The Jefferson Market Branch of the New York Public Library is truly a hidden gem in the heart of the city. Once known as the Jefferson Market Courthouse, it has a rich history that is just waiting to be explored. As a National Historic Landmark, it is a site that simply must be visited by anyone interested in the city's past. The building itself is a marvel of architecture, with its intricate details and stunning design. The atmosphere inside is both relaxing and inspiring, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while. The history contained within its walls is fascinating, with exhibits and displays that bring the past to life in a way that is both educational and engaging. Visitors to the Jefferson Market Branch of the New York Public Library are sure to be impressed by the wealth of knowledge and information on offer. It is truly a testament to the importance of preserving our city's history and culture for future generations to enjoy. The Jefferson Market Branch of the New York Public Library is a stunning example of both architectural and historical significance. Its beautiful design, relaxing atmosphere, and wealth of knowledge make it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich history of the city.

This library is my favorite NYC library and I have visited about 30 across Manhattan, BK and Queens. This one has incredible history and amazing character. It used to be a court house and housed prisoners downstairs. Someone told me once that back in the day female prisoners would holler out at passersby because the window only just barely looked out onto the street (the main portion is in the basement- see photo below ). I found that story quite interesting! The building itself is spectacular with a spiral staircase and stained glass windows. What an absolute privilege it must be to work here and spend ones time in this sanctuary. The workers are kind and a joy to interact with. And every visitor is respectful so it’s quiet- a perfect place to peruse and ponder. They have a great selection of books and DVD’s. They even have an Archaeology section! You’ll come for the architecture but stay for the idyllic New York moment this tranquil piece of history offers.

After a couple of visits, I’ve come to the conclusion that some of the workers here are miserable, while others are beams of joy. I’ve dealt with this one worker, probably the youngest of the bunch, who is an absolute joy. Meanwhile, the older employees will cut you off mid sentence and can be snarky. As of right now, there’s a woman in the smaller room (the one next to the large “QUIET ROOM” who is having a zoom meeting with no headphones. I can’t concentrate with this women continuously talking and the zoom person talking with full volume. This is a LIBRARY, not a cafe shop. I’m not sure what the older employee told her, but she’s still here having that meeting, with no regard for her surroundings. Do libraries now allow you to play videos in a quiet setting, allow you to speak loudly while in a quiet room? Where has the integrity of a library gone to? Deeply disappointed, I will probably not return.

lovely library but there is a particularly rude security guard. fell asleep while studying for finals. couldn’t have been more than five minutes I was asleep bc the same song was still playing, but anyways he knocked loudly on the table jolting me awake and then very loudly, as if he wanted to publicly embarrass me, said i have to wake up. mind you it is super echoey in here due to the beautiful architecture. nevertheless I checked with the front desk and there are no rules against sleeping in the library as long as you are not being disruptive. this is also not the first instance of him just being rude but the one that affected me the most.

I wanted this to be my home library but the desk clerk the past two visits seem to want to chit chat or help others while I patiently waited for their assistance. Today, i was trying to apply for a librarcard on the desktop computer but needed assistance. I did finally catch the attention of the clerk, but onceanother patatron, he quickly stopped assisting me which would began a full conversation with her. It is apparant thati was simole a nusance to him. This does not feel like a welcoming space particularly for poc with a disability. Hopefully the leroy street branch wont be as dismissive.

3.0 star rating 8/19/2018 Upsides: Better hours than many branches (8pm Mon-Thurs and 1-5pm Sunday) Downsides: The staff. They have a bathroom for the staff, but they don't allow general public to use it. One staff member does but he's the only one. The others will claim there's no bathroom available and to "try a cafe". Really? Horrible customer service. Advice: It can be crowded during weekends... so come early to reserve a spot with a power plug. 2nd floor long table has good power plugs... basement has limited power plugs. Note: Rating relative to other NYPL

They have a terrific and helpful head Librarian and some of the nicest staff librarians I have ever encountered. It's always a pleasure going there. It is also adjacent to one of the most beautiful quiet garden spots in NYC. The one surprising and vexing problem area is that there are no public restrooms in the building. I travel there from Brooklyn. My own library in downtown Brooklyn has been pillaged by the Philistines (i.e. allowed to deteriorate so badly that it could then be sold by the BPL to developers to the disgust of many longtime users).

