Jefferson Market Library

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The Jefferson Market Library, a striking example of Victorian Gothic architecture, stands as a historic and cultural landmark in Greenwich Village, blending rich history with modern accessibility.

Originally designed by Frederick Clarke Withers in the 1870s, the Jefferson Market Library's design draws inspiration from Venetian Gothic architecture, boasting intricate carvings, stained-glass windows, and a dramatic clock tower that has become an iconic feature of Greenwich Village.

Once serving as a courthouse and jail, this architectural marvel was saved from demolition in the 1960s by community activists. Today, it stands as a beloved branch of the New York Public Library, with spaces like the Children’s Room and Adult Reading Room, which were once the police and civil courts.

After a three-year, $10 million renovation, the library reopened in 2022 with enhanced accessibility features, including a new elevator and reconfigured entrances. This renovation not only preserves its historic charm but also ensures that it continues to serve as an inclusive space for all members of the community.