I was devastated when this place closed a few years ago, and was pleasantly surprised to find out that they reopened! I went there on a Saturday and it was the same quiet, peaceful place it's always been. You can get so much work (or studying) done there, especially with the free and speedy wifi. They have comfortable chairs, outlets for your electronics, and clean bathrooms. They also have a separate children's room. And the view is nice also, and it's completely free! This is the kind of place I'd give a big donation to if I were in the position to do so, but they do have a donation jar, which I will make sure to add to next time. read more

I found this spot such a gem! Really great space to study and work - it's quiet and big tables with plenty of outlets. The natural lighting and proximity to the River is also such a plus. Bathrooms were clean and the staff and other studies were all respectful. There's free and reliable WiFi ... and its free to work here!! After a study session, I'd recommend treating yourself to a lovely walk along the river, explore battery park, or Brookfield mall (there's a food court!) read more

Feel the inspiration flow. I absolutely love this library. I am glad for all the patrons that have made it possible. The second floor houses rows of books alongside tables that you can work at. It overlooks the river. Perfect for momentary daydreaming! There is often an exhibit that you can check out as well :) read more

Poets House is one of my top 10 favorite places in town to go. I can, and have, spent 5 or 6 hours at a time sifting through endless books with a view of Jersey City and the Hudson in this isolated part of downtown. Located in the shadow of WTC1 and off a cobblestone street behind the public library and potato famine memorial (which is an interesting sight in itself), Poets House offers a huge selection of poetry anthologies, individual pressings and chapbooks. They also have stations and headphones for cassette and record listening of performances and readings. They even encourage visitors to open and explore E.E. Cummings personal writing desk which has been donated to the foundation. I don't know many other places that regularly have events with the likes of Dark Room Collective or offer classes with NY poet laureate Marie Howe. There's nothing quite like it in NYC or the rest of the country for that matter. WIFI is offered and hasn't yet been completely overrun by folks scrambling to use it. On the contrary, they have a number of readily available long tables, armchairs and comfortable sofas for most who are usually reading or writing. Grab a cup of coffee from down the block before heading over to this one-of-a-kind (and FREE!) library to hang and read if you are a fan at all of creative writing or poetry. Either way, you won't go wrong with free. read more

Poets House - On the way to Poets House - Libraries Near Me - New York, New York

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"I dwell in Possibility." -- Emily Dickinson My poetic travels takes me to the Elite acclaimed Poets House for the 2012 Poets House showcase, where as a NON-member, I was hoping to hear fellow poets from my NY poetry circuit recite. Unfortunately, my first impression was the inability to attain a spot (sitting or standing) in the Elizabeth Kray Hall where poetry readings are held and streaming live in the blistering cold of the powerful air conditioning. (I'm used to strong powerful air conditioning as I've been exposed to many in Hong Kong, ergo it does not bother me). Followed by the inaccessibility to attain any food, not even cookies, I was however able to imbibe on San Pellegrino water to sustain coolness in the purgatory blazing summer's heat. It sits opposite of Nelson A. Rockefeller Park where the view of Jersey City and the Hudson River calls for a poem itself. Free pencils, pins and pocket size keepsake poetic versus by local NYC elementary students including Long Island's Walt Whitman from "Crossing Broklyn Ferry" are available. The entrance facade, sadly, is blocked by a tree for visibly of the signage. Poets House is for Elite poets who are educated scholars, noted during my mingling, many arrogantly hold both Bachelors AND Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees backed by double digit years of poetry industry of readings and numerous chapbooks in their extensive dossier. Members appear very proud to flaunt their education of MFAs in my face for superiority without humility, without sincere interest to regard the beginner or emerging poets like myself. Poets House is above my level of poetic writing as membership ranges from $50.00 to $5,000.00 where emerging poets like myself and the more established are engrossed in the literary atmosphere for high quality substantial poetry readings and post-reading receptions. There is a $40.00 Seniors/Students and Educators membership, which I have not encountered this at many NYC museums as it opens to scholarly intellect minds who highly desires to be engrossed in the poetry world. The Reed Foundation Library houses poetry chapbooks from every genre imaginable alphabetize by author's surname. The Cheney Chappell Exhibition Space, a circular glass encased displays poetic letters dating since early 1900s hand written and/or by a old fashioned typewriter which some appeared hand written calligraphy and poetry literary works including one's thoughts to call the literary industry for poetry readings. The Margo Viscusi Reading Room is extremely spacious, brightly lit by the sun's beam from Jersey City side and contain ample seats. Throughout Poets House on display are famous poets' chapbooks as John Ashbery, a poetic master and E.E. Cummings. All in all, Poets House's performance space is very modern and high tech, clean with a lot of sun bursting. It can almost pass for a private library where members are paid subscribers. Stanley Kuntiz Conference Room is the space where I was able to attain a very brief glimpse of the streaming live poetry showcase reading. A creative learning, the Constance Laibe Hays Children's Room is ideal for poetry birthday parties, and readings where it is encompasses kid-friendly activities. I highly do NOT recommend Poets House to bring young children to Elizabeth Kray Hall as they will be bored out of their mind but are welcomed at the Children's Room. read more

