Readers are leaders. That saying remains the same in New York. New York is known as the city that never sleeps. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, New Yorkers still find time to read. For students, study is perhaps the only priority. Other residents of New York may have other reasons to read. For example, a book critic can hardly review a book without reading it. A lawyer cannot also write his brief without doing some research. People go through random books, make proposals, write reports, and have other reasons to read or write at every point in time. Sometimes, you could get tired of the school library, the study in your office, or your personal space. On days like this, all you need is a good location for replacement. There are a lot of reading spaces in NYC, and they range from bookstores to coffee shops, bars, and even nature-themed spots. Before you read further, here’s a hint. Libraries in NYC are definitely effective places to read, but this article looks more into the best yet not-so-serious reading spots in NYC. If you’re trying to find some of such settings apart from libraries in NYC, here’s a list of them.
Nature Themed
A location for books ought to be quiet, comfortable but not too relaxed. These factors ensure that you’re able to read easily for long hours. These are a few nature-themed locations that check these boxes, making them some of the best spots to read in NYC.
Central Park Conservatory Garden:
First and foremost, the central park’s garden is one of the most breathtaking sights in NYC. Even if you have nothing to read, simply taking in the beauty of the three gardens it holds is enough. Imagine how the beauty of such a location optimizes your ability to assimilate a lot from the books. The garden opens for ten hours daily; 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. This place is particularly a suitable spot for books because it is mostly serene. Since there are no runners and bikers, it becomes a quiet setting for books if you choose to make it your alternative to serious settings. You can also take a break every now and then to appreciate the beauty that you’re surrounded by as you go through the books.
Domino Park:
Being around water and feeling the gentle breeze against your skin is enough to restore your sanity on crazy days. What’s more, is that such environments are fast becoming effective places to inter-meddle with books in NYC. Williamsburg’s waterfront has benches, lounge chairs, and even tables added to its settings. This makes it a preferable location to go through a book in NYC. Domino Park is also a conducive location for reading. While it holds some sports facilities, it is still conducive for reading a book as you expose yourself to the nutrients from the sun. It also holds various snack outlets like excellent taco shacks for you to get stuff to munch on as you work on your books. You must also not forget the refreshing impact of a few glances over calm waters as you take breaks. If the Domino park is not one of the best options on this list, then where is?
Hudson River Park:
The river in itself is a sight to behold in NYC. It gets better as reading spots are scattered around the river. If you’re the type to sleep off when you’re working on books in silent areas, then Pier 96 should be very suitable. Pier 96 adds some more life to the beauty of the Waters, as one can see the kayaks that adorn it with their frequent transits. Its docks are also very lively, making it easy for you to keep awake as you read. Hudson River definitely comes in handy for reading books, but for quick sleepers, Pier 96 also comes in highly recommended in ranking in NYC.
Bars, cafes and restaurants
Locations like this prove that you just might be able to mix business with pleasure. Though these sites are primarily created for fun and relaxation, some of them also double as befitting sites to read books in NYC.
Ludlow Coffee Supply:
This is another option for studying in NYC. It gives the balance that reading rooms should have. It gets quite busy in there, but never too busy to be overwhelming. That way, it’s easy to find people whose productivity motivate you while you focus on your books. Apart from being a conducive study location, it also offers music and light refreshments.
Brooklyn Kolache Co:
Not only is this another outstanding alternative to libraries in NYC, but it is also the only kolache bakery with the brick-and-mortar style in the whole of NYC. This means that the Brooklyn Kolache co. offers pastries that are not just one in town but “one in the city.” They also sell awesome coffee drinks to go with their mostly handmade snacks. In essence, you can grab an awesome snack while you travel through the books. Now to the outlook. Located at Bed-ford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Kolache co. has an open area where seats are arranged, as well as a cozy garden at the backyard. Both spaces come in handy when thinking of an area to study. With a delicious snack and effective study space, Brooklyn Kolache co. makes the perfect reading environment in NYC.
The Local Bar & Cafe:
A local bar is that study spot that comes with hospitality. The bar runs within a hostel, which is perhaps the reason it is adjoined to a library, study tables, public computers, and a printer. While all of these are found behind, it has a more bar themed look in front. The space that holds the bar is naturally illuminated and well-spaced in the arrangement. The library and its facilities provide a quiet place to study. Just in case you don’t want to go to the library, the tables in the bar can serve the purpose too. The lounge also has comfortable armchairs for you to relax when you take a break. While the local bar is created for fun and relaxation, it’s setting and attached facilities subtly yet successfully send the message that it’s one of the best replacements for libraries in NYC.
Union Hall:
If your reading style involves taking a lot of breaks, then Union Hall is the best spot for you. Union Hall is a combination of a library, a bar, and an event space. This alternative library is an effective antidote to the all-work-no-play syndrome. Its interiors and furnishing give a relaxed vibe to people while they are reading. Once you nest yourself in a comfortable couch just by the fireplace, studying becomes so enjoyable that you almost forget how stressful study can actually be. You can also take more recreational breaks with a bocce ball game or a few minutes in the garden attached. If you want a more recreational break, you can go to the prospective park or just make do with a coffee or alcoholic drink as you nod to the beats and tunes from the bar.
Brooklyn Roasting Company:
Brooklyn Roasting Company is located in a nature-themed environment. This allows you to feed your eyes as you feed your belly. The reason why it is on this list is that it also gives you a good location to feed your brain or task it as the case may be. BRC looks over the river, which gives you a beautiful sight to look on as you try to take breaks. Its seating settings also vary, as the space comes with simple yet beautiful interior designer and furnishing. If you’re looking for where to study without being so overwhelmed, BRC is the place to be. Its rather deliberate “study space” look, along with the refreshing environments make it another adequate replacement for libraries in NYC.
Devoción:
Devoción might be a coffee shop, but it’s not just another one. The first thing that takes your breath away is the sight in the cafe. The cafe holds a massive appeal to nature with actual plants and a reflection of light from the sky. The cafe is WiFi-enabled during the week which makes it an adequate spot for research if needed while you study. Whether weekdays or weekends, the environment and setting create a conducive environment where you can learn and assimilate easily.
