New York Public Library and The Strand

While in New York, Michelle and I had time to wander the city. We decided to walk to the New York Public Library and The Strand.
Along the way we saw the iconic Flatiron Building.

And other cool things

to take pictures of. 

Hamilton!

Our first stop was the New York Pubic Library.

First we were greeted by the iconic lions.

The architecture was beautiful.

And the artwork!!!!

So pretty. 

It was cool to see the mix of new and old. 

There was a display for Herman Melville, best known for Moby-Dick. 

I tried to read Moby Dick, but lost interest in it. Still, it was cool to see these pieces of history. 

The coolest thing I saw was a Gutenberg Bible. This was the first one to come to the United States in 1847. 

It's estimated that 180 copies of the Gutenberg Bible were originally created, and there are about 59 full copies still in existence. 

It was spectacular to see one in person. 

The original Reader's Digest.

There were also original pieces by Langston Hughes. 

After we finished with the library, our next stop was the Strand. If you like books and ever find yourself in NYC, The Strand is a place to visit.

The Strand first opened in 1927 and was a part of the Book Row. Another nickname for the Book Row was "Second-Hand Row" because most of the bookstores sold used books. The Book Row was a NYC district and at its peak had 48 bookstores. The Book Row was around from the 1890s to the 1960s. The Strand is the only surviving store. A mix of rent increases, ownership deaths and retirement transformed the area into apartments. The Strand moved in the late 1950s because of the rent increases. 

Today, The Strand carries over 2.5 million books.

They range from used. 

To new.

Rare books.

To common ones. 

I loved all of the different parts of its 3 stories.

There's something for everyone in there. 

After we wandered, it was time for the conference to begin!