The New York Public Library Opens Outdoor Reading Room

The outdoor reading room is located outside of the Stephen A. Schwarzman building on 5th Avenue at 42nd Street in Manhattan.

It consists of two long tables with lamps under a canopy of trees. There is also a cart with staff-picked books for all ages. The library's campaign is called the "Library Inside Out: Read Everywhere." The space aims to encourage reading and studying in a more public environment.

Jarda Arendz, who is visiting from the Netherlands, visited the outdoor library. She was in a hurry, but could not resist a staff recommendation. She was recommended to read a book by David Sedaris. 

"I was thinking David Sedaris... I've always seen stacks of his books laying in the book stores," Arendz said. "Then, wow, reading one story over here would be great. And actually, the book is very funny."

The outdoor reading room also includes wi-fi and sign ups for library cards. The Library is also asking readers to take pictures of themselves reading, and then to post the photos on Twitter along with the hastag, "IReadEverywhere." 

The open air reading room will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm until August 15.