Jefferson Market Library

The Jefferson market branch of the New York Public Libraray is one of the most famous landmarks in Greenwich Village with a working clock tower. The red brick building used to be courthouse and a women's prison but is now being used as a library. It's a wonderful building architecturally both inside and outside. It's cavernous and the steps are wide. The library offers books, magazines, video and dvd rentals and internet access. There's a lovely garden in the back which is open to all. Take a stroll and admire the flowers and rest on a bench and watch the world go by. Worth visiting at least once. more

The Jefferson Market branch of the New York Public Library is a sight to behold. And many who behold it have no idea that it houses a wonderful collection of material on New York City history in general and Greenwich Village history in particular. This landmark building, originally a courthouse, is a Victorian Gothic structure like no other in the city, dominating the streetscape at Sixth Avenue and 10th street and seeming especially appropriate during the annual Halloween parade. In addition to what you expect a good public library to have - books, videos, research materials, personal computers and internet access are available by appointment . There's also a terrific program for children - with films, story hours and reading aloud programs. more