Sitting in all its splendor on Fifth Avenue, the New York Public Library stands guarded by its two famous lions, Patience and Fortitude. For researchers, the library is a treasure. Its many halls contain millions of volumes, tens of thousands of current periodicals and a large staff to help. Conceived in 1897, the library did not open its doors until 1911. It is architecturally one of New York's classics, both inside and out. There are also free art exhibits occasionally on display.