Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Book Lovers in Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Book Lovers in Times Square
1. New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
A Beaux‑Arts temple to books anchored by the famous lions, with soaring halls, free exhibitions, and the Rose Main Reading Room just a short stroll from Times Square.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s most cinematic quiet haven—ideal for paging through treasures, admiring literary artifacts, and soaking in bookish grandeur between Broadway lights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings just after opening for the calmest experience and soft light in the reading rooms.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the Polonsky Treasures exhibition on the ground floor and peek into the Rose Main Reading Room via the mezzanine for the best views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it awe‑inspiring and restorative—an indispensable literary stop steps from Midtown bustle.
2. Bryant Park Reading Room
An open‑air library under plane trees offering books, magazines, and frequent author talks beside the lawn behind the NYPL Main Branch.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a rare alfresco reading nook in the heart of Midtown—free chairs, free reads, and literary events without leaving Times Square’s orbit.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for outdoor programming; weekday lunch hours for lively people‑watching with a book.
✓ Insider Tip:
Books are for on‑site use—grab a seat facing the lawn and check the park’s schedule for poetry and author series.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved as a serene, very New York pause—a bookish oasis amid skyscrapers.
3. Kinokuniya New York
A three‑level Japanese bookstore facing Bryant Park with a deep selection of manga, art and design titles, literature in translation, and beautiful stationery.
✓ Why Go:
Graphic‑novel fans and design lovers find rare imports and elegant editions, plus window seats perfect for browsing with park views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or rainy afternoons when it’s quieter to explore multiple floors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for staff‑curated manga and light‑novel recommendations; limited‑edition covers and author signings appear regularly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Frequently described as a must‑visit for manga and art‑book hunters, with courteous, knowledgeable staff.
4. Drama Book Shop
A storied, theater‑centric bookstore packed with plays, librettos, musical scores, and monologue collections—tailor‑made for Broadway’s backyard.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the best place near Times Square to dive into scripts before curtain time and discover new playwrights with expert guidance.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays, when staff have more time for tailored recommendations.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight to the monologue and audition sections; staff can pinpoint pieces by length, tone, and era in minutes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Adored by theater kids and seasoned actors alike—many call it a pilgrimage stop.
5. Midtown Comics Times Square
A multi‑level landmark for comics, trades, and graphic novels with walls of staff picks and variant covers near 7th Avenue.
✓ Why Go:
Book lovers into visual storytelling can browse vast runs, discover indie presses, and find signed editions all in one stop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons; Wednesdays draw collectors for new‑release day and a buzzy atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about back‑issue bins upstairs and protector options if you’re traveling with new finds.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for breadth and friendly guidance—easy to lose an hour (or three).
6. Museum of Broadway
An immersive museum tracing Broadway’s history with scripts, scores, set models, and interactive rooms celebrating page‑to‑stage storytelling.
✓ Why Go:
For book lovers, it’s a master class in adaptation—see how novels and plays become musicals and long‑running shows.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning entries are typically smoother; pair with a matinee day for a themed outing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Leave time for the gallery highlighting scripts, librettos, and show histories—and browse book selections in the shop before you go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the mix of history and hands‑on exhibits that deepen appreciation for Broadway literature.
7. Algonquin Hotel
A literary landmark where the famed Round Table gathered; today its cozy lobby and bar still hum with writerly nostalgia.
✓ Why Go:
Sip, read, and steep in Dorothy Parker lore just off Times Square—perfect for a contemplative chapter between shows.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon or early evening for a quieter seat and softer light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for plaques noting the Round Table and ask staff about the hotel’s literary history cards.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Celebrated as atmospheric and quintessentially New York—many come for the ambiance and stay for another chapter.
8. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)
NYPL’s modern circulating library across from Bryant Park with bright stacks, abundant work tables, and a rooftop terrace for open‑air reading.
✓ Why Go:
Borrow, browse, or write with Midtown views—an inspiring complement to the historic Main Branch around the corner.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning to early afternoon on weekdays; golden hour on clear days for the terrace.
✓ Insider Tip:
The rooftop is weather‑dependent—check access on arrival and use the self‑service holds area to streamline your visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for its light‑filled spaces, fast Wi‑Fi, and calm vibe in the midst of Midtown.
9. One Shubert Alley
A historic pedestrian passage housing a Broadway shop where shelves brim with theater books, biographies, and librettos.
✓ Why Go:
A charming spot to pick up coffee‑table books and histories tied to the very theaters you’re walking past.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays between matinee and evening performances to avoid pre‑show rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re hunting a specific libretto or out‑of‑print title, ask—stock often hides unexpected gems.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Described as nostalgic and delightful—part shop, part slice of Broadway history.
10. Theatre Circle
A Broadway mainstay for scripts, cast recordings, posters, and show books right off Times Square’s marquees.
✓ Why Go:
Its dedicated script shelves and knowledgeable staff make it an easy place to expand a theater‑lover’s library.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on non‑performance days for unhurried browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the script section for marked‑down or slightly shelf‑worn bargains perfect for travel reading.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Known for friendly, informed help and a concentrated selection that rewards repeat visits.
