New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

The New York Pubic Library (NYPL) next to Bryant Park is New York's main library hub. Also known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, this NYPL outpost houses the famous Rose Main Reading Room, Rare Book Division, General Research Division, as well as other collections in the humanities and social sciences. They maintain free and open access to all collections in the building. However, only New York residents, students or workers may be eligible for an NYPL library card.

Parking and public transportation at NYPL
Parking is limited around NYPL. Street parking is hard to find and private garages are expensive. The best way to visit is to walk or take the subway train. The closest station is 42 St station off the B, D, F and M trains. The 4, 5, 6 and 7 trains stop at Grand Central-42 St station, which is only three blocks away.

Must see/do at NYPL
The Children's Center on the ground floor is a major attraction for all kinds of visitors. NYPL is the proud owner of the original Winnie the Pooh, as well as the other stuffed animals that inspired the classic story. There are also major research divisions that are free to peruse. Some divisions require a temporary library card for non-New York residents, but they are easily attainable. Occasionally, there are free exhibitions for the public.

Admission to NYPL
There is no cost to enter any building that is part of NYPL. A library card is required to check out books, but anyone is free to peruse the collections. This building in particular has two main entrances: one on 42nd Street (leading to the Children's Center) and one on 5th Avenue. Two iconic lion statues guard the 5th Avenue entrance.

Best and worst time to go to NYPL
The library opens at 10 a.m. Monday-Saturday. It closes at 6 p.m. every day, except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when it closes at 8 p.m. On Sundays it is open from 1-5 p.m.To avoid crowding in the research divisions, it's always best to arrive early. There are also fun after-hours events that are publicized on the building's website.

Other places to visit near NYPL
Bryant Park, one of the most iconic parks in the city, is right behind the NYPL. There is a large field in the center that attracts people from all over, and in the winter it is turned into an ice-skating rink. Plenty of restaurants and cafes are nearby as well.

Insider tip for visitors to NYPL
Historic items are held at small rooms at this NYPL location, including the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, a centuries-old Bible and Jack Kerouac's glasses. You only have to wander to find them.

Author's bio: Emilia Navarro is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. Follow her blog at www.emilianavarro.com to read about her adventures.