A special library

The circular staircase inside the tower
winds up to the large reading room.

by Gwen de Backer

July 20th, our first writing class trip in Manhattan.

The Jefferson Market Library located at 425 6th Avenue in Greenwich Village was built from 1874 to 1870. It served as a prison for women in the past. From the outside, it's a very nice landmark even if for the moment there is scafolding hiding a large part of the building. When you get in, you feel that this place has a special atmosphere. We decided to go up first. I really liked the shape of the stairs, the stained glass all around those stairs, and the high ceiling with its steel structure. The main floor, was full of drawings that seemed to have been made by kids. Those drawings were really amazing. Then we went to the basement and there, the atmosphere was different but definitely very special, too. It had low ceiling arches. The whole space had red bricks, and it was really, really nice. Go have a look; I'm pretty sure you'll love it or at least like it.

Art that seem to be made by children in the main reading room.

Stained glass windows above the stairwell.