Jefferson Market Library

The Jefferson Market Library was once the Jefferson Market Courthouse. It was built as the Third Judicial District Courthouse in 1874. The courthouse saw a lot of traffic as it covered the city's entertainment district. It was so heavy in fact that the country's first night court began there.

The building was in danger of being torn down after it was discontinued as a courthouse in 1945. New Yorkers recognized the significance and beauty of the building however, and fought for it to be converted into a library. The New York Public Library agreed to the plan and the Jefferson Market Library has now been serving Greenwich Village for over forty years.

The Reference Room pictured above was used as a holding area for prisoners on their way to jail or trial. The Reference Room is located downstairs directly to the right of the entrance. It was a fun room to walk through but be warned, we got some dirty looks from those studying. We were quiet as could be but I don't think the locals like it when they feel like certain areas are being invaded by tourists. It took everything in my bones not to tell those people that we actually live in the city.

There is also a beautiful garden on the southwest side of the block that requires a walk through. The librarian made it her job to ensure that we went took a stroll, and I'm glad she did.

It's a "people have their weddings here" beautiful. Or I guess you can think about in a "people used to be tried and taken to prison from here" type of beautiful.