New York is home to hundreds of public, private and academic libraries
Public Libraries:
New York City has three independent public library systems. They are: The New York Public Library (which operates libraries in Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island), The Brooklyn Public Library, and the Queensborough Public Library. Each library system has a central library and several branch libraries.
Public libraries are open to the public for general use, but you must have a library card to check out items. Rules and conditions for membership vary, so call the general phone numbers listed for each library. For more information visit the library home page at www.nypl.org.
More than just reference materials, libraries offer a number of concerts, poetry readings, and art exhibitions. Details are available by calling the library or looking at library web sites.
Private Libraries
There are many private libraries in New York, most belonging to universities. In general, these libraries are not open to the public, but there are ways to gain access. Academics, such as professors and researchers, can often get special passes to use university libraries. Also, the Metropolitan New York Library Council issues "Metro" passes which enables the public to have limited access to private libraries throughout New York City. This pass is only avaliable to members of another library, public or private, and only if the material you are looking for is not available in the public library. The host library determines the type of access and the amount of time you may be in the library, as well as whether or not you may check materials out. For more information about Metro pass, call 212-930-0831 or visit the web site metro.org/webs.html for a compresentive list of libraries in the greater metropolitan area.
Also, some libraries, such as those at Columbia and New York University, sell memberships.
