As New York Public Library branches reopen, see inside the renovated Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library

By Michelle Mazzarella | From Future New York Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Photography via John Bartelstone

Starting Tuesday, July 6, the New York Public Library has restored near-full service at all available locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. In-person programs and classes are expected to resume in the coming months, and masks are still required, but members will be able to enjoy general library use and seating, unlimited browsing, computer access, and access to on-site research centers.

Among the branches reopening is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), which has been closed for years for a full-scale renovation. Anthony Marx, President and CEO of the New York Public Library, has acknowledged that the SNFL has never lived up to the landmarked, Beaux-Arts Stephen A. Schwarzman Building across the street. However, the new master plan by Mecanoo and Beyer Blinder Belle could give it a run for its money.

The transformation took place with support from New York City and a $55 million grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the second-largest in the history of the New York Public Library. (It was outdone only by Mr. Schwarzman’s $100 million donation.) Between low-emitting materials, more than 50% FSC-certified wood, and energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, it is set for at least LEED Silver certification.

Prior to the renovation and renaming, the Mid-Manhattan Branch had the New York Public Library’s highest circulation figures at more than 1.7 million visits a year and an annual circulation of more than two million items. These numbers are sure to shoot up in the wake of SNFL’s gorgeous renovation, airy interiors, and user-friendly features that took shape after the builders analyzed library usage data, surveyed the public, and met with community stakeholders.

↓ The renovation included the restoration of the building’s historic facade and gut-renovating the interiors.

Exterior via Max Touhey

↓ By consolidating storage and adding a book-sorting machine, more public space was created on the ground floor.

↓ The “Long Room” offers several stories of open, browsable stacks fronting on a 42-foot-high atrium.

↓ A lower-level children’s center features child-size furniture and shelving, reading nooks, programming spaces, podcasting studios, and a book sorter that will let kids watch a conveyor belt sort their returned materials into bins.

↓ A new teen center offers computers, a recording studio, a media lab, and programming aimed at technology, academic support, and fun.

↓ The 21,000-square-foot Thomas Yoseloff Business Center occupies the fifth floor and offers access to electronic resources, print materials, and offerings in the fields of personal finance, investing, small business resources, and career services.

Thomas Yoseloff Business Center via Max Touhey

↓ At 26,000 square feet, the Pasculano Learning Center is the largest adult learning center in the entire New York Public Library system.

Pasculano Learning Center via Max Touhey

↓ The new rooftop terrace is the only free, publicly accessible rooftop in Manhattan, and is set to offer open-air seating, an event center, a cafe, and views of Midtown.

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Rooftop terrace via Max Touhey

Local Listings

↓ The Bryant, 16 West 40th Street, #20C – $3,495,000

Condo | 2 beds, 3 baths | 1,329 ft²

All images of The Bryant via Douglas Elliman

From the listing: This 1,329-square-foot corner 2-bed, 2.5-bath offers an abundance of natural light through 14 floor-to-ceiling windows that open completely on the south side to Juliet balconies - overlooking an amazing view of the Empire State Building. The custom terrazzo facade transitions seamlessly into the interiors, creating crisp architectural frames to the windows and a border for the heated oak herringbone floors. The residence's bespoke millwork, designed by David Chipperfield Architects exclusively for The Bryant, cleverly conceals storage, appliances, and mechanical systems, allowing continuous, almost 10-foot ceiling heights to carry throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ Bryant Park Tower, 100 West 39th Street, #37H – $730,000

Condo | 1 bed, 1 bath | 501 ft²

All images of Bryant Park Tower via Douglas Elliman

From the listing: This impeccably designed 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom has tons of natural sun light due to its spectacular breathtaking city skyline. The apartment features bamboo floors throughout, translucent Italian ice-grass doors, limestone thresholds and a stunning open kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances, polished white marble countertops and oak cabinetry. It also has a spa-like pristine bathroom which has an ivory alabastro porcelain tile floor, Zuma collection square tub with watermark hardware. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ 400 Fifth Avenue, #49E – $2,850,000

