Reading Room

Bryant Park's reading nook 📚

Free use of books, newspapers, and magazines at the Bryant Park Reading Room, plus author appearances, writing workshops, book clubs, and much more!

Plan your visit

Bryant Park's Reading Room is an outdoor space for the public looking for newspapers, books and magazines to read in the park. No digital version here, we have actual reading material to give your brain a rest!

Look for the yellow umbrellas on the north side of the park near the 42nd Street plaza, and visit here if you need directions.

The Reading Room is managed by Bryant Park and is open daily, April to September 11am-7pm, to lend books, magazines, and newspapers for reading in the park.
In summer, the Reading Room hosts free events on weekdays. Check out our calendar for all literary programs.
Kids are welcome at the Reading Room! Find reading material for kids in their own colorful rack.
All our events and reading materials are free! We ask that all newspapers, books, and magazines stay in the park for all to read.

Programs

Crossword Tournament

September 19, 2026
Saturday, 10:30am-2pm

Crossword enthusiasts compete to finish original puzzles.

Non-Fiction

July 1, 2026 – September 2, 2026
Wednesdays, 7pm-8pm

Lectures and conversations with historians, authors, and thinkers. Produced in partnership with The New York Historical

Books on Broadway

2026 schedule
May 7, 12, 19, 26 (more dates to be announced)
Select weekdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm

Backstage looks at Broadway, featuring the cast and crew who make it happen. Hosted by Ilana Levine, actress and podcaster, Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine