Inside the Members-Only New York Society Library: NYC's Oldest Library

From getting looted by British soldiers during the American Revolution to George Washington forgetting to return two books (c'mon, George!), one New York City membership library dating back to 1754 has been through it all. But how has a book collection managed to keep its doors open for over 250 years? It's time to uncover the secrets of New York City's oldest library like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive trip through the members-only New York Society Library (NYSL), the oldest cultural institution in New York City, which contains over 300,000 volumes.

Led by one of the New York Society Library librarians, our behind-the-scenes experience at the historic 1917 John S. Rogers Italianate townhouse will include:

A brief introduction to the library’s rich history, and overview of its most famous members including George Washington, John Jay, Herman Melville, and Willa Cather

A private walkthrough of the major public and members-only spaces, including a rare book archive, book bindery, and wood-paneled writers' rooms

A detailed look at the current literary-themed exhibition

See you there!