The New York Public Library:

One of the best public libraries in the world. There are over 80 branches throughout NYC. The main Library is in Bryant Park on 5th Avenue, and is considered one of the most important libraries in the country.

Bryant Park:

The area that is currently known as Bryant Park consists of an entire city block. It was deemed a public space as early as 1686, though it has had a long and varied history; including being used as a graveyard for the poor in the early 1800’s.

The first park at this site was opened in 1847 and was referred to as Reservoir Square. It was renamed Bryant Park in 1884, just before the construction of the Library. The park fell into disrepute throughout most of the 20th Century, including the 1970’s when it was over-ridden by drug dealers, prostitutes and the homeless. It was a particularly popular place for junkies, which meant ordinary citizens avoided it. However, by 1980 some efforts were made to redesign and clean-up the park. It was closed for a while, but by 1992 Bryant Park was reopened. Today it thrives as a wonderful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the urban giant of Manhattan.

Beat Facts:

Many Beat writers spent a lot of time here, and the library has one of the best collections of Beat material in the world, including original manuscripts, notebooks and letters belonging to Kerouac. Herbert Huncke, the junkie that Kerouac gave credit to for the coining the term “Beat”, spent a lot of time in Bryant Park “hustling” in the 40’s.

Incriminating Evidence:

NYPL was one of those places that I was always curious about. It was such an iconic landmark in my mind long before I was aware of the Beats. I recall the first time I went into the library. It was a Sunday afternoon. I had intended to just go in and look around a little before continuing my exploration of the city. I decided to take a seat for a few minutes in the Rose Reading Room. I was overwhelmed by the calm and the beauty of the room. I ended up sitting there for hours, writing in peace.

Bryant Park is a dream during the summer. Its leafy shade is a popular reprieve from the sun, and  an ever-more popular place to meet with friends, for people to read, and for children to play; the park has some small amusement rides and the library wheels out trollies of children’s books in designated areas.

Bryant Park today is far from the image of the park in the 40’s when Huncke was hustling there. I don’t know what he would think about it today, but I’m certainly glad it’s been cleaned up. I enjoy every visit to the park, even in the winter when it’s virtually empty. It’s one beatfootprint that I’m glad has changed.