Good NYC reading rooms?

[MetroStyles]

When I'm looking to get out of the house, my first choice for a good reading spot is Central Park. However, sometimes the weather makes this impossible.

Has anyone found any good, quiet, aesthetically appealing reading rooms in NYC? Hidden nooks of particular libraries? Comfortable coffee shops that tend to be quiet? Rooftop terraces? I doubt there will be many replies to this, but worth a shot.

 

[rapdancin]

maybe tea spot/wine spot on macdougal?

 

[toothsomesound]

the cloisters might be one of the most peaceful places in manhattan that I know of, but it's quite a trek and obviously you need to pay to get in/it is primarily a museum. mcj's books and cafe in soho isn't bad, if you're in the area take a stroll in there and check it out for yourself....there's that high ceilinged glass building thing down the street from Juliard that has a bar/cafe thing it's usually pretty quiet in there and nice atmosphere. I dunno, I don't know manhattan that well just random places off the top of my head. if you're ever around morningside there's a little terrace thing behind the International House (it's between la salle and 125th, the opposite side overlooks riverside dr) with like a Japanese structure in the center that is really nice. may have to jump the fence to get in, I've done this multiple times though.

speaking of which riverside drive is pretty nice during the day, I feel like there are bunches along there somewhere but it's been awhile.. if you want to be tricky just take a book in a bag with you into one of the many great bookstores in the city, sit down and whip out your book and start reading.

will keep trying to think of things...

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

When I'm looking to get out of the house, my first choice for a good reading spot is Central Park. However, sometimes the weather makes this impossible.

Has anyone found any good, quiet, aesthetically appealing reading rooms in NYC? Hidden nooks of particular libraries? Comfortable coffee shops that tend to be quiet? Rooftop terraces? I doubt there will be many replies to this, but worth a shot.

Obviously the central NY library is a great place to go, especially the Jewish collections room... no one goes in there.

Also, if Central Park is too crowded, try Carl Schurz Park... not only is it far less crowded, but there are benches along the river.

The Frick Collection has a great library and you can sign up for free, but IDK if they let you bring your own book to just read.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

There is a place I used to go to in Riverdale. It is called Wave Hill. Overlooks the Hudson..

 

[svd]

http://www.barandbooks.cz/beekman/

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by svd

http://www.barandbooks.cz/beekman/

Looks nice but sounds like an awfully expensive book-reading experience.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, all.

 

[StephenHero]

Are there any suitable hotel lobbies?

 

[Master Milano]

Battery park