New York Society Library

New York Society Library Founded in 1754, New York City's oldest library is a thriving community of readers, writers, and families. See nysoclib.org for more details.

We are open to all for reading, reference, and many events. Founded in 1754, we are the city’s oldest library and a thriving community of readers, writers, and families. The Library is open to all for reading, reference, exhibitions, and many events, with circulation and other services by subscription. Our landmark building houses roughly 300,000 volumes, reading rooms, study spaces, a children’s

library, and an exhibition gallery. The Library is a not-for-profit organization supported in part by tax-deductible contributions.

of TODAY’S EVENT! Widely acclaimed storyteller Greg Sarris will host a panel to discuss his latest novel, THE LAST HUM...
06/22/2026

of TODAY’S EVENT! Widely acclaimed storyteller Greg Sarris will host a panel to discuss his latest novel, THE LAST HUMAN BEAR, at the New York Society Library, in conversation with Sylvia L. White, Vice President of the distinguished Harlem Writers Guild and a multifaceted writer.

Our local indie bookstore The Corner Bookstore dropped off books for the book sale!

Join us at 6 PM TONIGHT - virtual or onsite. 📚💬
Linktree has the details. See you soon!!

We’re still buzzing about the Knicks! 🏀Congratulations to both the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on an incre...
06/15/2026

We’re still buzzing about the Knicks! 🏀

Congratulations to both the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on an incredible championship series. The Knicks’ 94–90 victory on June 13 secured their first title since 1973.

Inspired by all the excitement? Head to Stack 12, where you’ll find books on basketball, baseball, and many other sports. At the Library, there’s a place for every interest and every fan!

📚 What sports book are you reading (or rereading) this summer?

Calling all Library members, ages 22–34! 🍷🧀 💬Join us for a special SOCIAL EVENT with wine, cheese, great conversation, ...
06/04/2026

Calling all Library members, ages 22–34! 🍷🧀 💬

Join us for a special SOCIAL EVENT with wine, cheese, great conversation, and so much more.

Meet fellow young members, make new connections, and share your ideas for how the Library can better serve you. We’d love to hear from YOU! Link is in our LinkTree. Registration is required.

📍 Cooper Room, 4th floor
📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026
🕰️ 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Not yet a member? The Library offers a lively mix of events, many of which are open to the public. We do have special opportunities for members, and some, including guests! Our full event listing is available directly on our website or check out our LinkTree for the URL.

Just a quick moment with the card catalog. 📚 Did you know that our card catalog is still active?
05/21/2026

Just a quick moment with the card catalog. 📚
Did you know that our card catalog is still active?

DID YOU KNOW? ✨We have a literary awards program called the New York City Book Awards, and it’s a big deal! Since 1995, ...
04/23/2026

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)

A town shaped by its past.A mystery unfolding in the present.Discover a powerful new thriller in which a grieving archiv...
04/16/2026

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 (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 .

🗓️ Monday, January 20
📍 Hybrid event (in person and online)
🎟️ Open to the public (ticket required). LinkTree has the details.

Address

53 E 79th Street
New York, NY
10075

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

(212) 288-6900

Website

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