Key elements of the new 180,000-square-foot library include:

  • Capacity for approximately 400,000 books and other materials.
     
  • A “Long Room” (see video below) offering five levels of open, browsable book stacks fronting on a dramatic, 42-foot-high atrium.
     
  • The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown.
     
  • The 21,000-square-foot Thomas Yoseloff Business Center, providing the services and circulating collections of the former Science, Industry and Business Library.
     
  • The 20,000-square-foot Pasculano Learning Center—the Library’s largest adult learning center.
     
  • The new Children’s Center and Teen Center, with computers, books, programming spaces, podcasting studios, reading nooks (for any children, but specifically designed as quiet spaces for children with unique needs), and a book sorter that allows kids to return their books through a slot and watch as a conveyor belt sorts them into appropriate bins to be returned to the shelves.
     
  • Approximately 44,000 square feet of open, general public library space, including the Marron Family Circulating Collections and double the previous seating.

The library on 40th Street and Fifth Avenue, formerly named the Mid-Manhattan Library, was renovated—and completely transformed—with generous support from New York City and a landmark $55 million grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), the second largest one-time individual gift in NYPL’s 126-year history. The building’s modern interior and overall inspiring design is by Dutch architect Francine Houben, of Mecanoo architects, along with the unique expertise of renowned New York City–based firm Beyer Blinder Belle. The building has been designed and constructed to meet LEED standards, and is in the process of obtaining certification.

Introducing SNFL

The renovated branch is central to the Library’s plan to create a world-class learning center in the middle of Midtown, uniting in one central campus the Library’s full spectrum of resources—from the Library’s renowned historical collections cherished by scholars from around the world to its much-needed circulating materials, programs, and events for all ages.

Special Thanks

  • Victor Chu, Director/Producer – Sky Tech One
  • Justin Namon, FPV Pilot
  • Zoltan German, Production Assistant

Special Storytime: Welcome to the New Children’s Center!

To welcome kids to the all-new Children’s Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), enjoy this special celebratory storytime from Louise Lareau, Managing Librarian at the Children's Center. Louise introduces and explores the fabulous new Children’s Center and reads Where Is Our Library? by Josh Funk, illustrated by Stevie Lewis.

Discover all our virtual storytimes, including multilingual storytimes and Drag Queen Story Hours. Check back for new stories Mondays to Thursdays!

Becoming SNFL: Before and After Photos

See just how much has changed in these spectacular comparison shots of the newly renovated Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) before and after the completion of its construction. Explore more photos.

Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s terrace
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s first floor lobby
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s lower level
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s third floor
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s second floor
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Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s first floor
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s fourth floor
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s second floor
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s second floor 
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s fifth floor
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s second floor
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s second floor
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s terrace
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s exterior
Side-by-side before and after photos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)'s exterior

(All "after" photos by Max Touhey)