Methodology
How the grades work
Two axes matter most when you actually want to sit and read: can you find a seat, and do you want to stay in it.
| Score | Space Availability | Ambiance (smell, study ability, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | Something special | Something special |
| A | Can always get space | Perfect conditions |
| B | Sometimes | Some issues, overall good |
| C | Very crowded | Many issues |
| D | Always busy | Not worth spending time |
The Drawers
Pull one open
Two collections, filed by region: the New York Public Library branch by branch, and one flagship library per city across the country.
Drawer I · Manhattan
NYPL Rankings
Branch by branch through the New York Public Library, from Inwood at the top of the island to Chatham Square, with the Schwarzman Building reigning in between.
Drawer II · Coast to Coast
US Rankings
One flagship library per city: Beaux-Arts halls, postmodern towers, converted banks and small-town charmers, from New York to Seattle.