Some New York Public Libraries Have Secret Apartments

There is a ton of free reading material available thanks to America's more than 116,000 libraries. They're fantastic places to use equipment like computers and printers in addition to finding and enjoying books. Most also provide a wide variety of programs, including classes in employment and education as well as adult literacy and ESL. Some libraries in New York City even featured secret apartments.

Superintendents for libraries used to reside there. Like many structures, libraries were heated with coal, which required a constant presence of someone to keep the furnace operating. In some cases, that meant complete families hiding out in apartments with all the amenities behind the stacks.

The majority of the flats were rather spacious, and they also provided free after-hours access to the library. Some had gardens and roof access. Since live-in caregivers are no longer required, no one resides in the units. The city still has 13 of them as of 2017, however there are much fewer of them due to libraries closing or getting remodeled.

TripAdvisor Rating; 4.5/5.0

Established: 1895

Location: New York City

Website: www.nypl.org