A sneak peek inside New York's beautiful new public library

The next New York Public library will be a $20 million modern composition that is as much art as it is library. New Yorkers are now getting their first glimpse into the library of the future.

NEW YORK, NY (Catholic Online) - The basic mantra of the new library will be "open and airy" as opposed to the traditional closed and stuffy of the past. The design is complete with wooden floors and modern, metal fixtures throughout, looking more like a contemporary bookstore than a public library.

A coffee shop wouldn't be out of place either, although one isn't planned.

While no food or drinks will be allowed, there will be several different kinds of public spaces for people to enjoy. Included among those spaces will be a computer lab, and audio-visual collection, and even a 141-seat auditorium with amphitheater-style seating.

Books will be situated along the walls, rather than in the traditional rows most are accustomed to seeing. Study carols and tables will provide plenty of room for students and readers to sit and absorb knowledge, or to simply be entertained by the content of a new, or well-enjoyed book.

The structure makes efficient use of space, standing three stories. Above the library will be a condo-hotel. The entire project is being developed by the Baccarat Crystal Company and Starwood Capital Group (Baccarat's parent) along with Tribeca Associates.

The ultra-modern library will open in 2015 and at 28,000 square feet, will be one of the largest libraries in the city's public library system.

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