Fun Facts About the New York Public Library

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the most famous libraries in the world, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Established in 1895, it has become essential to New York City’s cultural and intellectual life. But beyond its vast collection of books and grand architecture, there are many fascinating facts about this iconic institution. Let’s look at fun facts about the New York Public Library.

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1. The NYPL is One of the Largest Libraries in the World

The New York Public Library is the third-largest library in the world, following the British Library and the Library of Congress. It holds over 56 million items, including books, maps, manuscripts, and historical documents.

2. The Library’s Main Branch Has Famous Guardians

The two majestic marble lions standing at the entrance of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue are named Patience and Fortitude. Originally called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox, after the library’s founders, their names were changed in the 1930s by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who felt they represented the qualities New Yorkers needed during the Great Depression.

3. The Rose Main Reading Room is a Stunning Masterpiece

The Rose Main Reading Room is one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world. Spanning nearly the length of a football field (297 feet long and 78 feet wide), it features soaring ceilings adorned with a celestial mural and magnificent chandeliers. This breathtaking space has been featured in movies like Ghostbusters and The Day After Tomorrow.

4. Winnie-the-Pooh Lives Here

The original stuffed animals that inspired A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories are housed in the NYPL’s Children’s Center. Visitors can see Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, and Kanga, who originally belonged to Christopher Robin Milne, the author’s son.

5. A Hidden Train System Lies Beneath the Library

Rumors of underground tunnels beneath the NYPL are true! A hidden train track once ran under the library, connected to Grand Central Terminal. The track, Track 61, was used by VIPs, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to travel discreetly in and out of the city.

6. The NYPL’s Collection Includes a Lock of Beethoven’s Hair

Among the NYPL’s many treasures is a lock of composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s hair. This rare artifact is part of the Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His Circle, which includes historical manuscripts and literary works.

7. It’s a Popular Movie and TV Location

The NYPL has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including:

Ghostbusters (1984) – The library’s basement serves as the location where the Ghostbusters encounter their first ghost.
Sex and the City (2008) – Carrie Bradshaw plans her wedding at the NYPL.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004) – The library becomes a refuge during a catastrophic storm.

8. It Owns One of the Few Remaining Copies of the Gutenberg Bible

The NYPL is home to one of only 49 surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the first major book printed using movable type. The copy at the NYPL is one of the most well-preserved in the world and is a highlight of the library’s collection.

9. You Can Borrow Books with a Library Card – Even Without Visiting

New York residents can apply for a free NYPL library card online, giving them access to millions of e-books, audiobooks, and digital resources without stepping inside the building.

10. The Library Once Housed a Speakeasy

During Prohibition, a hidden speakeasy operated in the NYPL’s basement. It was frequented by writers, intellectuals, and journalists who enjoyed drinks in secret while discussing literature and politics.

11. NYPL Books Have a Unique Tracking System

Instead of using the Dewey Decimal System, the NYPL’s research libraries use a unique classification system designed specifically for its collection. Books are stored in underground stacks and retrieved using conveyor belts when requested.

12. The NYPL Has a Special Room Just for Maps

The library’s Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division holds more than 433,000 maps and 20,000 atlases, including rare historical maps of New York City dating back to the 17th century.

13. The Library Has Its Own Publishing Imprint

In 2017, the NYPL launched NYPL Press, its own publishing arm, to release books and historical works inspired by its extensive archives and special collections.

14. The NYPL’s Ghost Stories

Like many old buildings in New York, the NYPL has its share of ghost stories. Some staff members and visitors have reported strange noises and eerie apparitions, particularly in the library’s underground levels. Whether real or imagined, these tales add to the library’s mystique!

15. It’s Free to Visit!

Unlike many famous attractions in New York City, the New York Public Library is free to visit. You don’t need a library card to explore its historic halls, admire its artwork, or enjoy a quiet moment in one of the reading rooms.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
🕒 Hours: Vary by branch, but the main branch is generally open daily except major holidays.
🎟️ Admission: Free!

The New York Public Library is more than just a place to check out books—it’s a treasure trove of history, literature, and culture. Whether visiting for research, sightseeing, or just to take in the incredible architecture, it’s an unforgettable part of New York City.

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