Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got your library card! In honor of “Library Card Sign-Up Month” (yes, it’s a thing), it’s time for you to pay a visit to the library and sign up for a card if you don’t have one already. Lower Manhattan has two New York Public Library (NYPL) outposts: the New Amsterdam Library and the Battery Park City Library, where you’ll find not only books, but plenty of digital resources, community events and more.
In addition to the two public libraries, Lower Manhattan is also home to a few reading rooms where you can browse collections of poetry and visual art. Head to one of these five spots to curl up with a book, work on a project or try a new hobby this fall.
New Amsterdam Library
In addition to books, this branch of the NYPL hosts events for adults, teens and kids. You can sign up for a knitting and crochet group, a plant swap/seed share or a book discussion group. Teens can enjoy crafty activities like button and magnet making classes, while kids will get their wiggles out at Little Movers Storytime, where they can sing songs and dance around. On Mondays and Tuesdays at 2 p.m., a social work intern is on site to help connect patrons with resources around housing, mental health, medical assistance, applying for benefits and more. Appointments are preferred and can be made by emailing [email protected], though walk-ins are welcome if time allows. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (9 Murray St.)
Battery Park City Library
This airy library has multiple reading areas for children and adults, as well as a multipurpose programming space and 19 public computers. The Battery Park City NYPL branch offers access to more than 23,000 items, as well as a wide range of events and classes throughout the week. For kids, there are a variety of storytime sessions and art classes for different ages. Teens and tweens can come to teen lounge hours (snacks are provided!) and game nights. Meanwhile, adults can get inspired at a creative writing class. The library is open Monday through Saturday; hours vary. (175 North End Ave.)
Poets House
Poets House offers one of the largest and most comprehensive poetry collections in the United States. More than 80,000 poetry books and related materials are available for anyone to peruse. The space itself has plenty of comfortable seating as well oversized windows that offer spectacular views of the Hudson River and Rockefeller Park. Poets House is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. (10 River Terr.)
Library180
Need some creative inspiration? Head to Library180, a newly opened reading room dedicated to vintage art, architecture, interiors, beauty, fashion and subculture magazines. Located in the WSA building, this magazine library offers sweeping views of the East River and Brooklyn, along with a large work table, ample seating, paper to sketch or take notes on, and even a scanner so you can take a hi-res copy of the magazine cover that speaks most to you. It’s open to the public, but by appointment only. Appointments can be made via phone at (320) LBRY-180. (180 Maiden Ln.)
Walt Whitman Initiative Tane Library
This small independent library at Fulton Stall Market houses more than 600 books. It’s part of the Walt Whitman Initiative, a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate and honor New York City’s literary legacy. The curated collection includes plenty of works by Whitman, of course, including rare editions. But visitors will also find plenty of works by other writers who embody Whitman’s most inclusive and democratic ideals. You can preview the collection here, or stop by on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. You can also swing by on September 24 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for a special tour of the space with Curator/Librarian Jay Sherry and Assistant Librarian Emerald Sanjuro as part of the Brooklyn Book Festival. (91 South St.)
photo: iStock
