New York Public Library's Rose Main Reading Room Will Reopen in 2017

Shelf Awareness

photo: Jiahui Huang

Long a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, New York Public Library's Rose Main Reading Room will remain closed until 2017. In May 2014, a piece of plaster fell from the ceiling, prompting the library to close the Rose Main Reading Room and Bill Blass Public Catalog Room immediately for a thorough inspection.

In an update this week, NYPL noted that it had "recently received a preliminary analysis from this inspection, which is positive overall. The ceilings of these two iconic rooms are in strong shape and there are no fundamental structural problems to address. There is, however, some necessary work to be done to address some cracking in the ceiling façades, and to further secure the ceiling rosettes--which are issues common to buildings of this age and design."

Noting that the repair work is "highly complicated and takes great care," NYPL said it expects to open the Bill Blass Public Catalog Room by fall 2016, followed by the Rose Main Reading Room in early 2017.