
On a recent trip to New York City, I left my hotel with more than enough time to walk to the Javits Center. Of course, my plan was to turn the utilitarian walk to a conference into a mini-doorscursion. Since I’ve walked from this hotel to that venue at least twice in recent years, I was trying to take a different route. I headed west, and I soon found myself on 5th Avenue staring at the New York Public Library’s main branch. I had plenty of time, so I decided to go inside.
As a result, I have a post dedicated to a single magnificent building that many people might only recognize from the movie “The Day After Tomorrow” and the many other movies and TV shows in which the library has appeared.
Rather than risk making a poor attempt at summarizing everything that has been written about this building, or copying what currently stands in Wikipedia, I offer two snippets from the National Registry of Historic Places nomination form:
“The New York Public Library, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, is one of the Nation’s major libraries. Its extensive and invaluable manuscript and rare book collections, plus some 7 million volumes for general use, make it an almost unrivaled center of study and research in the United States.
The core of the building is formed by the stacks, which occupy the central rear of the building from the cellar to the second floor, in seven levels. Above the stacks area, on the third floor, is the main reading room which is entered through a wood-paneled hallway. The room, which contains sufficient table space to accommodate 800 people, is divided into symmetrical halves by the central delivery and return desk. The walls are lined with open shelves of reference works. The ceiling is 50 feet high and still contains vacant areas for murals which were never painted for monetary reasons. The library contains twenty-one specialized reading rooms which supplement the main room. Most noteworthy of these is the ground floor reading room which has perhaps the only cast iron ceiling in a public building in the city.”
The featured photo isn’t a door, it’s a balcony, but I’ve always liked this picture of Faith from a NYC visit in 2001.
Thursday Doors is a self-guided research program into doors from around the world, and is sponsored by the Bibliothèque des portes (Library of Doors) in Montreal, Canada. Head Librarian, Norm Frampton maintains the stacks in a Linky List and always has room for new arrivals to be put on display in the main reading room. When you arrive at the entrance, check out Norm’s personal selection of the week, then look for the blue frog. Click that little tadpole to gain access to the Reading Room. To help avoid any future 2¢ fines, feel free to click on any of the ads on your way in.
From reading many of your blogs, I have a sense that some of you are still thinking “21 specialized reading rooms…” and maybe drooling a little bit. I hope you have a special place to read. I will say that the rooms I visited were amazingly quiet, and I was far from being the only person taking pictures that day.
There are a few more than the usual number of doors today. I apologize, but this set was as far as I could trim back. You can click on any one and start a slide show.
Ooooohhhh possibly my favorite building ever although I have never been. Such grand entryways and marble accents. I love, love libraries. If you ever visit Baton Rouge, you must visit the State Capitol. The architecture within is very similar. And they left the bullet hole in the marble wall from where Huey P long was shot. Thanks for another great doors ursion Dan. i agree about the photo of Faith. It’s a good one!
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Thanks Cheryl. I remember seeing the inside of the Capitol in a documentary about Huey Long.
This library is such an interesting building. I was impressed with how quiet it was. It was good to see people still showing respect.
I have to be careful about using older photos of Faith. There are hair styles that I think she’d rather forget.
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I know how she feels…😉
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I guess most women have a period in their lives from which they want to forget their hair.
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I know a few men who have had some “awkward periods” with their hair as well. Haha!
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What incredible history! Not just in the books but in the building itself.
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I know, Pam. It’s amazing. I would love to take a tour of the building, to see the foundation that used to be part of the reservoir. Thanks for dropping by.
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I enjoy the architecture of this building. Thanks for taking us along, Dan
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Thanks for coming along, Audrey. It is a magnificent building and so many books and places to read.
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This is door heaven! They just don’t make buildings like this anymore. My mind boggles at the size of the reading room.
Don’t ask me to pick a favourite because there are so many, however the spindles in the window of the Rose Room door was quite unusual. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. Nice!
So … was it quiet? I’m guessing they used white noise to dampen echoing and voices from carrying.
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Thanks Joanne. It was VERY quiet. People spoke in whispers and even the guards were quiet. You needed a permit to access one half of the main reading room. The guard was stopping everyone who tried to enter, but it was a very quiet and respectful exchange. I was impressed.
I started out with over 30 pictures and I thought: “I can’t include all of these” but it was had to cut some out. They might make their way into a leftover collection.
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A part 2 sounds good!
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The inside entrance door is my favorite. I love it.
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Thanks Peter. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite door. I like the photo looking down the staircase.
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Very impressive… thanks for the virtual guided tour….
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Thansk for dropping by and commenting.
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Some of the best doors yet.
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Thanks. I put these pretty high on my list of favorites.
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Any time we’re in grand buildings of that magnitude, there are gobs of doors and windows and other features of interest — many photos are to be expected! Plus, this place has BOOKS! :) These are great. Really love the stairwell shot, with those arches and the lighting. Well done.
