125 NYC Books We Love
New York City is many things: powerful, resilient, funny, fascinating, a center of culture and literary life—a city that contains multitudes. As the Library wraps up its 125th anniversary year, we pay tribute to the city we call home with a book list that reflects its diversity, energy, and life, plus city-centric storytimes for young readers, programs with famous New Yorkers, and more.
![Illustration of the Statue of Liberty to the right of text that reads: NYC Books We [Heart] Adults](/scout/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrupal.nypl.org%2Fsites-drupal%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2F2_1_960%2Fpublic%2F2020-12%2FNYPL_125NYCList_Landing_Page_Graphics_Adults.png%3Fh%3D5dabf909%26itok%3DNoICUW8J&w=3840&q=90)
![Illustration of the Empire State Building to the right of text that reads: NYC Books We [Heart] Teens](/scout/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrupal.nypl.org%2Fsites-drupal%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2F2_1_960%2Fpublic%2F2020-12%2FNYPL_125NYCList_Landing_Page_Graphics_Teens.png%3Fh%3D5dabf909%26itok%3DrmYe51xe&w=3840&q=90)
![Illustration of a large apple flanked by clouds to the right of text that reads: NYC Books We [Heart] Kids](/scout/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrupal.nypl.org%2Fsites-drupal%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2F2_1_960%2Fpublic%2F2020-12%2FNYPL_125NYCList_Landing_Page_Graphics_Kids.png%3Fh%3D5dabf909%26itok%3Dg2FFCwA3&w=3840&q=90)
Download the List
Print out these versions of our 125 NYC Books We Love lists and check off the titles as you read them.
Discover NYC Books We Love in World Languages
From Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Vietnamese to Harriet the Spy in Russian, discover the NYC Books We Love that are available in languages other than English.
Explore NYC Books We Love in Accessible Formats
Find out which NYC Books We Love are currently available in digital talking book, braille, and Bookshare editions.
#RoarforNYC with Gems from Our Collections
The Library's collections are home to images of New York City throughout the years and we’re sharing some of our favorites including #TBT photos of branches, famous quotes about New York City, and information about books on our 125 NYC Books We Love book list! See how you can follow along for more.
NYC-Themed Storytimes
Enjoy special online storytimes that incorporate New York City every weekday in December.
Get Lit with All of It December Book Club
The December 2020 installment of our monthly read, in partnership with WNYC, is Jonathan Lethem’s Motherless Brooklyn. Download the title on SimplyE to read along.
Missing Sounds of New York: An Auditory Love Letter to New Yorkers
The New York we know and love is one click away: cabs honking, pigeons cooing, bike messengers whizzing by, strangers gossiping, the hum of a local library. Anywhere you are can now become the city—all you need is Missing Sounds of New York, The New York Public Library’s album.
Explore Historic New York City in NYPL's Digital Collections
Dear NYC
The Library has partnered with Gothamist to send a month-long love letter to NYC, sharing and bringing new life to gems from the city’s history, and paying tribute through photos, essays, and submissions from you.
Shop the Library
Support the Library and show your NYC pride with these curated, city-themed gift sets from the Library Shop.
The New York Public Library Through the Years
Since its founding in 1895, The New York Public Library has been a source of inspiration and strength for all. Here's a look back at some of the Library's important moments.
Meet Patience & Fortitude
As the world has changed, our lions have been there to see it—all while remaining steadfast symbols for what the Library represents: a source of inspiration and strength for all.
Discover More NYC History
Our librarians provide a closer examination of New York City's history, including a nostalgic look at the subway, tips on how to research the city's neighborhoods, and more.
Find E-Books and More on the SimplyE App
Download SimplyE, the Library's free e-reader app, which makes it easy to borrow e-books and audiobooks
Download NYPL's App
Get the power of The New York Public Library, anytime, anywhere. With the NYPL app, you can access everything the Library has to offer from home or while you’re on the go.
Apply for a Digital Library Card
With a digital library card you get free access to the Library’s wide array of digital resources—including e-books, databases, educational resources, and more.
125 Years of The New York Public Library
The Library's 125th anniversary is a moment to honor and reaffirm the enduring power of libraries.