Voted the prettiest building in New York for over a hundred years The Castle, as I always think of it, has a beautiful turret houses a spacious library of several rooms. Views up and down Sixth Ave. There is an outdoor balcony which they open to the public like twice a year or something. Next door is the beautiful Jefferson Garden a bastion of peace in the otherwise hectic West Village. The plants and ponds are carefully and tenderly cared for by a dedicated group of volunteers. Come and fall in love with this hidden gem of New York!

Let's make this perfectly clear: you're not going to find the book, DVD or CD that you want at this library. Those are all reserved online and sent to the branch near you. The stuff on the shelves is interesting, but not interesting enough to take home. Jefferson Market is all about the building, from the clock tower to the spiral staircase and stained glass windows. Pop in next time you're in the neighborhood and think back to how life used to be. If you need a book, have somebody show you how to use the computer.

I was curious by looking at the building outside, what kind of place is it? The building was originally built as the Third Judicial District Courthouse from 1874 to 1877 and was designed by architect Frederick Clarke Withers of the firm of Vaux and Withers. The library has 3 levels: basement, ground floor and second floor. I love the style of architecture so much, looks mysterious and classic. The library represents history of Historic Greenwich Village Landmark very well with books, map and pictures.

The library has been newly renovated, and is amazingly beautiful inside. The building was an Old courthouse and has a history that has been enhanced by The architects to bring out the best of the building while leaving its history to be seen in the background. From the back windows you can see where e.e. cummings and other offers wrote their works. There is a gardens at the side of the old jail. It is in the heart of Greenwich village. The library is easily accessible from the d subway train.

The refurbished interior is absolutely stunning, on the third floor a palace for the eyes. The place looses a star for the Generation Z employee in the basement at opening time, nasty and unsmiling; I do not understand why so many of this generation can't behave with basic courtesy? In fairness, the other staff were very nice, but the one left me cold. Visit, the place is a jewel with a beautiful community garden right on the property.

(THIS IS A WARNING!!!) for anyone who needs to do any kind of long research at the library, This is not the library to do anything for a long period of time, because there are no public restrooms, you will be Forced to hold it in! or Leave the library to find a restaurant, buy something at the restaurant you found, and then use their restroom at the restaurant, horrible Library, very inconsiderate to the public.

Also named The Jefferson Market Library was formerly the Jefferson Market Courthouse. It's such a stunning named Thomas Jefferson, America's most remarkable president. The edifice is modeled after the Bavarian castle of Neuschwanstein. Outside is the Jefferson Market Garden. The surrounding neighborhood is Greenwich Village/West Village, which is also a lovely area to explore. *****

For the most part, a great place. Most of the people are respectful and come to read and work in a quiet environment. The reason I give it only 3 stars is because of the staff. It would be nice if the staff would speak quietly (especially when the person is about 2 inches from him or her) and be role models for others in the library. I guess they aren't clear on what a library is?

This is a beautiful Hogwarts-like library, my favorite in the city. Friendly librarians! Ascend a spiral staircase surrounded by stained-glass windows to get to the Adult reading room. The building used to be a courthouse, and is now an NYC landmark. (Unfortunately the building will be closed for renovations on April 1, 2019 but will reopen about 3 months later.)

a magnificent library with gorgeous architecture and a great many books! I genuinely enjoyed it more than the main NY public library in Bryant Park. to all of the older reviewers saying that there is no restroom: now they exist on the lowest floor! :) the atmosphere there is exquisite and really inspiring, in a way. I wish I could study/read there all day lol

Pros: WiFi. A number of seats. Cons: No bathrooms. By far the loudest library I've ever been to. Not just the patrons, but the staff as well. Many is the time I've turned around after hearing a book being slammed on to a shelf, to notice it was staff putting books away. So loud sometimes it is necessary to put headphones on to concentrate. A shame really.

The handsomest library in NYC, without a doubt, even up against the main branch. It's a neighborhood landmark, a devotee to a long past era, and one of the most compelling libraries you will ever check out a book from. The windows are stained glass, and the echo of your footsteps as you climb the spiral stone steps to the second floor is unforgettable.