Condo | 2 beds, 2.5 baths | 1,435 ft²

All images of 400 Fifth Avenue via Triplemint

From the listing: Situated on the 49th floor above the five-star Langham Place Hotel is this double corner 2-bedroom with 2 en-suite bathrooms. The appointed bathroom features include an ultra-luxurious Zuma soaking tub, custom rainfall glass shower, dual vanities, Grohe fixtures, marble floors, and walls. A powder Room, washer and dryer in-unit, and great closet space by the entrance. Apartment #49E has exceptional city and river views with arched floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ Fifth Avenue Tower, 445 Fifth Avenue, #12A – $995,000

Condo | 1 bed, 1 bath | 686 ft²

All images of Fifth Avenue Tower via Winzone Realty Home Inc.

From the listing: Spacious one bedroom fully renovated at Fifth Avenue Tower. Bright and sunny with western exposure. steps from Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue Flagship shopping and K-Town. The building features a newly designed roof terrace and a state-of-the-art fitness center, both with panoramic views on the 33rd floor. This white-glove condo also offers a fantastic children's playroom, laundry room as well as 24/7 doorman and concierge services. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

↓ The renovation included the restoration of the building’s historic facade and gut-renovating the interiors.

↓ By consolidating storage and adding a book-sorting machine, more public space was created on the ground floor.

↓ The “Long Room” offers several stories of open, browsable stacks fronting on a 42-foot-high atrium.

↓ A lower-level children’s center features child-size furniture and shelving, reading nooks, programming spaces, podcasting studios, and a book sorter that will let kids watch a conveyor belt sort their returned materials into bins.

↓ A new teen center offers computers, a recording studio, a media lab, and programming aimed at technology, academic support, and fun.

↓ The 21,000-square-foot Thomas Yoseloff Business Center occupies the fifth floor and offers access to electronic resources, print materials, and offerings in the fields of personal finance, investing, small business resources, and career services.

↓ At 26,000 square feet, the Pasculano Learning Center is the largest adult learning center in the entire New York Public Library system.

↓ The new rooftop terrace is the only free, publicly accessible rooftop in Manhattan, and is set to offer open-air seating, an event center, a cafe, and views of Midtown.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

↓ The Bryant, 16 West 40th Street, #20C – $3,495,000

↓ Bryant Park Tower, 100 West 39th Street, #37H – $730,000

↓ 400 Fifth Avenue, #49E – $2,850,000

↓ Fifth Avenue Tower, 445 Fifth Avenue, #12A – $995,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

↓ The renovation included the restoration of the building’s historic facade and gut-renovating the interiors.

↓ By consolidating storage and adding a book-sorting machine, more public space was created on the ground floor.

↓ The “Long Room” offers several stories of open, browsable stacks fronting on a 42-foot-high atrium.

↓ A lower-level children’s center features child-size furniture and shelving, reading nooks, programming spaces, podcasting studios, and a book sorter that will let kids watch a conveyor belt sort their returned materials into bins.

↓ A new teen center offers computers, a recording studio, a media lab, and programming aimed at technology, academic support, and fun.

↓ The 21,000-square-foot Thomas Yoseloff Business Center occupies the fifth floor and offers access to electronic resources, print materials, and offerings in the fields of personal finance, investing, small business resources, and career services.

↓ At 26,000 square feet, the Pasculano Learning Center is the largest adult learning center in the entire New York Public Library system.

↓ The new rooftop terrace is the only free, publicly accessible rooftop in Manhattan, and is set to offer open-air seating, an event center, a cafe, and views of Midtown.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

↓ The Bryant, 16 West 40th Street, #20C – $3,495,000

↓ Bryant Park Tower, 100 West 39th Street, #37H – $730,000

↓ 400 Fifth Avenue, #49E – $2,850,000

↓ Fifth Avenue Tower, 445 Fifth Avenue, #12A – $995,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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