Earlier this year I spent a few days in New York, and the first place I went after checking into my hostel was the Stephen A. Schwarzman building at the New York Public Library. Located at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, the branch of the New York Public Library opened in 1911. The lion statues guarding the building are calling Patience and Fortitude. The building is beautiful architecturally and was featured in movies like Ghostbusters and Sex and the City.
The library also features special exhibits, including the original stuffed animals owned by Christopher Robin Milne, which inspired the Winnie the Pooh books. Pictured above is The Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division, and below is a reading room. This is certainly a library you could get lost in, with a massive selection and beautiful architecture. While it's definitely not an obvious choice if you're in New York City, it's free, beautiful and near Times Square.