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Such a lovely little spot. Quiet, quaint, comfortable seating areas, and tables for serious work space. Plenty of works of poetry if you want to read for a while and escape the overwhelming busyness and crowding of the city. read more

I attended a weekend master class at Poets House, which was the perfect way to finally get myself to Battery City to visit. The views are amazing, and the library receives beautiful natural light. It was the perfect working environment, and the library is a great resource for poets or poetry lovers. I'll have to come back for an event! read more

This place is awesome! So glad I found it on http://studyspacesnyc.bestonlineblogs.com/2018/03/23/poets-house-battery-park-citys-quietest-workspace/ read more

You wouldn't really like Poets House. The totally unprecedented quiet and beautiful, misted Hudson river views don' t speak to your soul. The company of considerate and industrious artists quietly refining their craft isn't really your thing, if I know you at all. Poets House has a painstakingly curated library of 50,000 volumes of the best contemporary poetry, and I just think that's more of a selection of the most brain-busting poems in the English language than you'd prefer. Even the free wi-fi just doesn't suit you. How many times have I heard you say "this place is great, but the free wi-fi..." I guess it's not really for you. It's more for people like me (only me). (Whatever you do, don't go over to nearby Kaffee 1668 and get one of the best cups of coffee in Manhattan and nurse it at Poet's House for hours). read more

"Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, Their sober wishes never learned to stray; Along the cool sequestered vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way." The new location of Poets' House--far from the madding crowd along a quiet strip at the northernmost edge of Battery Park--is ideal. It is clean, modern, spacious, its exterior comprised of glass, and its interior adorned with interesting artwork. After perusing the extensive library of poetry volumes and criticism, one can sit in one of several comfy arm chairs and read in quiet contemplation while overlooking the Hudson. I recently attended a reading by Anne Carson, which was excellent but for a few minor issues: insufficient seating (stragglers were left standing or sitting on uncomfortable sills) and poor acoustics. The acoustics and seating were actually better in the spill-over room upstairs where the reading was being broadcast. At least I know for next time...The reception following the reading was fantastic; in lieu of the boxed wine commonly served at art gallery receptions and the like was Creme d'Alsace and sparkling Vouvray, along with a Malbec and savory and sweet hours d'oeuvres . There was also a chance to meet and greet the famous poet. I'm bookmarking this place for return visits to its library. read more

An absolute gem nestled away in Battery Park! If you're want a quiet place in Manhattan to read, study or relax with great water views, go to Poets House! It's open to the public and it's free! The other public libraries in the city don't let you bring food and drink into the buildings..but here you can! A nice quiet reading room and library upstairs with comfortable seats and cushions and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson and Nelson Rockefeller Park! read more

