Inside the Members-Only New York Society Library, NYC’s Oldest Library

Step inside a members-only library dating back to 1754 that has been through it all, from getting looted by British soldiers during the American Revolution to George Washington forgetting to return two books (c’mon, George!).

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 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 the archives, book bindery, and wood-paneled writers’ rooms
• An exclusive peek at selected rare books with the Rare Book Librarian
• A detailed look at the current literary-themed exhibition