This library is in a beautiful building, but service-wise it has really gone downhill in the last few years. It doesn't even open until 1 pm most days, and now there's no public bathroom. I don't understand how you have a public building without a safe place for people to use the toilet, but that's the Jefferson Market Library for you.

Really good place to work, read and write. I also recommend checking out the art shows in the basement. Only draw back is there is no public restrooms for adults, but some of the nearby restaurants and cafes have been pretty generous to make up for that. PS- I’m told restrooms will be opened after renovations this Spring, 2019!

Came on a Saturday afternoon and spent several effective hours there! It’s quiet and I’d say the main reading room (as shown in the picture) is well maintained! The only downside is that there’s only one restroom at the basement’s reading room. Also, don’t forget to check out the Jefferson Market Garden behind the library!

First, don't even bother trying to use a computer here. They're all taken, and they won't be free until half an hour after closing. The main attraction here is the architecture, with turrets and stained glass windows. As for the books, well, you know you can reserve them online and have them sent to a library near you?

rr lavatories, not even for library card-users. so would have to consider deficient. another of these places on the brink of being a refuge for nomads and transients, as computer must be used to schedule and place a request. formerly used for some nefarious purposes, there's a certain nostalgia to the architecture.

I cannot say enough positive things about this library, would give 10 stars if I could. We've lived in the neighborhood for decades and Jefferson Market Library has served us so nicely. As far as the bathroom complaints, it's a library to serve up books, not toilets for tourists!

beautiful building and comfortable library overall. its nice that open in Sundays and is located right off the Path station. the only and really downside is that DOES NOT HAVE BATHROOMS. is incredible that this facility doesn't count with something as essential as that.

Fantastic spot for reading. It can be busy on Sunday but there's usually a seat available if you wait. I have only been there a few times but I can tell the sanitation and security workers, and librarian staff, are working hard to maintain the space for everyone.

Nice place to study, but not for long periods of time because there are no restrooms. At least there are none for adults. Restroom is only for kids because they are the only ones with a bladder. Don't understand why this a public library. …

Security man is extremely, unnecessarily rude. In the past, they had a woman with similar temperament. The new restroom, unfortunately is a magnet for the drug users in Washington Square Park. Nicer Village library experiences to the east.

The king baby if you will of a security guard didn’t like the fact that I was resting my feet on a chair while he has to sit in a sorry excuse of an office. A literal cramped closet, no wonder he had an attitude like an 80 year old woman.

Jefferson Market is one of my favorite libraries in the city. It`s a beautiful building in a beautiful neighborhood not far from Hudson River. Peace and quiet combined with gorgeous ambient makes it a perfect place to do some work or read.

A secret surprise! WOW! We just popped in here to get a break from the rain and ended up staying a while. Perfect spot to chill and take in the amazing architecture of this hidden historic gem! The entrance level floor is the children’s

I love my library. This building has a cool story and great architecture. Stained glass windows in the spiral stairway add to the enchantment of the structure. The staff here is always helpful and very knowledgable.

Now this is a beautiful public library. The staff are friendly and helpful, too. It's easy to get work done here because most other people are doing the same. No one talking on the phone! Or to themselves! Miracle!

PLEASE NOTE: NO BATHROOM EXISTS HERE! Beautiful building, big open space with armchairs and long tables upstairs. Large selection of books. Free Wi-Fi too! But the no bathroom thing prevents me from giving 5 stars.

Library that looks and feels like it’s a mini Hogwarts. Everything is well organized, lots of charm and space to read and in a great spot for a bite to eat after you find yourself in another book of an adventure!

Love this place - historic building, great staff and best of all those fantastic daily handwritten quotes: everyone from Sigmund Freud to Zora Neale Hurston to Marcel Proust. Totally inspiring. Thank you!

First time here and I is really great. I like the third floor of the main branch more but this is pretty nice. Very cool building and I was able to get a seat with power cord with no problem.

Cool architecture ... a great sense of history in this building; but sadly no public restrooms which was one purpose of my recent visit! How can you have a public building with no restrooms?

The building is fascinating. Wifi is good and fast. The workers are averagely nice. Yet, there's no restroom. So when natures call you? Hold on to it till your bladder explode. Lol.

