New York Public Library

There's so much that's wonderful about the New York Public Library that a short description of it here would be insufficient. Thus I've included a few links where you can read (a lot) more about it.

New York Public Library Wikipedia

NYPL

Actually NYC has THREE public library systems: the New York Public Library (Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island), the Queens Public Library, and the Brooklyn Public Library.

One thing, however, is worth mentioning here. If you've never gone, you must check out the main reading room on the third floor of the 42nd street branch. As you can see in the picture here, it's huge and it's gorgeous. There are rows and rows of long tables where you can plug in your laptop, read, do paper work, or just think. Best of all, it's never horribly crowded and there's free Internet stations as well.

All in all, a great public service to the people of this city. Take advantage of it!