After three years of construction and $200 million dollars, the new seven-story branch of the New York Public Library (at 40th Street & Fifth Avenue) opened a few months ago right across the street from the flagship of the NYPL on Fifth Avenue (the Ghostbusters library). And there are few things more beautiful to me than a brand new shiny library.
One of the best parts of the top floor (next to the terrace, indoors) is an outpost of Amy’s Bread (yes your favourite part of a library should probably not be the snacks they sell, but I can’t change who I am) that sells coffee, sandwiches & baked goods that are actually great and somehow not pricey - a slice of quiche for $5? Are you kidding? Is it the year 1998? That’s amazing. And right next to that is the cleanest washroom in NYC & must have cost more money than my entire apartment with Toto toilets and Dyson hand dryers.
The outdoor public terrace holds views of the main library across the street, the skyscrapers that line Bryant Park and really it’s just wild that this is the view from a public library. There are tables and chairs outside, as well as (covered) bench seating if it starts to rain. It’s truly worth a visit if you find yourself near Bryant Park, but also if you’re looking to spend some hours working in a (free) space that’s eons more relaxing than any coffee shop. The outdoor WiFi can be spotty, but I’ve been informed that it will be perfectly working before year’s end. I almost didn’t want to post about it here in fear of letting the secret out… you know, to the millions upon millions of readers I have.
Definitely worth a visit!