What happens to poetry in NYC? Does it dry up Like a crushed cockroach on a sidewalk? Or rot like garbage-- And then wash away? Does it reek like urine? Or wilt and slump over -- Like a cut flower? Maybe it is stagnant Like the stopping of time. Or does it grow?* In a crowded jungle filled with cement and deadlines there is an oasis tucked away in Battery Park City. A space where poetry lovers and poetry writers can unite to read historic works of the past, to share new ideas, and to illuminate and affirm the timeless importance of poetry. Poets House is a beautiful and modern space, yet somehow also calm and refined - it is as if everyone who enters has such reverence for the art of poetry that the space is alive with quiet focused energy. Upon entering, one has the opportunity to leave their mark using an old typewriter. As your path continues you travel upwards via a contemporary circular staircase. At the top of the staircase there is a small exhibit with works displayed under glass. The rest of the floor contains book shelves with hundreds of poetry books along with comfortable sunny places to read or study. Poets House is a unique center for poetry enthusiasts and novices alike. It is truly a special nonprofit and a big benefit to the West side community and a great resource for all of New York City. *Thanks to Mr. Langston Hughes and his poem, Dream Deferred, for being the inspiration to my review. read more

I found this place from Yelp as I was looking for a nice quiet place to study. it was kind of far from where I live and it opens late on Saturday (which I used the time in the morning for a nice walk along the Hudson river) it was amazing. the place is open to public, free, have plugs and wifi, and very quiet, thus perfect for studying or working. getting in was no fuss either, just write down your name and email. the also have place to refill your water bottle so bring one if you like, to keep yourself hydrated throughout studying. they have A LOT of books that you're allowed to read, but I don't really see what kind. it's quite spacious, clean, have good lighting, and the toilet is clean too. i highly recommend it if you're looking for a space to work read more

This place is kind of intimidating, but it is a very good resource for poetry. Also, there is no sign outside indicating that it is there, but it is on the second floor of 72 spring street. read more

I don't come here nearly enough. In fact, the last time I came was for a MFA Creative Writing student event. And that was almost two years ago! But Poet's House is the SHIZZ yo! Indeed, their poetry library is IN-FUCKING-SANE and I love it--NEED IT in my apartment for personal use, referencing, auto-erotic asphyxiation (wait, what?). Every book from my favorite Agha Shahid Ali, every chapbook they can get their claws in, even totally shitty poets like Ezra Pound are there on their shelves. And if that's not democracy, I clearly don't know anything at all. read more

Poets House is a poetry library. If poetry is your thing, and if you're looking to read or listen to a specific poet, you will like this place. Their website states that they have the largest and most comprehensive poetry collection anywhere in the country, and I believe them, even though they didn't have a poetry journal from the UK that I was searching for. I guess they can't have everything under the sun. They run lots of special events I like their annual poetry book sale where you can get some great poetry books. I've discovered some amazing treasures here, especially in chapbooks. On the down side, you can't borrow any of the books (but you can read them sitting on some very comfortable couches). read more

Solely went here for a charity event a couple of weeks ago, so I can't comment on the amazeballs-ness of the actual poetry library. I can say, however, that this is a beautiful space for a cocktail hour, lectures, musical performances, and fundraisers. I could've gazed at the beautiful staircase and the brilliant view of Battery Park for hours on end. Poets House is truly a gem in the Tribeca district. read more

It's a bit out of the way, but the seclusion you feel from it is worth it if you need to concentrate really hard on some work. It is DEAD QUIET here other than background humming noise. No one was making a noise; I felt uncomfortable moving. However, the background noise really lulls one to sleep so be careful! I saw coffee drinkers inside so it's safe to bring that caffeine to fight off the lull. The AC isn't well distributed here; it's warmer closer to the stairs so if you're feeling hot, move on down further. The AC is blasting over the couches in the back. Lots of plugs. Pleasant scenery outside the windows of kids playing on the playground. read more

