Reading Room
Reading, writing, and literary events under the park's London Plane trees
With a storied history in the park, the Reading Room provides the use of books, newspapers, and magazines in the park during warm weather months. Check our upcoming events for literary events, author appearances, writing workshops, children’s programs, a world-class poetry program, and much more.
Hours
Open today 11:00am–7:00pm
Mid-April – October
Daily, 11am-7pm
History
The original Reading Room began in August 1935 as a public response to Depression Era job losses in New York. The New York Public Library opened the “Open Air Library” to give out-of-work businessmen and intellectuals a place to go where they did not need money, a valid address, a library card, or any identification to enjoy the reading materials.
The Reading Room closed in 1944 due to an increase in jobs and World War II. In 2003, Bryant Park revived the park’s Reading Room. The modern day version is modeled after the original with the additions of custom-designed carts for books, periodicals, and newspapers; public readings and programs at lunchtime and after work; and kid-sized carts and furniture for children. The programming, publications, and environment of the Bryant Park Reading Room are available to everyone for free, still without any need of cards or identification.
Rain info
In case of summer showers, there will be an on-site tent. For stormy weather, please check the event page (see “Upcoming Events” below) for the indoor location, which may include:
New York Public Library
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
• Celeste Auditorium (Enter at 42nd Street)
• Children’s Center at 42nd Street
