New York Public Library

Fascinating exhibits of New York culture inside a grand and beautifully restored Beaux Arts building.

Completed in 1911, the New York Public Library, or the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is a marble marvel and the largest such structure ever attempted in the United States at the time. Like many of the city's iconic buildings it is expertly crafted and an admirable example of Beaux-Arts architecture.

With two marble lions (named Patience and Fortitude) flanking the entrance, and tall columns rising up ever higher on approach, it is like stepping into a Roman senate building. Once inside there is yet more marble and appears to be as much a place for art as for literature, with sculptures, paintings and exhibits seemingly round every corner.

The library is known as the Centre for Humanities and is primarily a research library. Blending together elegant old world architecture with modern technology, it must raise $26 million annually from private donors, in addition to public funding, to sustain its core activities: acquiring, processing and preserving collections, and providing an expert staff.

Ascending the stairs to the McGraw Rotunda, a pleasant site presents itself: walnut panels 17 feet high framing large murals. Painted by Edward Laning, they depict the story of the recorded word, from Moses and his stone templates to the first printing presses. The ceiling is a raft of intricate carvings and scantily-clad men trying to reach the heavens - as though grasping for the enlightenment knowledge brings. This impressive, if compact, area lends itself to small events after the library closes.

Measuring 78 by 297 feet (roughly two blocks), the enormous Rose Main Reading Room, restored to high acclaim in 1998, is another stunning chamber comprising of carved wood and a high painted ceiling, this time depicting pink-tinted cloudy skies. Brushed brass lamps line each polished oak bank. There are books filling every shelf, but most people in here read their laptops, taking advantage of the free Wifi.

Visitors to the city will see several buildings claiming to be the New York Public Library, although not as impressive as the master building, they have a legitimate claim as the library spreads itself over 90 locations, including four research centres, focusing on the humanities and social sciences, the performing arts, black history and culture, and business and industry. There is also a network of neighbourhood libraries across the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island.

Surrounding the library is the charming green space that is Bryant Park. Sitting at the ornate tables, drinking a morning latte, it is hard to imagine that this used to be a crime hotspot. Now, aside from watching the world go by, visitors can check emails using yet more free Wifi, skate on the ice-rink in winter, play pétanque (French bowls) in the summer and have a bite to eat. It has become a pleasant oasis amongst the bustle of Midtown and complements the library perfectly.