There is an informative article in the New York Times describing the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library at 5th Avenue and 40th Street.   It appears to be a beautiful facility that allows patrons to browse, use computers and take out books.  The renovation cost $200 Million with $55 million coming from the foundation.

When I worked at the Research Library from 1983-90 I often visited the Mid-Manhattan library to take books out.  Just before the renovation, the Casey Stengel Chapter of SABR held its annual meeting at a conference room there.

I think I will soon visit the new facility at least to view its architecture.  I can always take out books, but I would have to make a special trip to Manhattan to return them.