NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

West Farms Branch—New York Public Library

Bronx

Mon & Tues: 10 am-6 pm
Wed & Thurs: 11 am-7 pm
Fri: 12 pm-5 pm
Sat: 10 am-5 pm

The West Farms Branch, which began as a "sub-branch" of the New York Public Library in 1929, has been serving residents of the South Bronx in its present location on Honeywell Avenue since 1954. Its patrons include a diverse Hispanic and African-American population as well as immigrants from Albania, Italy and Yugoslavia. West Farms was recently renovated through the Library's Adopt-a-Branch Program. Among the improvements are restored walls and finishes, new air conditioning and the installation of a ramp and elevator providing full access to persons who use wheelchairs. The branch has reading rooms for adults and young adults on the first floor and a children's room on the second floor with a toddler area and a separate story hour room. A large outdoor reading area opens off the library's first floor.

For more information on the branch, click here.

Whitney Museum of American Art

Manhattan

Woodlawn Heights Branch—New York Public Library

Bronx

Mon, Wed & Thurs: 11 am-6 pm
Tues: 11 am-7 pm
Fri: 1 pm-5 pm
Sat: 10 am-5 pm

In 1931, the Woodlawn Heights Branch Library of the New York Public Library began as a storefront on East 237th Street and Katonah Avenue. In 1969, the library moved to the corner of East 239th and Katonah just three blocks from the Yonkers border and now occupies a modest 2,500-square feet. This cozy one-floor branch is accessible to persons using wheelchairs and houses materials for adults, young adults and children.

For more information on the branch, click here.

Woodstock Branch—New York Public Library

Bronx

Mon & Thurs: 11 am-7 pm
Tues & Wed: 12 pm-6 pm
Fri: 12 pm-5 pm
Sat: 10 am-5 pm

Opened to the public in 1914, this branch is one of the original libraries built with funds given to New York City by Andrew Carnegie. Children's, young adult and adult collections are located on the first floor. A large room on the second floor is used for free library programs for all ages. Renovation of the second floor is scheduled, and a new and expanded children's room will be opened after its completion.

For more information on the branch, click here.

Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall

Manhattan

The subterranean Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall opened in September 2003 and is accessed from Seventh Avenue, near the corner of West 56th Street. The modern, wood-lined auditorium generally seats 599 but can employ alternate stage configurations with different capacities. One can occasionally hear the faint rumbling of the subway line, beneath the hall.