Fantastic experience. Such a beautiful library and gardens. The staff is wonderful and very kind. We checked out a book, and they gave much appreciated feedback about it. Thank you.

Dropped by on our way to Stonewall Inn, and were very pleasantly surprised by how beautiful and impressive this library is. Would love to sit down and just read, if we had the time.

This is a library renovated from a court/prison/police station. The tower is open during NY Open House week. A catwalk is hanging on the 3rd floor- staff only. But great to see!

Good library with peace and getaway from the hustle. I'm not sure about the collection. Good to work with your PC. Maintained well. It has a beautiful garden too.

Quiet work space in the basement. Amazing architecture throughout the building. Upstairs lots of light and never many people so usually a place to sit and work.

What a beautiful library! There is a lot of history with this building so search Google to learn more. Glad I stumbled upon it while visiting NYC.

I love this library. It's a beautiful old historic building. I love their spiral stair going to the second floor. It feels like inside a castle.

It's a nice library but kind of ridiculous that there's only one bathroom for both men and women, and it's in the basement.. Too busy for that

This is a beautiful library in NYC. The staff is very helpful and professional. If you are looking for art books this is the place to go.

This NYPL is one of my personal favorites because it is near the best Gym in NYC. It has just Reopened from a makeover.❤❤ …

Stunning, spacious and quiet. Conveniently located right outside the subway station and a short walk away from Washington Square Park.

an Icon building in the West village ! you can see it from many areas . its a building circa 1800 and its a Dutch style architecture .

This library is the nicest and coziest public library I have been to in the city. The park behind is also beautiful when it is open.

A good local library. A nice study space. The only problem is that they barely have the books you want and need to order in advance.

Beautiful library with plenty of space. Staff are very friendly. Highly recommend visiting here even to just enjoy the architecture!

A great library In a wonderful building, with a gorgeous surrounding garden - so much to appreciate about this neighborhood gem...

Amazing historic library. Plenty of space, natural light, all utilities available including restroom. Photos are from 3rd floor

I like how cozy this library is. The spiral stairs is awesome and it feels like you’re in a castle going up tot he tower.

Not a bad spot to be productive in. Good wifi, good desk seating and close to outlets. Only problem? No bathrooms …

Quiet space to sit when the local coffee shops are too crowded. Lots of natural light and toasty (a little too toasty)

I take a sewing class there, I enjoy the leadership and the dynamic women it is a way for me to have something to do

I've been coming here for many years and it's always a pleasure. The staff here is very polite and space is decent.

They did a beautiful renovation of this library. A very quiet, comfortable place to study during the day

- It’s beautiful. - The location is good especially for people taking PATH. It’s just right beside

Beautiful building. Not the most space inside but a great place to sit and work if you can find a seat

Not a lot of books but more space to study makes it feel like a Catholic middle school library.

This is a quiet place to study and do work online. I like the historical aspects of the library

Library is very nice but there are apparently no restrooms which is bizzare and inconvenient

This is by far the most beautiful Library in Manhattan. The building is breathtaking !!!!!

Such a beautiful presence in the village. And even better, it’s full of BOOKS. ♥️

This library is absolutely mesmerizing a magnificent architectural masterpiece

Comfortable and cozy areas to study and read, though it can get a bit crowded

It's closed :( but the outside is still very pretty and worth dropping by!

Jefferson Market Library 4.4star Public library in New York City, New York

gorgeous library with a rich history, and open Sundays, but no bathrooms.

Love libraries and the smell of books. Very pleasant and helpful staff.

Love Love just wish they had more African-American Authors (Uban) Books

A lovely branch of the New York Public Library. Nice meeting room.

Beautiful Victorian Gothic courthouse now a library, open 7 days

Just awesome building and superb library Say no more ! …

Beautiful place to get work done. Lots of natural sunlight

beautiful lovely library but the staff is extremely rude.

What an amazing historical building and a great library!

Beautiful old building and some interesting programs.

Gorgeous library. Feel like I can change the world.

A beautiful building. Great job on the renovations.

Beautiful and quiet space to work. Thank you!

one of the best NYPL locations!

Nice sucursal of NYC Library.

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