One of the things on my bucket list was to stop at the New York Public Library during our last trip to NYC. We didn’t have a lot of time to spend there but it was enough to get me excited about being there. It really is a magnificent building and even though I did not take time to explore the stacks, it was amazing to just take it all in.
The building itself is massive and if you know anything about the structure at all, you know that there are two lion statues that guard the library.
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The lions are currently called Patience and Fortitude as named during the 1930s. The mayor at the time, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia named them Patience and Fortitude, for the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the economic depression. The names stuck and they are known by those names today.
The interior of the building is stunning and I found myself amazed at the architecture. It would have been helpful to have used the audio guide to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building but I discovered a little late. That’s okay. Next time. Because there will be a next time.
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No visit to The New York Public Library is complete without a visit to the Library Shop. I must admit I spent a lot of time here taking it all in as were a lot of other folks. I came away with some great purchases including my new favorite purse that has the imprint of the bookbinding stamp of the NYPL.
The library is a backdrop for many things and the day we were there there was even a photo shoot going on.
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It was a long enough visit but at least I can say I visited, right? Next time I will allow more time. Have you been to The New York Public Library? I would love to hear about your visit and what you consider your favorite part. Leave me a comment and Comment for a Cause for National Parks and Recreation Association.