Very sweet young staff, great bright space (great for too-hot or too-cold days when the very close Hudson River Park isn't ideal), full shelves, rotating exhibit, water fountains, restrooms. "Co-founded by U.S. Poet Laureate Stanley Kunitz, the Poet House is a supportive space that allows access to a library of 50,000 poetry volumes and poetry workshops. With a mission that includes "cultivating a wider audience for poetry," the place creates an environment that encourages exploration and exposure of the poetry world. If it suits your interests, there are also volunteering and internship opportunities." read more

Poets House je t'aime I want you all to myself Remain a secret read more

I wish I did not have to tell you this, since I don't necessarily want to end up ruining this best kept secret by my thoughtless bragging and inviting undesirable crowds to this oasis in the NYC desert. So please keep quiet and be respectful when you use this site. This is one of the best resorts for readers and writers who need the environment to work away from their home and find it becoming more and more scarce. One of the most amazing spots you can ever hope for in a place like NYC. read more

For the record, I told Lis K it was time to go-- RECITE. She wouldn't perform from the pages indoors, and sensibly so I suppose. Poet's House is boss, but the people inside are too focused and serious for my taste. Can I get some instrumental music? Verse did begin with lyric in many places, afterall. The staff I encountered here were funny, and time was working against me on my first foray amongst the shelves. To consider how much poetry lines the shelves is overwhelming. Shall I sit here for hrs in the enormous window? Or go outside to swing and shout from the free publications I snatched from a table? This time I opted for the latter. read more

I love this place. It's the definition of beautiful serenity (library style). As a poet, I was thrilled when this place opened. They have a rent-free lease that spans 60 years in a gorgeous new space right across Battery Park and down the street from my old highschool (Stuy). To me, Battery Park has always been one of my favorite places in New York City and it's only fitting that there is this library filled with books of poetry (50,000+ books meticulously filed) right across it. Large glass windows line the entire second floor, letting in pools of warm sunshine that face the Hudson and the park. When you are done reading that book of Kincaid poems, you get to set it down and stare out into the what must be one of the most beautiful views that New York City has to offer. There is a little computer hub of 2 Macs that you are able to sit at just in case you don't bring your laptop to type on (Free Wi-Fi); Best part? The water fountain actually has delicious cool water (just in case you don't want to run over to Le Pain Quotidien to pick something up. I try not to tell too many people about the place- even friends- because it's a place that I can have real peace and solitude in order to write or read. There are barely in places in NYC where you can do that nowadays (perhaps the Schwarzman Research Library, but this one is definitely much more intimate) and stay until 7pm, which is a great amount of time. Definitely one of the best spots in the city to sit around and chew on a pencil. read more

Made me wish I were a poet, so I could lounge around in these cushy chairs and look out at the water and the New Jersey skyline. I came here for a charity auction, and the long, skinny layout of the second floor is not especially well-suited for making yourself heard or seen by lots of people. If you, too, have to make your way to this place, be sure to take a right after the potato famine memorial. There aren't any street signs for River Terrace, so it can be bewildering to arrive at the water without any sense for what to do next. read more

Such a hidden gem! There seemed to be enough tables & couches for the amount of people hanging inside. There's a good collection of poetry, with shelves of all sorts of collections, from critically acclaimed to contemporary & budding. It's a clean & neat space with good lighting. read more

I schedule time every week to get work done at Poets House. Check out my full review here: http://studyspacesnyc.bestonlineblogs.com/2018/03/23/poets-house-battery-park-citys-quietest-workspace/ read more

It has a very nice internal space, I was in search of a desk and it seems like they fill up pretty easily here. I like the views of the park and river. If I were just here to read (as oppose to study) I probably would have gotten more out of it. read more

Highly recommended. It is near Nelson Rockefeller Park and Irish Hunger Memorial. You can't beat the views, free internet, and electrical outlets. Just come, read poetry surrounded by amazing view. And it is FREE. Can't beat that. read more

