From quiet study halls to unforgettable evenings such as this previous event. ✨
Built in 1917, our Main Reading Room continues with a legacy that began in 1754. From historic architecture and remarkable collections to beautifully curated events, the Library remains a space where history and community come together.
Come visit, explore, and experience the Library in a whole new way. Visit us, all are welcome - take a look at our membership and day pass options. 📚
#oldestnyclibrary #nyclibrary #culturalinstitutions #libraries
DID YOU KNOW? ✨
We have a literary awards program called the New York City Book Awards, and it’s a big deal!
Since 1995, we have celebrated standout books that capture the spirit, complexity, and history of New York City. These voices are shaping how we see the city.📚
The winning authors will be honored at a ceremony at the Library soon. Mark your calendars: Monday, May 11, 2026 🗓️.
Our 2025-2026 Winners (and show them some love in the comments)🏆📖:
The Hornblower Award for a First Book: Alexander Wood, “Building the Metropolis: Architecture, Construction, and Labor in New York City, 1880-1935” (The University of Chicago Press)
Bench Ansfield, “Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City” (W.W. Norton & Company)
“Patrick Dougher, “Concrete Dreamland: Coming of Age in Underground New York” (Little, Brown and Company)
David Campbell and Jarrod Shanahan, “City Time: On Being Sentenced to Rikers Island” (NYU Press)
Elon Green, “The Man Nobody Killed: Life, Death, and Art in Michael Stewart’s New York” (Celadon Books)
#nycbookawards #oldestnyclibrary #nyclibrary #nyc #literaryawa
A town shaped by its past.
A mystery unfolding in the present.
Discover a powerful new thriller in which a grieving archivist uncovers a connection between modern-day disappearances and centuries-old witch trials in THE DAUGHTERS by @joannamargaretwriter (Author of THE BEQUEST).
Join us for this captivating hybrid lecture, and for your next read! There will be a book sale by our local indie bookstore @cornerbookstorenyc .
🗓️ Monday, January 20
📍 Hybrid event (in person and online)
🎟️ Open to the public (ticket required). LinkTree has the details.
#oldestNYClibrary #nyclibrary #thrillerbooks #libraryevents #bookishcommuníty
NYC for Book Lovers- The New York Society Library
When I found out there was a library older than the United States right here in New York City I *knew* I had to visit!
If you are a reader in nyc (and coming for a visit!) I think you should add the @nysoclib to your list. And if you want more bookish nyc and travel make sure you are following for more at @bookmoretravels
Luckily they have tours that are open to the public- so if you are interested in the visiting the space check their website for the next open tour or any of their other cool events that are open to the public.
There is over 270 years of history for this library! Founded in City Hall and has since moved to the current location in the UES in 1937. There are so many books members can check out- 275,000 and counting! From new releases to first editions from beloved authors like Agatha Christie and Jane Austen.
Would you want to visit this library? Let me know in the comments!
Bookish NYC l Day in my life NYC l Viral New York City
#nycbookstores #bookishnyc #nycbooks
#newyorkideas #nyctourism
The Green Alcove is one of the most sought-after (yet, somehow still under the radar) workspaces in the library.
It feels like your own little world. 📚
Where is your favorite place to sit to work or read? Share with us below! 👇🏼 💻
#workspaceinspo #studycorner #oldestNYClibrary #nyclibrary #librariesareforeveryone
Two women. Two extraordinary creative lives. ✨
‘Mai-Mai Sze and Irene Sharaff: In Their Own Words’ brings their stories to life through the words they left behind, revealing the ideas, passions, and artistry that shaped literature, theater, and film.
ON View now at The New York Society Library. Free and open to all: stop by and spend some time with their stories!
📚 And if you enjoy discovering exhibitions like this, there’s always more to explore here.
#MaiMaiSzeAndIreneSharaffInTheirOwnWords #womeninthearts #womenshistorymonth #oldestNYClibrary #nyclibrary
What a find! 📚✨
“Island Possessed” by Katherine Dunham (American dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, and social activist, renowned as the Mother of Black dance), straight from our collection. You can find it in Stack 1.
Don’t miss tonight’s event with @dennysbryce discussing her recent novel, “Where the False Gods Dwell” (Published by @ireadvintage | @penguinrandomhouse ), inspired by Dunham and her extraordinary life.
Details in our LinkTree. See you tonight!
#KatherineDunham #Caribbeandance #historicalfictionbooks #oldestNYClibrary #nyclibrary
Mark your calendars 🗓️
Join us for YA Snack Chat on Tuesday, March 24 @ 4:00 PM. Snacks, books, chats, and crafts… 🍪
See you there! 📚 🗨
URL is in our LinkTree: /events/tweens-teens-book-club-snack-chat
#yasnackchat #yareads #oldestnyclibrary #nyclibrary #teenlit
The Library is proud to support the 26th annual Project Cicero book drive 📚
Donate new or gently used books (Feb 26–Mar 5), shop our Wish List, volunteer, or give to support the cause.
Help bring the joy of reading to NYC students across all five boroughs.
Want to know more information? Check our Linktree for details and follow Project Cicero for year-round ways to support. 🌈
#ProjectCicero #bookdrive #supportpublicschools #nycpublicschools #oldestNYClibrary
‼️ Due to the inclement weather, the Library will be closed on Monday, February 23.
Registrants for the 6:00 PM “What Is Acting?” event will be contacted with more details.
Stay safe and warm, everyone. ❄️
Recycled photograph: “Group of Bears”, a bronze sculpture by American artist Paul Manship (taken in February 2025), marking the entrance to the Ruth and Arthur Smadbeck-Heckscher East Playground. They are just south of the @metmuseum and a 4-minute walk from us!
#oldestNYClibrary #nyclibrary #snowstorm #streetsculpture
The Joan Kaplan Davidson Conservation Studio is one of the favorite treasures from our renovation. This beautiful new space provides an up-to-date laboratory for our book conservator to treat and repair books from our general and special collections, following the highest standards and best practices. 📚
Named in honor of Joan Kaplan Davidson, philanthropist and longtime member of the library, we continue to celebrate a legacy of stewardship, scholarship, and enduring support.
#bookconservation #bookstudio #oldestnyclibrary #nyclibrary #librarylove