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Thanks for understanding. A lot of buildings have mostly the same style door. This place has so many different doors. And yes, it has books – millions of books – I’m glad you liked the stairwell shot. I took a bunch of stairwell photos, but that’s the only one with a door.
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It does boast a variety! :)
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What a feast! I’m afraid the NYPL will always say “Ghostbusters” to me. But a trip to the actual place would probably break me of that. Thank you so much for a tour of a place I’ve only ever seen from the outside. I’ve only been to NYC a couple of times, and didn’t have time to doorsplore. What a great post!
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Ghostbusters, yes! The building has been in so many movies and TV series, but that one rises to the top. Thanks for walking along with me.
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me too! second is the newsroom scenes where they meet the whistleblower.
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Oh Dan, these are beautiful shots! Thanks for sharing your trip with us! :)
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Thanks you for looking. I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
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Absolutely beautiful. Boy, do I need a reading room….badly!
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Just one? Seriously, I’d be fine with just one. “21 specialized reading rooms” I can’t imagine.
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I’ve walked past this place and photographed the outside a number of times. I guess this post just re-enforces what I already knew: I HAVE to go inside next time I’m there. The place is wonderful. The architecture, the history, the books, and of course the doors; it has it all.
Wonderful shots Dan. I do hope the pics that didn’t make the cut in this post end up in a follow up post at some point.
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I think there will be leftovers, Norm. I want to take the tour, but I can’t do that when I’m in town for business. I had to pry myself out before hitting all the floors I could go to, because I still had a hike to the Javits Center.
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It is a magnificent place. Thanks for taking note — and for such excellent photos!
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Thanks Steve. It really is a special building. The purpose, the content and the architecture are all fantastic.
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What a beautiful place, Dan. I really enjoyed clicking through all the photos. The doors to the Rose Reading Room are exceptional!
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Thanks Wendy. I just stood there admiring the details in the woodwork and the arches. I think I could stand in the lobby between those two huge rooms for a coupe of hours.
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One of my favorite places. I used to pop in between meetings when I commuted to the City from Connecticut.
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It would be a great place to spend some time, John. Commuting to the City – words from a man who paid his dues.
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The problem with going to Manhattan by train for a day trip is where to spend time out of the rain when you don’t have an office or hotel. The library was perfect.
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Thanks so much for those interior shots, Dan. A cast iron ceiling, wow. I love that building and should I ever get to visit New York, it will be my first port of call.
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Thanks Jean. I hope to get back down when I have time to take the tour. I’d love to see that ceiling, and the foundation that used to be part of the reservoir.
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Looking forward to those photos, Dan.
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Wow! This is quite something! I love many of the doors (and the decor around the windows on the first photo in your image gallery, but my fave is that balcony in your very first photo – there’s something about balconies that I love. :)
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Thanks Val. I have always liked that photo of our daughter. You’re right, there is something about a balcony that is special.
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Library is all I need to hear to like it. The magnificent building, doors and all, is merely frosting on the cake of all those books. :-)
janet
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They are special places. Just seeing all the reference books available in that reading room made my heart flutter.
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The internet has definite uses for reference and other things, but there’s not like a good, real book!
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Wow – phone booths with seats! :-)
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I know! I’m sure at one point they had those wooden & glass folding doors too.
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It is unusual to see phone booths these days but those are very elegant (as is the entire building)
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Thanks, I thought so too. From a time when we thought about form and function.
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I have not been into the NYPL since 2001. I have been past its exterior a few times since then but not actually gone inside. I should make a point of taking my children to see the interior next time we find ourselves in that area of New York.
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I hadn’t been inside since 2001 either. It was definitely worth walking around for a while. I’d love to take the tour.
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the inside entrance ones are my fav of this post – well second to the one of faith from 2001 – that photo looks like it is from a Magazine with her location and attire. so purdy.
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Thanks. That’s always been one of my favorite pictures of her.
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I hate to say this – but – frame it! although I know we run out of space for framed photos – eh?
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Maybe not a bad idea.
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and xmas is coming….
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Wow! This was a super duper tour! What an amazing building. Doors are magnificent. Everything is so beautiful and kept so pristine. Hats off to the crew of men and women who oversee the maintenance of this fantastic place. 21 reading rooms…to die for!!
I’ve never been in or seen the inside of the NYPL, so thank you for the opportunity to follow you around. —-Ginger—-
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Thanks. I am totally impressed with the design, the workmanship and the years of maintenance. It’s an amazing facility, especially considering the flow of people.
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I absolutely love this library! Thanks for taking me back there.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Sounds like you’re familiar. Did you live in NY?
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No. I didn’t live there. Although I wouldn’t mid giving that a go – for, say, a year or so. But I have visited a few times and each time found myself drawn to that library and Bryant Park. Both spaces have a wonderful urban community feel. I think.
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If I understand correctly, the Park was bundled with the library when plans were being made. The idea was to always have the park there.