My new sweet spot! It's so quiet that you could hear a pindrop and refreshing because the space is flooded with light. Bonus: You could bring food & bev as you wish! Staff at the desk is friendly and informative. read more

Basically a library dedicated to poetry. I went here once before and museum wise, there was only an old type writer. Upstairs, is a gigantic library of just poetry. The side of the library is all glass overlooking the water. It's a great place to sit down, read, and perhaps get some inspiration to write. If you're looking for some especially quirky poems, then this is your place! read more

Probably the nicest and most quiet place around downtown, strongly recommend if you need to organize your minds, read, do homework and of corse enjoy jersey sky line read more

No fun.Bad Internet .It is like being in Lagos for one minute. But their childrens room is nice.

The staff here is wonderful--well the downstairs staff--upstairs staff can be extremely rude and condescending--especially to new people. It is a great place to get work done and have peace and quiet--but the biggest downside is the sun coming through the windows. I know, that sounds crazy, but here it is overwhelming and you see people moving all the time at certain hours due to it. I got settled in once and was so productive an then at a certain point my computer felt like it was going to fry because of the sun. There is only one small section of about 5 feet (one table) that has some sort of shade thing over it, but that's it. read more

I went to Poets House for an information panel that took place there. It's quite a trek from the subway and in this 90 degree heat, it was a killer. But once inside, it's pretty serene, air-conditioned, quiet, has lovely views and is a perfect place for writing. Too bad they don't have wifi but that's a good thing sometimes. This is a beautiful space. read more

I adore this place. It's like a little haven filled with delightful goodies. It has such a nice community feel, too, and the staff are extremely friendly. Love love love. I'd say I'd like for it to remain a secret, but it needs support! read more

Great place to study and get work done. Comfy couches, free wifi and a beautiful view of the Hudson River can't be beat.

Beautiful environment for musing and writing. Support for poets seems to be limited to the under 30 crowd, however. I didn't feel there was a lot of support for anyone much older...pity. read more

I don't personally get this place. I came here more as a tourist (got a button and pen, even) and did a little self-tour, but it is essentially a small library of poetry with people camping out as though they own the place. I didn't like squatters in my undergrad library (particularly those who slept *in* the library during finals) nor did I like them in grad school and well, I've discovered I still don't like them. I was walking around and appreciating the exhibits and opening random doors to rooms and I swear the patrons here were glaring at me like, "you have discovered our secret place, stop making so much noise by walking around exploring, you don't look like a regular." Especially the ones that camp out in the private rooms by themselves, do they think this is their personal office space they get for free? There should be a two person minimum to use the private rooms and you should have to sign-up and only get to reserve the rooms for a finite period of time. In any case, I remain befuddled as to how this place even exists and is allowed to take up so much real estate by the water all the while being located in a green building. There is *already* a NY Public Library right next to it (there being so close is a bit redundant, actually, and shouldn't these libraries be spread out a little better in Manhattan), but of course that one has children in it and the adult patrons here seem to want to keep the Poets House a secret so that there is more ample seating for them and so the space isn't "invaded" by those who are not poets and writers, the regular squatters, or even worse, tourists who are just visiting and trying to appreciate a little poetry for a day, like me. Yes, I even opened a book of poetry and read a few verses. I noticed I was the only one though which was funny. Everyone else was on their laptops doing their own thing. They should really just turn this strictly into a museum with a small admission fee for non-writers/visitors/tourists with a reduced annual membership fee for real poets and writers. At least my tax dollars are not being spent on this. I believe this place is a not-for-profit funded by wealthy private donors. Because it sure isn't those regular random patrons that think they own the place and glare who are paying for the prime use of real estate for this poet's house by the water. read more

such a fantastic resource, & they offer some really great workshops & classes- definitely check it out if you're a poet, or even just interested in poetry, in nyc. read more

One of the best reasons to live in Manhattan. Beautiful view of the Hudson River in a quiet, comfortable space, dedicated to reading. Great, friendly staff. read more