The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL): NYPL‘s Largest Lending Library

Narrator: The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library—the renovated central circulating library—occupies a seven-story building at the corner of 40th Street and Fifth Avenue. With a stone exterior lined with windows, the building retains the architectural feel of the department store that once occupied the space. Red banners with “New York Public Library” in white lettering adorn the facade. On the window glass on each side of the main entrance is a vinyl graphic depicting an outline of a lion. The outlines are made up of white lettering comprised of book titles.

The unique metal rooftop has a flared brim and sharp angles that taper to a peak. The structure houses the library’s mechanical equipment. Its blue-green color resembles the weathered copper of nearby historic buildings. Spotlights accentuate the color at night. At the base, winding around the building, is an L-shaped garden terrace with tables and chairs overlooking the city. Open to the public, visitors can access the terrace from the seventh floor, where an indoor café offers refreshments.

Interpretive commentary follows.

Alison Stewart: Standing here at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 40th Street you are, literally, at a major intersection of the New York Public Library system. Library Way is a block north, diagonally across Fifth Avenue is the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, and right here is the NYPL’s largest lending library: the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library.

This building has an interesting and surprising history, going through a couple metamorphoses, but always acknowledging its past by preserving the facade. Liz Leber is managing partner at Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, who collaborated on the recent library renovation.

Liz Leber: So, the building that was formerly known as the Mid-Manhattan Library was actually originally the Arnold Constable department store, and it was completed in 1915, only four years after the main research library.

Alison Stewart: In 1970 NYPL transformed the original department store into the Mid-Manhattan Library. It became the flagship of the circulating branches—locations where patrons can reserve and borrow books to take home. The Mid-Manhattan Library was one of the most beloved and visited of the circulating library branches, so after a half century of use, it needed updating.

After completing a full renovation, it re-opened in 2021 as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, or SNFL. And patrons have flocked back to check out books and other media—and news flash… There are no late fees!

Depending on where you’re standing, if you look up you just might catch a glimpse of one the building’s exciting new additions: a rooftop space seven stories above the bustling streets of Manhattan. Don’t worry, there’s no secret knock, velvet rope, or bouncer to tip…  It’s completely free and open to the public.

Now that you know the story behind the building, it’s time to head inside to experience and explore New York’s largest lending library.

Remember to keep an eye out for audio symbols or pick up a map to find where to hear from me and members of the Library community. You’ll find them on the main floor, second floor, and downstairs in the Children’s and Teen Center.