This building (a.k.a. Stephen A. Schwarzman Building) opened in 1911 and is known locally as the main branch of the New York Public Library. With two sphinx-like stone lions greeting visitors, it was declared a landmark in 1965. The library, which has reading rooms, reference areas, and more recently installed Internet section, takes up two city blocks, and is adjacent to Bryant Park (which occupies the rest of a two-block area that borders on the Avenue of the Americas). Researchers are astounded to find that the library was once a reservoir (Croton Reservoir).

Tourists are happy to hear that there are free one hour walking tours Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Sunday (library is closed on Sundays in the summer) highlighting the history and architecture of the New York Public Library. These tours are a great way to get an overview of the beauty and expanse of the Library’s collections. This library has various treasures and artworks, such as the Gutenberg Bible, murals and paintings.

In late 2012, renovation plans for the Library were announced, which will add more natural light, resources and protection for its archives while doubling the space available to the public.