More than just one of the world's great research libraries, the two-block-long main branch of New York's public library system (officially known as the Humanities and Social Sciences Library) lures residents and visitors alike with its two stone lion mascots (dubbed Patience and Fortitude by the late Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia), and its beautiful beaux arts facade, a grand entrance hall, changing exhibits and 132 mi/213 km of shelves. The Main Reading Room stretches the length of a football field. The library's 15 million items, including rare illuminated manuscripts, can be used in the reading rooms—but no books leave the premises. Bags are inspected when you enter and depart. Open Monday 11 am-6 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 11 am-7:30 pm, Thursday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. Tours are offered Monday and Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm, Sunday at 2 pm. Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets (subway line B, D, F or V to 42nd Street; 7 to Fifth Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-930-0830. http://www.nypl.org/reserach/chss.
