Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
New York, NY 10018
(917) 275-6975
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Regular Hours
Day Hours
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday CLOSED
Friday CLOSED
Saturday CLOSED
Sunday CLOSED
Division hours may vary.
2021 Holiday Closings

The New York Public Library’s flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is one of the Library’s premier research centers, renowned for its extraordinary historical collections and its commitment to providing free and equal access to its resources.

The Library is temporarily suspending onsite research appointments as part of our efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Read more about NYPL’s gradual reopening. At this time, we are pleased to offer a range of ways to access the Library’s research services online through Scan & Deliver, other expanded research services, online research assistance, our Digital Collections, and more. To learn about the Schwarzman Building’s research divisions and further resources, visit the Research tab.

Researchers can also book a virtual consultation with a Library staff member to determine how their research needs can best be met remotely.

REQUEST A VIRTUAL CONSULTATION NOW

History Now: The Pandemic Diaries

Red rectangle with white text that reads: History Now The Pandemic Diaries Project

The New York Public Library has always been committed to preserving and making accessible the stories that shape our history so that people today, and the next generation of scholars, students, and creators, can better understand our world and each other. We’re experiencing a pivotal moment in our history right now—and we want to hear and preserve your story.

The Pandemic Diaries Project invites you to submit, via an online form, audio recordings of yourself or your loved ones telling personal stories about life amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Learn more about the Pandemic Diaries Project.

In the Spotlight

  • Scan & Deliver

    Get remote access to parts of our vast research collections—now expanded to include more items than ever. Learn more about what can be requested and how to get started.

    Red square with text that reads: Scan & Deliver

  • Online Research Assistance

    Research librarians and curators are available to answer research-specific questions via email and online research consultations.

    Photo of a stack of historic documents in the foreground with a researcher in the background

  • Expanded Access to Databases

    The Library's access to many online databases has been expanded for remote use during our temporary closure.

    Photograph of researchers in the Rose Main Reading Room

Featured at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

  • Remote Research Resources

    During the temporary closure of The New York Public Library's locations, the Library's Research Collections and Services remain available to help researchers access information and materials.

    Library patron looks at a book in the Schwarzman Building

  • Research at the Schwarzman Building

    The Library's research divisions contain art, artifacts, manuscripts, multimedia, rare books, and more across a wide range of subjects. Begin your exploration of the collections at the Schwarzman Building.

    Laptop and stack of books in the Rose Main Reading Room

  • From Our Blog

    Check out blogs from the expert librarians and staff at the Schwarzman Building.

    Photograph of a Library patron working at a laptop.

About the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Interior view of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is part of The New York Public Library, which consists of four major research libraries and 88 branch libraries located in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Often referred to as the "main branch," the Beaux-Arts landmark building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street houses outstanding research collections in the humanities and social sciences as well as a circulating children’s collection.

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