Head Office
The New York Public Library
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue & 42nd Street
New York, NY 10018
Customer Service
Phone: 917-ASK-NYPL
Phone: 917-275-6975
Phone: 212-930-0869 (shop support)
Phone: 212-930-0501 (tour info)
Phone: 212-592-7201 (document/research services)
Email: patronaccounts@nypl.org (library card)
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About The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library has the distinction of being the largest public library in the US and the third largest in the world. Founded in 1895, and with 92 locations spread over New York City in The Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, they are all together known as the New York Public Library.
The Library prides itself on being a proactive centre of education and opportunity for all New Yorkers. It has 88 branches and four scholarly research centres, helping New Yorkers pursue education and access information. The New York Public Library has more than 17 million members who access books from the libraries and millions more who access it online. It has 55 million items, including books, ebooks, audio books, DVDs of music, documentaries and movies in its portals as also numerous scholarly research works from the world over. It is also custodian of historical works and collections which are prized by collectors. It also has DVDs in Chinese, Hebrew, Hindi, French, Russian and Spanish.
In true philanthropic spirit, the New York Public Library opens its doors to book lovers and educationists free of charge and also encourages its use as community centres of innovation and learning. Students can use the library resources and free Wi-Fi to research or do their homework. There are also literacy and language classes conducted here to help immigrant communities overcome the language barrier. Even those seeking jobs can use the job search resources in the library. It has something for people of all ages – from kids to adults and seniors. For those who love shopping online, there is the New York Public Library Shop that allows purchases from a wide range of categories. You can purchase books, apparel, mugs, pouches, fashion accessories and more through Visa or MasterCard. The shop offers a 30 day return policy.
Since the library is completely digitised, one can browse the library’s collection or download books from the e- portal. The have a new reader app called SimplyE, which allows users to browse, choose and borrow e-books. One card can open the doors of this Aladdin’s den of educational treasure. You may use it in all 92 locations of the library and use it to borrow, browse and download from the millions of items in the library. It also enables you to reserve a computer for your use.
The New York Public Library card is available free of charge to all persons who live, study, work or pay taxes in New York State. All you have to do is submit an application, get your details verified and then you are set to go. Note that the card gives you access to digital media files that you can also download, search databases and even reserve a computer. You can apply for a card at any of the NYPL libraries or online on the website. Users can simply sign into their account to renew or validate card, replace stolen card or reset pin. Visitors to New York from the United States or visitors from other countries, may also apply for a temporary library card that is valid for three months at a time. Application has to be submitted in person at any of the branches of the library. There are also special membership packages for schools and groups.
To locate a NYPL library nearest to your address click here. You can search for a library by name , address or landmark. The website also provides address, phone number, along with details on facilities like scanners, WiFi, photocopiers or printers. The New York Public Library organises tens of thousands of free programs a year. You can meet your favourite author or enjoy live exhibitions. Follow the ongoing and upcoming vents on the website. If simply looking for a title or the new arrivals, you can use the search tool on the homepage. You can search the catalog by keyword or explore the recommended books, ebooks, audiobooks, music and movies.
Scholars and research students will find a wealth of information in the form of prints, articles and photography. The current research locations include Stephen A Schwarzman Building; New York Public Library for the Performing Arts; Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; and Science, Industry and Business Library. If you are unable to visit the library, you can request NYPL Research Services staff to search for the information you need. The research services fees vary according to the urgency. For more information or queries on locations, library card, timings, refund, cancellation, parking, career, or others, reach the New York Public Library support.
