Jefferson Market Library New York
A castle for books
Jefferson Market Library is one of the oldest and most iconic buildings of Greenwich Village. Originally a Victorian courthouse, the building now serves as a branch of the New York Public Library. With its beautiful turreted Gothic exterior and cavernous reading room, it reminds me of a castle in the middle of New York City!
A library membership is not required to visit, so feel free to walk right in and browse the books (a library card is required to borrow a book, however.) I like to visit in the afternoons, when the sun streams in through the tall Gothic windows. It is the perfect place to relax with a book! If I'm working on a writing project, I like to bring my laptop to the downstairs reading room, where there are plenty of outlets and long tables.Â
Just behind the library, you'll find another hidden gem: the Jefferson Market Garden. It is a tiny but beautiful oasis filled with flowers; roses, tulips, dahlias, and bluebells can all be found among the flowerbeds. Many people, even New Yorkers, pass every day without realizing that it is open to the public! This peaceful garden is open from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday. Be sure to check it out when our New York winter thaws!Â
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
L&B Pizza – Gravesend Italian/American
L&B in Brooklyn, famed for its plain square slices since 1939, is a must-visit. Enjoy outdoor dining in Bensonhurst, a haven for Italian-American cuisine. Iconic!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Old Print Shop – Flatiron District Gallery
"The Old Print Shop" in New York is my hands-down, hands-on museum/gallery of choice. I love mid-twentieth century 'industrial' or 'city' art...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sea & Sea – Fried fish takeout
"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pikine – Senegalese restaurant
Come to "Pikine" in NYC to eat shoulder-to-shoulder with Senegalese people!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Modern Bread and Bagel – Extreme gluten-free bagels
"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Django – Tribeca jazz boîte
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Dublin House – Irish Bar Centenarian
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pain d’ Epices – French / American patisserie
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pastrami Queen – Traditional kosher Jewish deli
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Grandma's Place – Inclusive Books and Toys
I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore – African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Color World – Curb Side BBQ
Color World sets up on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue, rain or shine. There they serve beef, pork, goat, oxtail, and chicken for $10 a plate.
By