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What an amazing library. I had no idea it was so large, but thinking on it now I realize it makes sense. I’m a sucker for dentil molding, so any of those doors with it above them make me swoon. Great photos.
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Thanks. Good eye, picking out the dentil molding. It it a nice detail to add. I think its size is deceiving given how high you are when you enter and how high the floors are. That staircase is one floor.
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What else are walks to conferences for, eh? Love the brown doors with glass in the third door (on left). Hope the conference was satisfactory too!
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The conference was very good, but this was the best part of the day.
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Beautiful building and doors. I can see why the photo of Faith is a favorite. :-)
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Thanks Judy. I couldn’t resist sharing that photo of her. I was amazed at how many different style doors I found in there.
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Wow, beautiful doors. Libraries should be just like that. Places of beauty, magic and wonder. :-)
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Thank you. This place is truly magical.
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I love all those individual reading lamps… so cozy in such a large room. I think I could enjoy studying there.
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I think do too. It was so quiet, too.
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Oh wow… I don’t know why, but there’s just nothing like a truly beautiful library. Great post, Dan. Hugs.
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Thanks Teagan. It really is beautiful.
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Loved the filigree and gold panels. I saw this building while in NYC in May, but had so many things to see and do that this was put on this must see list for the next trip to NYC.
21 specialized rooms! I would be longing for a Mystery, Sci-Fi, Periodicals, and History rooms. Those would be the room I’d be visiting most, but who knows with so many perhaps I’d find a new favorite genre or just a room that I loved. I hope to find out one day!
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Thsnks for visiting, Deborah. The idea of a reading room is enough to make me drool. 21 reading rooms? Oh my goodness. I need to go back too.
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I’m so behind with reading blogs! #1 Grandson is older and demanding more of my attention, and Baby Girl, and he have moved out! I’ve been helping her move, and get settled which hasn’t been easy. Her place wasn’t ready by move in day so they had her move to a temporary place, and I’ve been spending half the day there where all the good toys are then back home, where I need to get things done are. Just this week she was able to move to the “real” place. So I’ve been helping her with that move. Life the for the next year or so is going to be interesting as I’ll be spending half a day there, and home. A full time job you might say. :) Add to that I want to spend the week-ends out doing photography. Blogging and reading them are paying the price. :( I’m going to be and am behind, but I’ll catch up eventually!
21 specialty rooms is enough to make any lover of reading drool! I have a feeling you’ll be back to NYC and the Library long before I will. My only wish…PLEASE have a camera with you and a spare battery! :)
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That does sound like a complicated schedule. I’m sure #1GS appreciates the time you spend with him.
This is a busy time of year for me at work. I will certainly go through fall-behind-catch-up cycles. Sometimes I escape into the blog community for a quick break.
I hope to have enough time in NY to your the Library. I’d love to see some of the foundation features. I’m never without a camera in NY, unless I’m on my way to B&H 😏
I hope you get out for some photography. Your pictures are one of the breaks I really enjoy. Have s great weekend.
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Librairies are among my most favorite buildings in the world AND I also can’t resist New York City, so I can only love your choice for the door challene of the week.
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Thanks Evelyne. I knew the people I follow would love this building. Libraries are just so special.
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They truly are!
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Excellent post… A building I’ve regrettably never visited!
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Thank you. There’s still time 🙂
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Wow! You have outdone yourself, Dan. Stunning! When the fire hose is encased in a carved brass door, you know everything else will take your breath away. I have never been to the New York Library, so this was a huge treat for me. Architecture and history at it’s best. Thank you!
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Thanks Jennie. It’s such a wonderful building. So many people but so quiet. interesting and beautiful details, almost everywhere you look. I want to go back when I have time for a proper tour.
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I hope you get back again! I can tell there’s way too much to absorb in one visit.
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Hi Dan – wonderful selection of doors you’ve given us – but the best is that one of Faith on the balcony … cheers HIlary
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Thanks Hilary. That’s my favorite too 🙂
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A truly wonderful set of doors….worth posting all of them…awesome!!
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Thanks Kirt. I really enjoyed walking through that building.
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Reblogged this on Ancien Hippie.
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ThNk you !
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Or…thank you!
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Fantastic doors here, Dan, but I’m also enjoying the shelves, the stairs AND the old phone booths. Great nostalgic vibe all over!
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It’s a fantastic place, Paul. I think I could easily spend many hours in there.
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I love that building. Thanks for taking me back there.
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You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the quick tour.
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Ooooh, this reading room was in Se7en. *shudders* The lights were green!
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Aaack – I wouldn’t want to be afraid of this room. It’s funny though, this building has been in so many movies.
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I traveled back to one of my favorite Door’s posts, Dan. I was thrilled to be able to slowly read and enjoy the grandeur of this building.
The Rose Reading Room doors and the photo of Faith on that beautiful balcony were incomparable to any of the rest of 2017! 🏆
I loved the creamy marble, brass details and final gorgeous stairway with arches. 💞
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