The New York Society Library | Manhattan, NY

The library itself is good, but pretty terrible for accessibility. They do not have a ramp, or elevator to get in, requiring you to haul your stroller, or a wheelchair, up at least 15 stairs. They say they will help you, but nobody is around to do so, requiring you to leave your children out on the street, to go up and request help from inside at the front desk. Honestly, very surprising rom such a “child centered” library. Also, it seems very dangerous, since you have to walk here, stroller down the steps, my daughter almost fell out a few times. Seems like a very easy fix, I’m very surprised no one has done so yet.

Posted on: October 29, 2025

$20 for oneday pass. There's no public bathrooms.

Posted on: June 07, 2025

This is a membership library where you feel safe and calm to read books. It is clear the library will not have public bathrooms which makes sense to members. Reading rooms and writing rooms are very minimal but still has original architectural details. Lovely staffs!

Posted on: June 29, 2025

It is a nice spot... But it really is upscale and not meant for people like you and me (brown). That is unless you are swimming in $$$ I felt very much out of place here and maybe that is a good thing. I’m sure they have lovely books, all the best books, but people only seem to go here to study. I did not see anyone in the actual stacks enjoying the books. I’m a little sour on this spot because i thought it would be a hidden gem but very much like the rest of New York City there is no such thing. If i was rich I would just buy books and make my own library instead of getting a membership to this stuffy place. On the flip side, have you been to an actual Nyc Library lately? It is full of wonderful people and great books.

Posted on: October 23, 2017

This is NOT public, do not be misled. I don't know what the other reviews were about but from what I could glimpse there's only one reference room allegedly for public access and it is apparently undergoing renovation rn. Everything else in the building is member only. Now this would be less annoying if they had at least put up a sign outside that says this so non members don't have to go in only to be told that "public" access is not public. The ppl at the front desk were not particularly friendly either and I got the sense that they didn't like having some random non member unwilling to pay $100 a year bothering them, as they kept telling me about the actual New York public library and about the $100 membership. If the only public part of the building is unavailable the least one could do is put up a sign at the front door informing this instead of a sign that makes it look like there are still public access. Overall, disappointing. Not worth the trip.

Posted on: October 13, 2024