40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th)
New York, NY 10023
917-275-6975
Directions
Fully Accessible
Open today
10:30 AM–6 PM
Regular Hours
Day Hours
Monday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Friday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday CLOSED
Sunday CLOSED
Division hours may vary.
2021 Holiday Closings
Give Now

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, one of the Library’s renowned research libraries, houses one of the world's most extensive research collections in the fields of theatre, film, dance, music, and recorded sound, as well as a wide array of circulating and reference materials.

As part of the Library’s phased reopening, the Library for the Performing Arts is now open for unlimited browsing of our circulating collections and onsite research services by appointment. The circulating collections are available to browse on the first and second floor of the Library for the Performing Arts and in our Outdoor Reading Room from Monday to Friday, 10:30 AM to 6 PM.

Research collections, available on the third floor of the Library for the Performing Arts, require an appointment and advance consultation with staff to view. Learn more about research collections and services at the Library for the Performing Arts.

To enter the Library for the Performing Arts, please use the Amsterdam Avenue entrance at 65th Street.

Visit Our Outdoor Reading Room (10:30AM–6 PM)

Image of Outdoor Reading Room.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Outdoor Reading Room—part of Lincoln Center's Restart Stages—is now open for browsing our circulating collections from Monday to Friday (10:30 AM–6 PM), and for seating only on Saturdays (10:30 AM–6 PM). Learn more about The Library for the Performing Arts' Outdoor Reading Room.

Announcing the Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab

Harvey Fierstein in Fiddler on the Roof.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts announced that it will establish the Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab, creating a new dedicated educational space in the building, thanks to a generous donation from theatre legend Harvey Fierstein. This extraordinary opportunity will allow the Library for the Performing Arts to make new and innovative use of its extensive theatre archives and collections and to expand the New York City and global community’s access to the Library. Learn more in The New York Times.

(Image: Carol Rosegg)

In the Spotlight

  • Tech Kits for Performing Artists

    The Tech Kits for Performing Artists program is a resource to enable performing artists to document their works and publish them online. Find out more about what's included and how to borrow a kit.

    An iPad, midi keyboard, ring light, other tech items and a black carrying case with the Library for the Performing Arts' logo are displayed on a table.

  • Public Programs

    The Library for the Performing Arts advances knowledge and appreciation for the performing arts through dynamic online programs.

    A piano performance

  • From Our Blogs

    Read our blog posts from expert librarians, staff and fellows of the Library for the Performing Arts.

    Miles Davis and George Avakian in the recording studio, with John Coltrane in the background, 1955-1956. Image ID: 5404614

  • Space Rentals - Outdoor Terrace, Auditorium and Gallery Spaces

    Hosting your event at the Library for the Performing Arts provides unique access to our most exquisite indoor and outdoor spaces, while helping sustain one of the world’s premier non-profit institutions. Rental spaces include a 203 seat state-of-the-art auditorium, a 3600 square foot outdoor terrace, gallery spaces and more. All event fees support the Library’s indispensable collections, services, and programs. Contact us at 212.870.1698 or cherylraymond@nypl.org

    image of terrace with tables and chairs and buildings are off in a distance

  • Annual Report

    Learn more about our mission, activities and events in our Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

    Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Featured at the Library for the Performing Arts

Events

See All

About The Library for the Performing Arts

Interior of LPA.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts houses one of the world's most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in its field. These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts—whether professional or amateur—the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs. Discover more about The Library for the Performing Arts circulating, reference, and rare archival collections.

Learn more about this location Learn about capital construction projects at this location