My Favorite Libraries . Actual photos, from my visits.

Suzanne Levinson a Library Buff!

 Welcome! My name is Suzanne Levinson and I am a  public library buff!!  I am also the owner of two small businesses where admin work needs to get done,  so rather than sitting behind a desk I prefer to map it out,  venture out, and explore our amazing public library system while catching up on some work. If time allows, I will do my best to participate in one of the many wonderful public programs our magnificant pulblic libraries offer, on each leg of my journey.

In this blog, which is a constant work in progress  I photograph and post some of the more outstanding and beautiful libraries that I have visited and have worked from. I was lucky enough to plan my businesses from one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, NYC's main branch located in Manhattan on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue .

Our wonderful  public library system is often an integral part of our community and I am especially intrigued by the unique nuances of each libray, and  take such pleasure in exploring  the neighborhoods in route to each one these gems. I relish in the amazing openness, accessibility, public art displays, local historical murals, architecture and the services our libraries offer to the public. The more Ilibraries I visit,  the more I have become aware of  how a neighborhood library is often indicative  of its neighborhood’s history and character, which is so exciting to see ! I may blog about the more "beautiful" library, but every one that I viist is a  community sanctuary. You never know what you will find when exploring a neighbor library.

Typically , I enjoy seeking out  more old-world in style late 1800's,  (the older the better if lucky est 1700's), but occasionally I will photograph and  post a library with more 21st century touches if the setting suits. I live in NYC, and tend to visit libraries in the NY,CT,NJ area via public transportation and then walk to my destination. There are hundreds of public libraries in the Tri-State area, which is amazing. So come take a look, and hopefully you will be inspired to enjoy and relish in these beautiful gems of libraries. Also, please feel free to share with me  (contact page) your favorite libraries!

I am also the collector of beautiful Hand Made Italian Miniature Libraries!

NYACK PUBLIC LIBRARY, NYACK NY

This is  #1 ! Nyack's public library is like walking into a blast from the beautiful past, while incorporating a new wing that fits perfectly into its natural surroundings  and flows elegantly.  This beautiful stone, ivy covered building is heaven on earth. The front reading room is nothing less than esthetically perfect, and beautifully preserved . Filled with rich woods you will find  hardwood  floors,  wooden beamed ceiling,  wooden floor to ceiling columns, and encased floor to ceiling windows. There is the most fantastic oversized 1800’s Italian style newspaper rack that stands in the center of the room. Mission style lighting fixtures, a baby grand piano,  marble fireplace, plush seating, smart wooden tables and chairs fill this large room allowing you to get your best writting, reading, studying or relaxing done! The newer addition is equally as beautiful in its own unique style. It is truly a privilege to have this library open to the public and available to us all.  My photos cannot capture this public library’s extraordinarily beauty.

The Warner Library, Tarrytown, NY

A very, very special and beautiful library. The Warner Library has all of the old world touches you could ever want in a library. The bright main peridoical reading room transports you back to the true world of elegance and sophistication, almost like you are ensconced in a luxurious parlour in a private house. The periodical room is appointed with classical furnishings, art work, a massive elegant throw rug and very smart work tables. There is an abundance of beautiful colonial style arm chairs and plush couches that are well lit by standing brass library lamps allowing for your own special reading space. The entire library is Inviting, grand, elegant, and graceful every where you turn. Truly a quentisential library. Moving past the front reading room, the rest of library flows beautifully. There area plenty of areas to work with splendid views of the Hudson from the rear of the library. In addition to the front periodical reading room, the library has an additional magnificent reading/study room. This room is paneled in wood; filled with long hardwood tables and chairs, a large majestic fireplace, and floor to ceiling arched windows. A highly recommended public library and worth a trip to see beautiful Tarrytown as well.

Bronxville Public Library, Bronxville, NY

Ahhhh one of my favorites. If you are in the mood to relax and get some reading, research and work done in a special enviroment the Bronxville Public Library is your place to go. Beautifully appointed in pastels, with plush seating and bookish  wooden tables (some circular) and chairs. Feeling of French Country and American Colonial decor and furnishings fill the space elegantly. Sit by the fireplace nook, or settle in to one of the many quaint reading rooms. A real oasis!

Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT

Wow what a wonderful journey and a real treat to have visited this most magnificant library!!! IJust entering the library is awe inspiring, and each room is as beautiful as the next. A real dream come true library incorporating magnificent old-world details everywhere you turn.  Perfectly appointed elegant inspiring reading rooms paneled in dark woods,  splendid chandeliers with  smart tabletop brass library lamps on each work table.  This is a must see!! Museum like public areas adorn the library.  Even the  walk from the train station to the library was a real treat within itself for the library is situated across from a beautful park. Come scroll down and take a look! A must see and a must visit!

Katonah Public Library, Katonah NY

Palisades Free Library Central Library, Palisades NY and Tappan Library Central, Tappan NY

Today I set out on a journey . First stop was The Palisades Free Library and then walked about 30 minutes to  the Tappan  Library in Tappan NY steeped in history.

First stop was the Palisades Library. Cozy and charming are the words that come to mind when entering this quaint library, from the beautiful  neighborhood surroundings. Beautiful natural light fills the library, creaky wooden floors evoke the days gone pass. Ceilings are wooden beamed throughout, some old, some new.  There is a rustic (in a very charming way) museum like room with history of the Palisades adorn with paintings and  old photographs. The room is bright ,  lovely and thoughtful . The library  may be small, but don't get fooled by its size,  for it is perfect space that 

roomy, airy and peacful, with skylit ceilings. A  cozy study room with a chalet feel that is  well-lit with natural light and table lamps. The long unobstructed  windows are at desk level, allowing you to look out onto this beautiful part of NY. Very comfortable and you can really get into your zone here..

Tappan Library set on the most beautiful grounds! 

HOBOKEN AND WEEHAWKEN PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The Weehawken public library was originally a private home, built to look like a German castle ......more to come later.

Crestwood Library, Yonkers NY

The Crestwood Library is adorable! Open in the 1920's, this two floow quaint library is a homey, friendly and comfortable place to visit and get some work done. The walk from the train station, over the Bronx River is special and a lovley stroll. A quiet path to the  library nestled in the community of Crestwood, was  enjoyable and such a pleasant surprise upon arrivng to the library. Very community friendly, and is warm and welcoming. Wooden beamed ceilings, with mahogany  framed windows. Although older appointments, the library evokes a cozy environment. Marble fireplace with arm chairs for a good read. Creeky old floors, make you feel like you are in the real deal! The library takes great pride . Enjoyed this visit!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PAGE 2 OF THIS SITE TO SEE MORE LIBRARIES. PLEASE SCROLL BACK TO TOP FOR PAGE 2 .

Comments

Good efforts

Love it!

Amazing!

Hi Suzanne, I really like all your notes and photos! I'm Bunny's friend in Long Beach, California. I love the public library in Redlands CA, so Google "redlands public ibrary" and see photos. Cheers

I can see why you enjoy working in these beautiful, elegant, peaceful and historic surroundings. Your photos and descriptions of the libraries are enticing. (I'm a close cousin of your Mom.)

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