The building was converted for use as a library in 1937 with funds provided by Sarah C. Goodhue. It is a New York City landmark. As the Library building was originally a large town house, the reading and study rooms, which occupy parts of the five floors at the front of the building, are well-proportioned and comfortable.
Members can easily reach the upper floors in the paneled elevator.
An unusual privilege of membership is access to the stacks, at the back of the building. A guide to the stacks is posted next to the elevator. Of the twelve stack levels, nine are open for browsing and retrieving.