The New York Society Library

Category: Library in New York

Address: 53 E 79th St, New York, NY 10075, USA

Phone: +12122886900

Opening hours

Sunday: 11AM–5PM

Monday: 9AM–5PM

Tuesday: 9AM–7PM

Wednesday: 9AM–7PM

Thursday: 9AM–7PM

Friday: 9AM–5PM

Saturday: 11AM–5PM

Reviews

erica hasan

Mar 17, 2022

It's nice, but they won't allow you to use the children's area on a day pass. Very disappointing. They should list this on the website.

Jonathan Friedman

Mar 12, 2022

Beautiful, comfortable, friendly, and well stocked private library. I love spending time here.

Maria Barrera

Feb 16, 2022

The New York Society Library is a gem. The oldest library in New York City, it was founded in 1754 - their early records are digitized and can be searched in the library website. The collection is wonderful, carefully curated, housed in twelve floors of stacks, most of them open. It has beautiful spaces for reading and studying, including desks placed directly among the stacks - one of which, the Green Alcove, is pure magic. It also has an exhibition gallery, and hosts talks frequently. An amazing institution, that keeps alive an inclusive and welcoming spirit. Indeed, as some reviewers before me have noted, it is members-only, self sustaining and independent. No stuffiness here, only true love of books.

Precious Dela Rosa

Oct 25, 2021

I wandered in not knowing it was a member-only library. The workers at the front desk offered a free tour. The library was lovely and the tour was free, educational and interesting! The tour guide was really nice and I had a great visit here.

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Questions & Answers

Can you make copies at the library?

Cecile Babich Morrow | Oct 2, 2021
Carolyn Waters | Jul 4, 2022

Yes. $.15 per black & white copy

Is there an elevator for members?

Jean Mensing | Oct 3, 2019
Holman Linnea61 | Oct 3, 2019

Yes there is

How do I become a member?

samuel cameron | Oct 3, 2018
Christopher Williams | Oct 3, 2018

You can purchase a membership online or in person at the library. Pricing options are available online.

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Is it possible to cancel my tickets (2) for the Ada Calhoun talk? I was looking forward to it but something important has come up that requires ny presence. Thanks so much.Belinda Pokorny

Belinda Pokorny | Sep 30, 2022
The New York Society Library | Sep 30, 2022

Ms. Pokorny, Yes. We'll forward your request on to our Events department.

How does one renew a book - preferably on-line?

Belinda Pokorny | Oct 2, 2021
Carolyn Waters | Jul 4, 2022

Yes, members may renew books online, in person, or by phone.

Is there computers

C0ld Synix | Oct 3, 2019
Liz | Oct 3, 2019

A few in the stacks and members can sigh out laptops at the circulation desk.

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Do you have a cumpter to print papers out

Mona Kassim | Oct 3, 2019
Carolyn Waters | Jul 4, 2022

Yes, Library members have access to computers and printers.

Do you have audio books?

Margaret Ovitt | Oct 3, 2019
Thomas Tallerico | Oct 3, 2019

Yes large online library. A most wonderful private library.

Is the library open to the public?

Suzannah Lessard | Oct 3, 2019
Carolyn Waters | Jul 4, 2022

We are open to the public. Our reference room, exhibition gallery, and many events are free and open to the public. Library members have access to reading & study spaces, book and magazine circulating privileges. Membership is open to all for a fee. As Thomas mentioned, we also sell day passes for $20 that give users access to reading & study spaces in the building.

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Is there a cafe or a cafeteria in the library?

Donna Knipp | Oct 3, 2018
Christopher Williams | Oct 3, 2018

No, there is nonfood or drink allowed in the library, and no cafe.

Private study rooms?

Marianne | Oct 3, 2018
Carolyn Waters | Jul 4, 2022

The private study rooms can be booked in advance, but members can also add their name to a waitlist when they arrive at the Library.

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Are you open today - Monday - 2/19?

Janet Black | Oct 3, 2018
Carolyn Waters | Jul 4, 2022

We are open 7 days a week. Holiday closings are listed on the footer of our website.

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