmerizing. It’s not a huge space, but there seemed to be enough open areas that I easily found a place to relax and do some quiet reading. So happy I popped in here!

Posted on: June 21, 2025