An open-air lending library that asks for nothing — no card, no deposit, no purchase — is a genuinely radical thing to find behind the New York Public Library, and the yellow umbrellas make it easy to spot from the 42nd Street side. Beyond the shelves of books, magazines and newspapers there is a full children's section and a rolling programme of author talks, poetry nights and story times. If you want an hour of quiet in Midtown that costs nothing, pull up a green chair.
What to expect
Expect racks of books, magazines and newspapers under yellow umbrellas, movable green chairs and small tables spread across the plaza, and staff who will point you toward the kids' section. Programming — poetry, author talks, story time, workshops — runs on a published weekly schedule. Seating fills on clear afternoons.
Good to know
- Take the B/D/F/M to 42nd Street-Bryant Park or the 7 to Fifth Avenue
- Free — you read in the park and return materials to the racks
- Open daily, 11am to 7pm, April through September
- Look for the yellow umbrellas on the north side near the 42nd Street plaza
- There is a dedicated children's section with its own colorful racks
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Can I take books home?
No. Materials are lent for reading in the park and returned to the racks before you leave.
Where is the Reading Room?
On the north side of Bryant Park near the 42nd Street plaza — look for the yellow umbrellas.
Is there programming for kids?
Yes. There is a dedicated children's section, plus regular StoryTime sessions for young children during the season.
Also in Manhattan
